talkmagic.co.uk

Hey Guys,
I'm a performer of Card Magic and other forms of Close-up Magic.
I tend to try and perform whenever I can, which is usually at school, when my parents have friends over, or when I am at family parties.

Thing is, the kind of performance I like most (which is at parties with some people I have never met before), is the fact that it hardly ever happens, I really need more chances for myself to perform so I can progress further in Magic and try out my new material to a real audience.

Some magicians have said to me, to ask around and try get restaurant work or little businesses like this, but I always found the prospect of asking the business to perform, a little daunting. I almost see it as impolite?

I really want to get some kind of money for performing in a restaurant every now and again, but is there any requirements or good ways to get into it, besides knowing someone who works there?

Do restaurants mind if there is a 15 year old boy with a deck of cards asking for work?, lol

-Tom

Don't market yourself as a "15 year old kid with a deck of cards". Just explain to them the ambience you can provide. Provided you're skilled enough, and actually entertaining, you shouldn't have too much of a problem, though some would be daunted by your age due to local work laws. Perhaps consider asking them first if you could perform without whatever the pay would be (likely tips) for the first couple nights to see how you're received? Be prepared to demonstrate for the owner, as well. It'd be foolish to go in without being ready to demo your effects.

I've been wondering the same thing as I am 13...I have been doing magic for about 6 years now, so everyone has seen my tricks already and it is hard to perform again as I am worried someone might catch on.

I have been thinking about doing a few promo shows at hospitals and/or schools but hoping someone can tell me if people would hire me for birthday parties depite me age if they SEE me performing well. Also, would a resturante even let me in for free shows?

Just so I don't take over this topic (the only reason I have posted this in here is because the general matter is the same) could people PM me their thoughs instead of posting them?

Thanks in advance,
~David

I wonder if doing shows an an OAP home etc will give you something to put on your file and make you more credible/employable, esp. as you can give a reference from the manager etc.

In order to get work without advertising, you need people to see you.

The more people see you, the more chance you have of being asked to do a spot somewhere - that's assuming that what you're doing is impressing people.

To work restaurants, bars (although you're not old enough for bars yet) etc; you need more than just card magic.

I suggest that you keep at it, don't hurry it and one day it will just happen.

What i do is just go into a bar order a drink and show the mates im with a couple of tricks and if your a good magician people and hopefully the manager will notice you and they might come and ask you there self. Or another thing i do is go around places like car dealerships and ask when there having a new car released they usually have mini sort of partys all i do is ask if i can come and do some free magic at there party and again if your good enough people will come to you and ask for business cards you might be doing that night for free but think how many more jobs you could possibly get out of it.

iv just recently started performing street magic. Like you i had shown all my tricks to pretty much every one i knew. to solve this i started going out and simply going up to people. whether it be in bars or just on the street. even though sometimes the audiences are hesitent, it does sometimes pay off and you do find certain people who are interested in what your doing. this may help you find somewhere to work and the best part about it is that the 'street' doesnt care how old you are! lol.

My usual tactic in a pub is to sit near a group of people and start showing som tricks to my girlfriend (she's seen them all hundreds of times before, but that's not the reason for doing it). You'll then get people watching you from other tables. Keep an eye out for these people and go over to their table. I then just move round the pub to people who look interested.

Try a coffe house......speak to the manager and let them know you are "working on some new material" and need a place to test it live. Ask if they would mind you arranging a time to come in and entertain for an hour.

The idea that you are "working on some new material" gives the impression that you do this regularily for people....the fact that you are looking to "test it live" leaves them with the impression that you are serious about what you do.

The coffee setting is very casual, being uderage is not an issue, and it gets you some experience......trust me, it will be worth the hour or two of time you donate.

Antother idea is to hit up schools about some after school performances at any carnivals, book fairs, etc, they may have.....word of mouth travels fast in a school enviornment.

Strange.... I got a call today to go along and do a gig in a fire station. It turned out to be a hoax call

Why not volunteer at your local hospital?

It would look really good on your resume.

Old people's homes are always looking for people to come in and entertain. They'll pay you too! Not much, mind. Ask for £10 per gig and you'll probably get a few bookings. You'll have to phone them up though and sell yourself. This is an art you'll need to learn if you ever want to make a living doing magic.

Sadly your age may go against you when trying to secure work at licensed premises. But the good news is that you won't be 15 forever. Learn your trade doing school shows, old folk's homes, and (as suggested above) in hospitals, and by the time you're 18 you'll be chomping at the bit to get into a restaurant and wow the punters!

some other places to try:-

young carers assosiation.
cub/scout brownies.
young offenders clubs.
services clubs.
youth clubs.
disability clubs.

all are after cheep, preferably free entertainers and it's a good proving ground.