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Hi Guys,

I'll be doing my first walkaround/ table- hopping stint soon and I was wondering what sort of things you do, lengths of routines, number of routines, length of time with each group etc.. just to give me an idea as to what I can expect.

I'm more confident with cards, although can do a little bit with coins.

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks,
John

If you are confident with cards, then opener with them to settle you into it.

Do 10 - 15 mins at each table, two or three tricks, sometimes I go back to the table at a later time if they really enjoyed it.

Be likeable, and try to learn as much as possible for next time.

2-3 is going to be plenty, you will find that about 5-10 pertable will be more than enough or you wont get the room done if you are doing an event. Some people you will find will ask you to repeat things so if you preform a 1 off trick that requires reset that is always the same I recommend stagger that every other table so that if people are looking at another table its not the same card As well if it something you cant repeat think of a good responce to that question if they put you on the spot.

Just my thoughts.

Thanks for you replies guys.

I was wondering though, you say 10-15 minutes per table and 2-3 tricks, but what sort of tricks would you do for that? For example, if I was to do the 2 card monte, biddle trick and then a 4 phase ambitious card (just off the top of my head), then I can't imagine that lasting 10 minutes, let alone 15!

donpisci wrote:Thanks for you replies guys.

I was wondering though, you say 10-15 minutes per table and 2-3 tricks, but what sort of tricks would you do for that? For example, if I was to do the 2 card monte, biddle trick and then a 4 phase ambitious card (just off the top of my head), then I can't imagine that lasting 10 minutes, let alone 15!

Hi,

Everyone is different when they perform.

I think 5-10 mins is plenty, you can always do more if they are a good bunch or you can even go back to certain groups/tables after you have shown eveyone else. But Imo I think 5-10 per group id plenty. (remeber always leave them wanting more )

donpisci wrote:Thanks for you replies guys.

I was wondering though, you say 10-15 minutes per table and 2-3 tricks, but what sort of tricks would you do for that? For example, if I was to do the 2 card monte, biddle trick and then a 4 phase ambitious card (just off the top of my head), then I can't imagine that lasting 10 minutes, let alone 15!

If you just add up the time it takes to do a trick, you're probably right. The difference though, is the extra time it takes to perform an effect. And most of that extra time comes automatically from your interaction with the audience.

It's been said a thousand times - the performance is 90% you and 10% trick.

NOTE: my wealth of experience comes from one table hopping gig. Feel free to ignore me.

Just be emphatic.


If you were sitting in a table , what did you expect for a performer?

Maybe you are with your wife, and you want to talk important bits, or just with your friends searching for some fun.


BE open. You just need to chat a little bit with them. In that way you dont present yourself as a "magician" , "mentalist" or whatever. You are just giving a good moment, asking for the food or just sharing a smile.

If you see expectation from your possible audience, you introduce yourself as a performer and perform 1 effect.

Yes... one...


NOW ... if you see more interest, you can keep going with your routine. BE flexible. Maybe your first effect blow the mind of your audience and they want to see more, or maybe not. IS fine.


As I told you, you need to be awared that each table is different.

If you work in a restaurant,be aware that childrens can be an important factor. Can be incredible trouble maker, or if you use them properly, can give you a lot of contracts with his parents.
I perform mentalism , so a simple visual routine of choices, can give the kids a nice moment , and turn the red light for the parents.

Another tip. NEVER approach a table with a prop ( cards, coins, etc.) That communicates that you protect with your prop and also communicates that you arent sure about your approaching and sharing.
Just be yourself, expand your natural entertainer abilities and just have fun. If you have a good time, they will respond in a nice way.


Alcohol can be other factor. For that reason just perform always 1 effect AND if you see that you can perform more, do maximum 3 effects, 5-10 minutes max.

If your audience is more interested, just give him your business card and leave them wanting more. In that way you can give them a private show , charging more .


There´s a LOT of tips that I can keep writing, but the BEST way to learn is just go and do it.

I don't have a set time per table, or even a set routine. I spend some time introducing myself and during the intiial chit-chat I'm deciding which opener to use. It varies depending on the age, sex, how drunk they are, how interested they are, etc.

Sometimes, if its not getting the best reactions, I cut out the middle bits and cut straight to a finale. Other times they (and I) are enjoying it and I could spend all evening at that table (obviously I dont)

The point is have some structure, but mostly play it by ear.

You need to try and time it so you get around most tables. Then allow some time for some tables to request you to come back to them.

Remember also that people at the next table may well be 'earwigging' so be prepared to vary and alternate your routines as you go around the venue.

I found Mark Leveridge's book The Strolling Magician had some excellent advice on this topic.
He sells it as an e-book now and I thought it was well worth the price.

Thanks for your replies everyone.

I didn't realise I'd have to speak to people when performing

I think I'm pretty much set for my routines now, although having said that, they'll no doubt change no end of times before I go out!

I'll come back and post about how I get on.

Thanks again!