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Hi, all.

I've been contacted by a "well-off" gentleman with interest for a cocktail party/dinner mentalism engagement, but I'm reluctant to accept as I'm unsure of the etiquette at events of the sort. Would any experienced performers in this venue share their experiences in the way of structure (well-organized or "mix-and-mingle"), time, performance settings (strolling, stage, close-up, or at the dinner table?), as well as performing etiquette for the actual dinner?

My mentalism experience lies mainly in strolling, close-up direct mind reading, parlor, and corporate events. I've yet to perform at a cocktail party and/or dinner, so this may be my first. Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Rob

no wee-ing in the sink for starters...

well, mine were never "well off", but i've done quite a few after dinner parties...it all kinda depends on:
what you are doing
the size of the party

i'd suggest the following:
if it's going to be quite a big do, and you're not invited for the actual sit down meal, then arrange to turn up as they are starting their desserts...and if possible a seperate room to organise yourself in...

if you're asked to join them at their table, don't ignore the opportunity for a little chit-chat before hand just to make yourself and them comfortable...depending upon your persona...its also a good way to suss out potential participants rather than angry drunks with points to prove...

i'd also suggest to wait for all plates and cutlery to be cleared away first if possible too...

its kinda hard to give specifics without knowing...erm...the specifics..size of room, people etc...

if you can be seated at the head of the table too, superb from a psychological standpoint...and take the time to introduce yourself and explain roughly what you're therefore..if you can introduced by your host, even better...

it is nice if you're there for the meal, sitting amongst them as a guest, nothing revealed til the coffees, dragging conversations slowly round to psychic feats, body language or whatever suits...

as always, be very polite and gracecious, thank the host and the table, and i always used to leave them with a thought...a little personal thing to think upon...maybe even a half concluded effect "for next time..."

i was always amongst them, either as a guest for the meal, or arrive just after the coffees and be introduced...i would say though, just plain ask them what he wants...stroll around, or round the table...go for whatever suits you naturally...

i love a good table personally, and doing it all by candlelight is lovely too...even a little subtle classical music in the background is good too...

in summing up though, if you feel out of your depth, theres no shame in that, ask him up front exactly what he's after, if you get to choose, do what's natural to you...

and for things like design dupes and word choices, dont always just ask one person, ask small groups to decide upon it between them, so you can dress it as a group-conciousness experiment as well as singular one on one type things..

bit of a ramble, but still..you might get something out of it...good luck and enjoy it if you go for it though...

You beat me to it! (just back from a booking). With those kind of events i tend to be more polite, lots of sir's and madam's etc. You will be fine, i have worked with many toffs and i find that they can have a better sense of humor then regular joes like us.

Thanks for the thorough reply.

Is it more appropriate to perform sitting or standing? Since I'd be doing a mind reading act, there shouldn't be much in the way of sleights and such, but I'm concerned about table decorations blocking the audience's view.

You get the decorations off or away from the table!

"I say ladies and Gentlmen.. would you mind if we just make a little space for me to perform..after all we do not want any drinks spilled on you do we! Thank you so much for your help"

I like to stand but you may be different. The best of luck

Sorted!

well, you could always ask and see if there's a seperate room for them to go into for the entertainment?

that way its just a nice wooden table, you at the end of it...few candles or subtle lighting and you're away...

Yeah, just do what abraxus & Stephen have said and be very polite. You will find that a well-off audience tend to be far more respectful of you as a performer and a lot more receptive to what you're doing than those from the...ahem...lower classes.

From my experience, a good well-heeled dinner party is a gig from heaven. Enjoy!

themagicwand wrote:From my experience, a good well-heeled dinner party is a gig from heaven. Enjoy!

Great to hear!

I must admit that i tend to talk a bit more posh with that kind of audience. I find that a well educated crowd respond well to psychic effects. They like anything that tests their brain power

Unfortunate news--I was asked to call the gentleman at home after 7 PM. I called at 7:15 and he'd already hired another performer. Such is show business.

All isn't lost, however, as I did learn some important tips about performing in said venue in the future. Cheers, all!