talkmagic.co.uk

Hi I'm J.

I've been practicing magic for a while now (read 7 years) and used to get by as a clown at kids parties, and an anti-drugs clown speaker at schools before I joined the military (I recommend this line of work to anyone who is decent at magic and comedy and wants to make a few extra bucks and get some experience performing, just be sure you have a high tolerance for pain. . .that is the clown not the military)

I haven't performed for anyone but friends and drunks for a about 3 years now but I'm thinking about getting back into it.

I enjoy close up magic the most and I have certainly kept in practice with it, though I may be behind on some the latest trends, though due to the nature of working as a clown I also do a lot of prop magic (you probably don't need anyone to tell you that kids love shiny colors), and parlor tricks.

I'm in Iraq at the moment (going home soon enough), but I'm leaving the military soon (379 days, my version of soon is better than yours). I'm thinking of starting back with using magic to help pay my way through college, (as a supplement, not as my primary source of income) though I'm going to try and stay away from the clown suit.

I hope I can be a good source of advice on this column, also I may be able to contribute a few reviews. . .but to be honest I haven't read any of the new stuff and everyone already recommends Carl Wilson so I'll have to check around to see if any of the book and dvds I've read/watched haven't already been reviewed.

I hope to garner a bit of info here as well. (yes I'm a selfish annoying newbie) Thing is beyond friends and bars I've never performed for an adult crowd, so any advice on spectator/assistant control or how to get work at restaurants (or any other kind of not a clown work) will be quite welcome. Though it will be about 45 days or so before I can get my hands on any book/dvd recommendations from you guys I can at least start making a list

Welcome, welcome and welcome to TM. Nice lenghty introduction which is always a good sign, I hope you find everything and all of us very helpfull!

Don't forget to post your reviews up and stay active.

Ruairidh

Welcome to TM and a nice intro.

Noted that you're in Iraq so keep safe!

Hi and welcome to TM .

Welcome J. There are a lot of good reviews on here, which is why most of us have depleted our savings accounts Hope to hear more from you.

Wishing you safety in Iraq,

Kev

Welcome to TM and please keep your head down. I don't think a clown suit in Iraq would work out. I've done three clown shows on Sat. and two on Sun. every weekend for almost two years and people see me driving on the freeway. I know they are saying, "Look at the clown on the freeway." I just smile and wave but as time went on I decided no more kid shows. So. keep practicing and I hope to hear more from you.
Best
Al

Thanks for the welcome everyone.
I remember how it felt walking around town in a clown suit Al. At first it was fun but after a while the attention begins to grate on the nerves. It is looking less and less like I am going to immediately need to start looking for work when I get out of the military. So I still have more than a year to put my routine together, but I'm the nervous type so I have to practice a new routine for months before I try it.

Actually the whole idea of performing in front of an adult audience is starting to make me rethink my plans. Don't worry that isn't me talking about quiting, I just think that I will need to start small. Maybe hospitals and retirement homes without pay so that I can get used to the performing style.

The comedy magician Mike Finney said he did alot of charity shows and because of those shows people took notice of him. Sometime you will find important and influencial people attending these shows and thats how he got started and how he became internationaly known. So you are thinking along the same lines as he did and its a good start. I wish you all the best and hope to see you up there with him.
Al

Welcome to TM! I will keep you in my prayers so you will be able to arrive to your family soon and untouched.