talkmagic.co.uk

Hi one and all,

I am really interested in doing close-up magic on cruise ships. I know there are some good dvds out there, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience of working on a cruise ship? What's the money like?

Thanks!!

Though I don't have experience with performing magic on cruise ships. I have been working on cruise ships ( In the Casino ) for nearly 20 years. From the many magicians I've met on the ships. They tend to to have a large illusion set involving the onboard dancers plus they'll do 1 or 2 more shows in the main theatre ( audience participation stuff ..expanding paper balls that sort of thing ). I've only met a few that do actual close up/walk around. They do it more for practice/public relations than anything else. As they have such a large set of props they generally stay onboard for 4 to 6 months. Which if you are not used to it, can be tough. It might be better to contact the cruise line you want to work for directly, to see if they want to try you. Send a DVD of you performing, depending on your style, it might suit the cruise lines image. As for wages again it all depends on the line and flag of registry ( some pay in € some in $ ). On average ( though don't quote me ! ) it's about $150 per day regardless of performances ( that's performing 3 shows a cruise ). The life is not for everyone. It is very restrictive. It's often said it's like being in prison ( only the food adn TV are better in Prison ! ) Hope this helps

Watch other cruise ship or Vegas performers. They can pay really well but they expect nothing but the best. Lots of competition spend money on a good promo get a good agent. Figure out what you are good and comfortable with and become the best with it.

If you get a booking have a lawyer go over the contract, so you know what you are responsible for. Sometimes they expect more then magic. More then one young eager magician has fallen for this gambit...to realize they not only have to do two shows a day they also have to head up the old age exersize classes!

Shawn Farquhar is or was the Magician for Norweigen Starr.
These are two of his promo's. Most of which were made on the Cruise ship. You may get some idea of the flavour expected. Also see Brian Role. Hector and the list goes on. You will see a lot of glamour and glitz. The show has to play huge, even the close up portions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nE0lvkf0Do

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaftiwaO ... re=related

Also, Jason Byrne is a Magician that appears regularly on multiple cruise lines. I saw him on one a few years back, and he was very good. You might want to Google him and see if that can provide you with any insight as well.

Peace,

There are some tips for prospective cruise ship magicians here. Don't know how useful this is really; just thought I'd mention it.

http://www.cruiselinesjobs.com/eng/magician/

Found this a while ago, could be a help...