talkmagic.co.uk

I'm from New York, so I have a lot of different ways I can go about performing. Unfortunately, I have zero experience doing magic in a professional context. It seems to me that NY is especially appropriate for street magic. There are buskers in the subway, people always trying to get your attention on the sidewalk. But then again, I'm not sure how to monetize that effectively. Is it smarter to start out in bars or restaurants?

I've done some searching on the forum, but didn't see anything that addresses my particular issue.

If you feel you can work outdoors then the street is a great way to learn how to handle people.
So if you try it--look for some background as:
Street Magic , Edward Claffin.
There are a couple of excellent DVD sets--I will look their titles up for you.
In the UK they are approx. £40. as 'Crowd Puller', by Peter Wardell. You would only need the one set of course

As a first timer to the streets if I were you I would, for the moment avoid the subways--stick to the open streets.

Learn about 4 tricks. Perhaps 1 with cards--1 with coins(large if poss) 1 with rope or the Cups & Balls/Chop Cup etc.
KEEP ANY ROUTINES VISUAL--AND FAIRLY SHORT.
Have a small table which packs light and easily set up and struck.
Remember light weight articles, like silks, blow away in the wind or through passsing traffic
Use the street performer's bag which hangs around your waist for props and loads. The Gibeciere
Try to avoid any resets.

Play to ALL any crowd you might assemble. Those are the front are usually a captive audience..Those at the back--often just passers by--
Play direct to youir audience. INVOLVE THEM--Use short questions
Use Humour. And--Surprise

One of my internet magic students in California makes quite good money on the streets and in the shopping malls.
CHECK ANY LOCAL BYELAWS. Do you need a street performing licence etc.

IF you are an ABOLUTE BEGINNER. Leanr to perform for friends, family and neighbours--first!



Allen Tipton

Check out:
How To Do Street Magic $29:95
before you even think of buying more expensive DVDS

Look at Penguin Magic-- Busking--Where to start

Check out the stuff and Forum in Ellusionist

Allen Tipton

Thank you! Those are fantastic tips I could have only gotten from a place like this.
I will certainly look into purchasing those books and dvds.

Much appreciated

jUST 1 lot at a time Faustus.
Remember- magicians tend to buy and buy often without thinking and waiting.

Allen Tipton

In New York you do need a license to busk. Jeff Sheridan who started it all has a great book out, I just forget the name.

The book Street Magic--above-- is in collaboration with Jeff Sheridan

Allen Tipton

Get your hands on Jimmy Talksalot's book, "To Lure with Spectacle". As a busker, I can say this is the book I reread the most for general tips. At some point, you're going to want to buy the works of Jim Cellini (his 3dvd set is indispensable, and his books are modern classics). Eric Evans' book, "The Secret Art of Magic" is also very informative, though a bit advanced.

See if there are any magic clubs in the area. Joining will give prctice of showing your stuff to others and allow you to learn from how others show there stuff. Also many clubs perform for charities for free and this will give you experience without being out on your own. But if you have the ability and supreme confidence just get out there and do it on your own. Do they have open mike nights in NY?

Regards
Karma