talkmagic.co.uk

So As you all know, I'm looking to become a restaurant performer and I have $150 money to buy christmas stuff from this site but with a little bit of money I have aroun I can spend $250 on magic...Not saying I'm going to but so far this is some of what I have:

1) STS
2) In a flash
3) Public Transit
4) Nexis
5) Box Monster
6) IT
7) Thump Tip
Silver Dream
9) B2 bomber
10) D'lite
11) Starry Eyed Surprise
12) Dough
13) Appearing Cane
14) appearing straw
15) SMS
16) Liquid metal


This is only some of what I own I realize alot of this isn't good for restauarant magic....In my price range what could I buy to enhance my magic. I'm looking for hard hitting effects to finish with. I was thinking on getting the Mind power deck but not as a closer or Darwins TT Encyclopedia or On the spot by gregory wilson but there aren't any good for closers...Can you recommend one effect that would be good. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get Electric touch not so much for a closer but to enhance my mentalism act.

I would advise against getting the mindpower deck. It's an incredible effect, don't get me wrong - but if you're interested in restaurant working - this might not be the best choice for you.

If you're into DVD's I highly recommend Jay Sankey's The Real Work on Restaurants and Bars DVD. I posted a review on the TM forums a while back - here's a link http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic11814.php&highlight=real+work+restaraunt+restaurant+bar+magic

This is an excellent resource to start building your repetoire. It works with many items you may already have - as well as offering effects with items that will be placed at the tables.

Beyond just effects, it also deals with some aspects of performing in this kind of venue. If you're serious about this line of work - your money would be well spent here.

Would Strange Travellers be a good effect for a restaurant routine because I was thinking on picking up that one...What do you think?

Strange Travellers could be a good choice. Restaurant work offers the use of a table - which can be a great advantage - but it's not ALWAYS the case. Sometimes the tables are small, plates and bowls are all over - etc.

Strange Travellers will work well because it is adaptable to any situation. You can lay the cards on the table if you have the room, or you can keep it all in the hands.

Along these same lines - you could check out Sankey's Astral Projection. It's a similar effect which plays very nicely. Wow - I must sound like I'm on Sankey's payroll by now.

Travellers is a good choice. Solid effect. You just need to be careful with a few details. PM me about those - I don't want to expose methods.

Hey Magic Drummer.....

I primarily work restaurants, and on various nights will hit with a variety of closers......

ID
Twisting the aces (nudge-nudge)
Immaculate connection
In a flash

Other suggested items/themes to look into.....

Various TT ideas - specs love it when I vanish a fistful of salt/sugar
Rings (borrow a specs)
Torn and restored napkins
Power lunch
Spoon bending
Chop cup routines (Jiggernaut from penguin is good)
Ambitous card routines are great
Holy moly

Be sure to PM if you need any help or ideas....I will happily share ideas with you about restaurant work!

In a Flash is an awesome effect..... definitley worth being on the list....

Buy an instructional dvd or 2 or at least a book or two so that you can learn impromptu magic too..... don't be reliant on gimmicks and gaffs!!

I totally forgot about my chop cup...that is definately going to be on my list of items to get for restaurant work...Can someone point me to one that isn't expensive as hell but still very reliable and worth the money please.

magus capsule has this feature and is compact enough to make a good restaurant piece.

What about something good that is expensive or something not alot of people have...I want something that not alot of people have so if I do a performance they won't say...that's great but I've seen it before my another magician...I was thinking on Electric touch or even Frostbite...I know nobody would have seen something like frostbite where I will be performing but are these products really worth the money they are asking...

Expensive doesn't always equate to high quality. I have carried a simple packet effect with me for years - one I have yet to see someone else perform live - and it cost me $4.

I know there are plenty of people who like Electric Touch - but the concept of that effect doesn't sit well with me. The very nature of the effect welcomes bad confrontations, if you ask me. Even the most willing and carefree spectator could become irate when they're shocked like that. It's one thing if a person isn't wowed by your Ambitious Card Routine - it's another when you touch them and give them a little electric shock. If you're really interested in it - I'd say you would need to spend some time learning to pick up on the receptiveness of potential spectators. Some may find it cool - but many will be put off or even angered by something like this. I would say your odds of running into the latter would increase quite a bit, given the venue you're performing in.

Alright, is Frostbite actually worth th $250 that it costs...it's by Adam Grace and you can check out a video at his site.

I hope this is not really exposure as I pretty sure everyone realizes there is a move in Liquid Metal, but if it is, please let me know and I will delete it.

I would not recommend getting it for restaurant work perse because it would be a lot harder to do the "move" with the forks they would have compared to the forks they recommend.

Best of luck,
~David

Well I bought Liquid Metal long ago, I can' imagine me doing this effect unless the right opportunit presented itself when performing in a restaurant atmosphere....I would most defintaley not do it in a closed sit down low booth ...Let's jus say that...Anyone know anything about the Frostbite was discussing?

demitri, there is MUCH more you can get from ET than mere shocking specs. I rarely use it for this purpose.

Get a "Card to wallet" effect.....it is a stunning addition to the close of any card routine, and incredible versitile! I use mine in so many different routines, I am rarely without mine when performing.....you can get good ones that will double as a regular wallet - and not any more expensive than a good wallet either - that way you will have it around in a totally impromptu setting.......Tenkai vanish a drivers license or credit card, and pull it out of your wallet, someone hands you a deck of cards, and BOOM card to wallet....borrowed spec ring...you get the idea!