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Hey guys, I have been practising card magic for around the last year and I believe I am ready for going onto the streets but I really do not know how to go about it. Do I just approach random people or what? Also, anyway to calm my nerves ?

Just curious, WHY are you just going out onto the streets?

What else would I be doing =( I just meant going public, not necessarily going to the streets. Sorry for wording it wrong.

So you are not talking about busking, you are talking about going out and getting shows?

Nope, busking is my thing I think. Well, I just want to go out and practice on people other than my family, there getting bored I think haha.

Busking is street performance. Part of the art of busking is to draw an audience, who voluntarily come to see you perfrom.

"Street" magic, though, is something utterly different.

"Street magic" is performed with a video team for the sake of a television show or commercial DVD product. It is not an actual type of magic - the street is simply a venue.

So, my opinion: You are either busking, or you are not. Going up to random people and asking if they want to see a trick, is a bit peculiar, and personally I don't think the idea is good. Unless, you have a camera crew!

I don't mind admitting that I'm more than a little bit confused as to what it is you're actually asking for advice on.
If you are talking about busking or getting out there and getting shows then I'd really suggest using the search feature and finding the plethora of posts already in existance on these subjects and adding to them if need be. There's a whole wealth of advice already within TM.

If, however, you're talking about that kind of 'hit and run street magic' then my personal advice is... don't. Maybe it's just me but I find it absolutely deplorable, especially with the absence of a camera (crew).
Walking up (or even running, I've seen it happen) to some unsuspecting member of the public and pushing a deck of cards in their face "Here, let me show you something" is just incredibly rude in my opinion. Even if you're incredibly polite about it, which I'm sure you are, why would anyone want to be interrupted while out shopping or what have you?
I've known a few people do this and the results are always the same. They feel terribly dejected because most people either gave them a very curt "No" or far less polite rejections that shouldn't be repeated on a family forum such as TM!


I hope that didn't sound like a rant or indeed an attack, as it wasn't intended to be. I just think it's important to think carefully about how you 'evolve' your audiences.
If you're currently only performing for family and friends then you need to be searching out audiences that are going to be receptive to your magic, this will build your confidence in performing. Jumping from family and friends to what is, in comparison, a hostile audience is a sure fire way of denting your confidence. Regardless of how good your performance is, the rejections get under your skin and it's easy to lose faith with oneself.

Good luck!

But on TM meets and the like we're always performing for the public and usually with great reactions.

Just get chatting to people in a bar/cafe etc or what have you and when they get around to what do you do tell them and guage their reaction. Or if you're playing with cards etc you'll see those that are interested anyway if you keep your eyes open.

I'm not sure I'd actually stop people in the street as such as they're usually on the way to do something but those relaxing can love a little entertainment in their lives. Cap it to 10 minutes though MAX or 3/4 tricks

(IB away please )

David Blaine has a lot to answer for. A generation of magicians running into the streets and "slaying" their audience with "killer" effects expecting the audience to "freak out".

Obviously I do understand the want to perform to people other than ones family and friends but personally feel it isnt the way to go.

Try approaching a hospitals, hospices or different charities and see if you can offer your services. Not only do you get to practice on strangers but you do your bit for the community at the same time.

Domcsore wrote:Well, I just want to go out and practice on people other than my family, there getting bored I think haha.

Get yourself down the pub then - its great experience, you will learn a lot about your performance and will be able to find your weak points and work on them

Okay, cheers guys, I guess what I mean is busking then. I may go down to southbank this weekend with a routine I came up with and have been practising a while. Also, I will head on down to the pub and share my magic. Cheers again.

Dont forget to apply to your local government for a busking permit then

Mark Waddington wrote:Dont forget to apply to your local government for a busking permit then

Or just check with the local police regarding their attitude to buskers.
The Wakefield Police have advised me they will only request to see a busking license from someone who is causing a fuss or niusance as a way to move them on (assumption being they don't have one).
Not sure this is written down as policy anywhere mind.

Probably best to get a license, to be on the safe side.
Or move somewhere that doesn't require them.

greedoniz wrote:David Blaine has a lot to answer for. A generation of magicians running into the streets and "slaying" their audience with "killer" effects expecting the audience to "freak out".

Obviously I do understand the want to perform to people other than ones family and friends but personally feel it isnt the way to go.

Try approaching a hospitals, hospices or different charities and see if you can offer your services. Not only do you get to practice on strangers but you do your bit for the community at the same time.

This is a great way to go. The benifit to all parties is remarkable.

I really do like the idea of a children's hospital. Something close to heart and maybe an easier audience... I would assume.