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When I first started out doing performances I first of all got myself known by attending local charity events and offering my services to them, I then moved on to hotels and did exactly the same thing and said I would only accept the tips and that they wouldn't need to pay me anything so of course they took the opportunity up, after a few months of doing this on a regular basis I began to charge people £15 an hour, then after about 2 months of realising this was waaay to low I upped the price to £30 an hour. The guests seemed happy and the people booking me liked the very reasonable price. Once I was well established around the Island I made up some business cards and gave them out to various shops to give me some variation other than performing at restaurants - now I charge £60 an hour which is still low but I'm only 15 so I have an excuse . My advice to you is to build your confidence up doing the above things that have been said and then work your way around the local area or city just getting a good reputation. Business cards are a good way of getting known but word of mouth is an even better way so when performing, act as professional and polite as possible, you'll start to build your own persona as you build confidence. Good luck

This might be an ideal point to mention that suitable arrangements for paying any due Income Tax and so on should be made. All income is potentially taxable and if it's not declared the revenuers aren't very forgiving when they find out - which they usually do !

Good point Mandrake but also remember to keep a hold of any magic books, DVDs, materials or travel cost reciepts as (I think) these can be put down as expenses.

Lady of Mystery wrote:(I think) these can be put down as expenses.

Not only that but arguably makeup, haircuts and certain outfits will count as expenses. I know a few actors (male and female - the girls like to be called actors too, for some reason) who make claims for such things. For that matter, I know a few salespeople who do the same thing.

The old rule of 'Claim for everything' is perhaps the best way to go - as long as the expense is legitimate and you have genuine receipts for cards, props, stage clothes, makeup reasonable travel expenses (not by hired Rolls Royce!) of 40p a mile using own car to cover fuel, repairs, wear and tear etc. Not sure if you can claim back cost of meals but still worth trying! Could be tricky if you claim for paying an assistant as they'll have to do the income tax thing as well!

Thanks for all the advice, I've got a lot to think about.

I guess the best thing for me to do now is decide which effects I want to use, then make a few routines with them.

Keep the stories and advice coming though, it's good stuff