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damianjennings wrote:Apple

You mean the no. 2 smart phone manufacturer, no. 1 mp3 player by a massive margin, and massively growing computer manufacturer?

You're right. They're such a niche company. I don't know anybody who owns anything they make!

Erm.... magic forum???

kolm wrote:

damianjennings wrote:Apple

You mean the no. 2 smart phone manufacturer, no. 1 mp3 player by a massive margin, and massively growing computer manufacturer?

You're right. They're such a niche company. I don't know anybody who owns anything they make!

I almost added the word Computers for fear someone was in a pedantic mood.

But yes, well done, you have totally proved my point was rubbish there.

Sigh.

/me shakes his head

i agree with you damian...
(and i started the thread - so in my mind - that makes us right and everybody else absolutely and completely and utterly and absolutely wrong)

...but that's just my opinon of course.

Jing wrote:i agree with you damian...
(and i started the thread - so in my mind - that makes us right and everybody else absolutely and completely and utterly and absolutely wrong)

...but that's just my opinon of course.

May have taken 5 pages, but we got there in the end

Hi Jing,
Just read through the thread and no-one (I don't think!) has mentioned flash productions. After a brief intro of who you are and what you're there for, a flash production type trick works well as a 'wow' opener. I have had some of my best reactions by opening this way. David Stone has some good tips on approaching tables...
Tom

5 pages ago, Damian's original point was

"I find it odd that you've read the first 5 years of Magic Menu and are asking this question"

and Jing agrees with him?-

My head really does hurt - I need to cuddle up to a sponge bunny for some solace....!

Sean

Tom,
Thanks for your input.
I mentioned flash paper and productions, a while back and yeh it's the way to go i think.
so I'm not really sure why everyone is still arguing now.

Jing wrote: I'm not really sure why everyone is still arguing now.

Jing wrote:
I'm not really sure why everyone is still arguing now.

Because that's what we do here!!! (and it's not arguing, it's healthy, constructive debate....) Unless you're talking about the Derren Brown events(!)

Hi All,

Fascinated by this thread I am (said in Yoda-like voice)!

Before approaching a table I feel it is important to remember a few things:
- You are an entertainer 1st and foremost, magician second!
- The people are there for a number of reasons, rarely will being entertained by a third party be one of those reasons unless the restaurant is known to provide live entertainment.
- They may not want to be entertained and your presence may therefore be inappropriate/unwanted.
- They should (imo) be politely given the option of declining your offer to entertain them.

In terms of approaching a table, I find that politely introducing yourself as a magician hired by the management to entertain them for a minute or two works quite well. Very important to mention that you will only be there for a minute or two! Also then politely ask if they're up for some of that. Always get a positive response in my experience!

Hope this Helps!

dgm

dgmagic wrote:- The people are there for a number of reasons, rarely will being entertained by a third party be one of those reasons unless the restaurant is known to provide live entertainment.

Excellent point, I think we all forget that one at times!

Rarely but it does happen where people come just to see you. I covered a restaurant gig on Halloween and I approached two people who said they came just to see me and my magic. They were awesome as you might expect but had gone to the trouble of finding out my name checking my website then booking a ticket. Lovely couple they were and I was lucky enough to bump into them as my 2nd group of the night.

As for opening tricks? I loom large over them, block out the light and make it impossible for them to say no.

Actually no I don't, I smile a lot, introduce myself and use my good looks and charm.

Actually no I don't I light some flash paper in the candle and produce a chocolate coin,

Actually no I don't, I use extreme burn on the premises of dodgey money.

Actually no I don't, I tell them what I'm there to do and proceed to get them to help me in a trick be that asking what a purse frame is or selecting a card

Actually no I don't, I shuffle over doing some XCM grabbing their attention then get right into it

Actually no I don't, I walk over with an interesting prop that draws questions or can be handed to the spectator to look after, think Chop Cup or Destination box

Actually no I don't I perform for my friends until someone looks interested then the introduction doesn't matter.

Actually, I've seen or used some or all of these and it really doesn't matter as long as you're engaging and friendly or very very good! If you're neither of them you'll not get beyond the first trick anyway. It depends on so many things like your personality, level of confidence when approaching a table, or the level you're able to project and also the group you're going to perform for.

I do subscribe to the thought that after the introductions the first bit of magic should be very quick, it doesn't have to be the whole routine but the first part of the effect should be very quick to happen such as a card changing colour or the appearance of a bunny.

Try lots of things for your self, watch others in action if you're able to meet with other magicians, heck sometimes your best "in" to a group is not long after anther magician providing they haven't done hours of magic for them.

If you want to know about how to be a successful walkaround Magician, then view this thread

http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic32862.php