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Hi Greedoniz, glad we agree on many levels. Your phrase "not taking on an audience" has ring to it in terms of seeing the table or group as a "challenge". The danger here is that they pick up on that energy and match you line for line, why? Because they think that is what is appropriate.

I once approached a table and as I arrived the "Head Honcho" looked me dead in the eye and announced "We don't need you, I'm the entertainment here" to which I replied, "great then I can go and work the other tables" and then I left. His table mates then berated him for being such an a**hole as he had stopped them seeing the act. Did I go back? nope, I had plenty to keep me busy so the client never knew I had not performed at that table and you can be damn sure they weren't going to complain as they knew why!

I think we need to accept that some people don't like magic, feel threatened that we will steal their thunder or they are just damned rude. In over 30 years I have met them all. Did I try and win them over? Yes for the first 10 years or so, then I realised I don't need to. Entertainment is not a sparring match (unless you want it to be) Now I simply smile, bow and move to another table.

That's a great little story Max. There are always going to be people who either aren't interested in magic or just want to disrupt you. Interestingly enough I don't usually find the guys to be a problem, for me it's usually the girls.

I always used to spend time and effort trying to involve those sorts of people but now I don't bother, I'm much happier spending that time with people who want to be entertained and enjoy what I'm doing.

The types that I usually encounter problems with are young 20's males, usually wearing baseball caps and tracksuits and loads of gold bling, who start shouting things like, "Here, let me show you a trick. I know a good one!" or more annoyingly they'll just call out random cards "Aceo f Spades! It's the ace of Spades! King of Diamonds! It's the king of Diamonds!"

I'm very good at humouring them. One time I let some guy do some god-awful counting cards "trick" at a wedding that lasted around 20 minutes. He was drunk, got it all wrong, and his friends quickly decided to leave him to it. I think he got annoyed because I was reading the palm of his girlfriend and that was a challenge to his chav masculinity, so he attempted to prove that the force was strong in him too. Sadly though it wasn't. The force was indeed weak in him. And he wasn't being paid to be there. I was. Take all day my friend.

Unfortunately in this instance I was actually booked to perform for that one group and couldn't move on until my time was up. I completely agree with the sentiment that one shouldn't see an "Me vs them" mentality with any kind of performance as ego will undoubtedly get in the way.

In the situation I was I just continued my set, was as pleasant and profession as one should be. I think, however, I will certainly hesitate next time if booked to perform for a group of teenagers. I dont get them, they dont get me maybe?

greedoniz wrote:I dont get them, they dont get me maybe?

I don't get the world in general. I think being a weird outsider is something to be cherished.

I think it'd be really interesting to compare the differences in reactions that different types of magicians get from different people.

Most people have trouble with lads in their early 20s, but for me they're no problem at all. I might get the odd comment, but nothing too bad. Probabaly because they don't see me as a threat.

For me I find that groups of girls can be the most unpredictable, sometimes they're great fun but other times can be very hostile.

I also wonder if the age of the magician makes a difference too, do oler magicians get better reactions from older spectators and vice versa?

I think most male magicians would agree that tables of women make wonderful specs while tables of lads can be a little more "challenging". I'll always head for the laydeez tables before the lads, everytime. Maybe it's because my magic is more psychic based and females tend to buy into that whole thing a lot more than blokes. However I have only ever had one or two bad times with blokes - they're usually a lot more receptive than you imagine they will be. One ortwo dickheads (excuse my french) obviously, but it's just water off a duck's back. And their friends usually "shush" them down.

One of the best groups I've performed for was a group of Hells Angels. I would have normally run a mile from performing for them (BINGO!), but I got kind of backed into a corner and had nowhere to hide. But they were great. And I find I usually perform best under pressure (BINGO!) anyway.

It's interested that Lady of Mystery has more problems with women than men. It must be a gender thing and the whole flirty flirty pick a cardee thing. It all boils down to sex in the end doesn't it.

themagicwand wrote:The types that I usually encounter problems with are young 20's males, usually wearing baseball caps and tracksuits and loads of gold bling,

I think i performed for that man at the leeds T.M meet, he was so bad he actually threatened me with physical violence after refusing to be shown a card trick.

themagicwand wrote: interested that Lady of Mystery has more problems with women than men. It must be a gender thing and the whole flirty flirty pick a cardee thing. It all boils down to sex in the end doesn't it

Well thats definatly a proplem when performing to children.

The one aspect of this topic not discussed so far, is to me the most important. Your Introduction. This more than anything will set the tone for how you will be received. I have worked hard to create a three part introduction statement that.

1. Creates intrigue, (4 words)
2. Tells them something unique about me (12 words)
3. Breaks the spell created by 1 & 2 and most of all gets a laugh! (just 2 words)

Sorry but I'm not giving the actual words used but suffice to say that in most cases the opening 3 statements remove any challenge aspect to my appreance at their table, lets them know I am not like other magicians, and last and for me the most important, it will be funny.

I have chosen to open with a blank deck ambitious card routine which in itself is unusual (at least for laymen) it also gets round the "give me your cards and I'll show you a trick" problem.

It may be that you have different scripts for different age groups, but I do think you should give this aspect some serious thought. Stage performers understand the need for an introduction that sets the scene and "sells" the act, why should close-up be any different?