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This is not the usual 'getting started' thread. I shall explain, but first, I must pardon myself: I have not found the information I am requesting in the search function nor on google. I never claimed to be ay good at internet research anyway, so if I am asking questions that already have been answered please ignore me. Also, despite not being a begginer- in the actual magic industry I know next to nothing and thus am a begginer, and I know how infuriating naive and ignorant questions can be, so I once again apologise if this is how I come across- but the fact is I am naive and ignorant to this all, hence asking.
That aside, I shall get down to what on earth I am actually talking about. I am 15 and I would like to start to get into the whole arena of proffesional magic (Not because I'm cocky enought to think I'm fully ready, but I would like the real world experience) and the thing is that I have no idea where to start and what to do . I know nothing about beaurocracy and even if at my age I am allowed to get paid. I hate using my age as an excuse but I am presuming that this would make it a little more difficult? Even so, I wouldn't have a clue where to start- perhaps my inexperience financially and 'buisness' wise shows itself
Ideally, I would love to aquire any paid work- a restaurant would be a dream, but beggars can't be choosers.
I am sure I am asking stupid questions- but I am still pleased that I have commited myself to a decision about what I would like to do.
Here is how I think it would work: I would contact a restaurant or venue e.t.c. and explain the situation and then something would happen. That is litterally as much as I know.

Firstly, stop apologising for yourself, that'll get you nowhere.

This is hard to answer as I don't know what level you are at on terms of performing. Do you have a set of some kind, or are you more used to just performing casually? Have you done any magic for real audiences, paid or unpaid?

I like that you're keen, as starting out often isn't easy...

are there any magicians local to you? or rather, are there any GOOD magicians local to you?

if so, approach them...not to take over their pitch, but to learn from them...

youre 15 - so some doors will be closed to you, gigging in bars and restuarants (not sure of the legalities of this though)...

however - with that said, where there's a will, there's a way...

local hospital, charity events, just to wet yer whistle so to speak...

have you got a couple of routines already that you are good to go with?

thats the first step - to set up a 10-15 minute slot of effects into one bigger routine...each effect transitioning to the next in some way...

are you performing magic or mentalism?

Family and friends are of course the worst audience but perform at all of their parties. All the gigs I've got so far have been through word of mouth. Someone saw me perform at a family members office party and recomended me to their sister for a bat-mizva. Someone else saw me at a house party and asked me to perform at their wedding. My cousins husband saw me perform at an easter family get together and got me a gig at a festival in sweden. Perform anywhere you can for whatever money you can get if your good you'll get recomended.

I'm so so sorry if I came across as apologetic ( )
Iain- I shall go down to my local hospital tommorow(just down the road conveniantly) and have a look at any leaflets and such items that might alert me to any possible venues. I think that might suit me (Paid or not- the experience will pay in the end- but does everything have to be about money? ) as I was a couple of weeks ago walking past a cafe and I saw a lonley, iscolated old gentleman and felt obliged to go and talk to him- we all know that someone saying something or showing care at the right time can make a real difference and so I performed some magic for around 20 minutes with him. I could see it really lit him up, which was worth more than money. I'm not quite sure where I could find out about charity events, but I'll give that some thought.
In terms of effects I'm fine: selecting one is the problem! I have many of my own routines and methods which are fun to do, but I don't limit myself to those.
I perform primarily mentalism, although I have a great interest in close up magic and sleight of hand. I am not interested in consitency- in my experience people genuinley believe in my psychological skill with the knowledge I am a 'sleight of hand expert' (I do enjoy a good gambling effect, too).
My magical knowledge is not that of the typical youtube geek my age. Presentation-wise I am no legend, but I am not too bad either. I suppose my audiences are the judges of that, and on that subject I perform for anyone who cares to put up with me. Of course family and friends and a few 'guinea pigs' but at school I get to entertain the hundreds class-mates and other school children, if not at detrement to my work
I do close-up better with cards and billets and the more 'real' techniques, but I feel more at home with 'parlour' type mentalism effects which allow me to take advantage of various conditions.
I take this all very seriously, and as I said, hate using my age to justify anything. Somone waving their 'disadvantages' around has never got them anywhere.
The reason why I decided I wanted to do this now, is because every day I learn more and more about magic and mentalism but I think having new audiences, not restricted by any prior knowledge of me, will allow me to experiment with presentation and to gain the experience needed in magic and mentalism. To put it shortly, for a learning curve. Money is not something that measures success nor happiness for me (I do not think money is the root of all evil, but its sentiments almost definatley are) but getting paid would be nice- if only to fuel my magic addiction.
For a three stage routine It depends on the enviroment, walkaround would be different to close-up, close-up different to parlour and so on.
I hope this has answered your questions.

Hi Sam,

Could you perform at youth clubs? Would you want too?

Kevin

just to be clear sam, i was suggesting hospitals cos they may (or may not) take up any offer of free magic for the kids ward (or wherever suitable)...

you're newish, youngish and full of vigor...slow down a little, take your time, do not feel obliged to do everything at once...little by little, piece by piece, build confidence carefully and surely...

design yourself two coherent 15 minute "shows"...and work them, finesse them and adapt them...

circuskevin wrote:Hi Sam,

Could you perform at youth clubs? Would you want too?

Kevin

once againe, a sound idea that I shall look into. Thanks.

Iain- I know am being a little too ambitious, but as I'm sure you'll agree (hee hee a Guy Hollingworth moment), that never hurt anybody. I just think that the experience will help me with that finesse and becoming the magician or mentalist I would like to be. The whole reason I want to be doing this is because when I am old enough to get into restaurant work, I will have had some experience in the 'real world' behind me which not only would help me acquire a place I would like would mean I'm better at it. I feel that this is right for me NOW and therefore would like to get myself started.
I shall try and get something so you can see me performing and that might better help you assess the situation.
I will keep anyone who cares updated.
Also, what do people make of a working men's club- just an idea.

Is there a local magic club or society near you? That would also be a good place to start making contacts - as well as having the opportunity to road-test effects and routines.....

Sean

Sam,

Ring the Stonehouse Gang - an independent youth group - on 427 2961 and offer to do a show or whatever.

I first practiced my circus show a few years ago on their little ones. You may prefer a teenage audience for your mentalism. They have all ages, meeting at various times and days.

Tell them what you're all about and they will help you out.

Kevin

Thank you kindly
I will try and let everyone know how I get along with these plans. It'll have to wait a month or so, because I have several months full of exams, cramming, travel and marriage to get through... But it remains a priority and not a pipe dream. Thanks for everyone's time.

Although im new to magic, i have an A level in Business Studies, and for individuals performing/providign a service, i can tell you now, business cards are probably the best option.

They spread word of your service really well, providing you put on a good show to the people you give them to.

I also recommend making some simple, professional posters on photoshop (only small ones, postcard size) and politely asking small shops and businesses to display them.

As long as you keep a professional attitude and manner to your advertising alongside a clear portfolio and description of your services, people will flock to you no matter what you sell.

Trust me, it will get easier and easier if you do things right.

Buisness studies?
I was even thinking of trying to organise some form of a publicity stunt. I don't even know if people do them any more, but it's worth a try. Maybe doing something big on the radio, a la David Berglas.
I can predict that in coming months I will be writing lots of letters to people.

Explain your at my Business Studies A Level please? I didn't understand what you meant .

Well if you do such a PR stunt then make sure to use business cards to hand out, because people will almost always forget you within half an hour of seeing you perform unless they have a reminder. Business cards also advertise you to the most unexpected people/businesses, as people leave them lying in the weirdest places - trust me!

If you set up a simple website alongside your mobile number on the card, then people have easy access to you. Just make sure you set up a friendly voice mail message and check your e-mails regularly.

As far as design goes, you don't even have to be artistic, the business card can be as simple as anything just make sure to choose a clear and understandable design and try to keep a colour scheme going between the business card and website.

Its a lot to do i know, and you may be wondering about costs, but trust me, you can get business cards in their hundreds for 20 odd pound, and thats good quality cards too. There are many website hosting sites that provide a simple website editor/creator too, but make sure you buy yourself a domain name, people get put off by things that don't appear very professional.

I know im probably going off on a tangent from what you originally asked, but if you need help with any of the above i'd be sure to give you some more personal help. In the past i have run a skateboarding apparel company, and made quite a good profit out of it, and i had a really simple but professional website that helped me alot. I learnt a lot about advertising through that and my Media and Business studies courses at Collage so im happy to help with anything.

EDIT: I also have some very good contacts as far as all of the above goes, as i used all the industry standard companies with my skateboarding company ^^

You have a skateboarding company? Cool.
If and when I need help, I shall consult you. A surprising amount a magic literature is devoted to publicity and this kind of stuff so I will have to have a deeper read of those, too.
I try my best not to be forgotten after 30 mins, but I understand what you mean.
As for the buisness studies.. Well, I haven't had great experiences with it, should I say. (That's why I don't do it) Just a personal thing... nothing personal (Wait.. that doesn't make sense). To me it seems like common sense- but that is because someone gave me their buisness studies textbook for whatever reason- assuming I might find it interesting I suppose. It was a nice 10 minute read. Plus, economics annoys me enough- always popping up in pollitics: and what economic views I have wouldn't help either (Been reading Marx). So.. yeah, thats why.