talkmagic.co.uk

Most of my work so far has been "one-offs" at parties, events, etc. But now I'm getting more and more repeat bookings at venues and wondered how other people handle this. Do you largely perform the same material each time or do you make sure to do different routines each time you go back to the same place? The former could be boring for regular punters seeing all the same stuff but the latter could be lots of work, especially if you're rebooked weekly. Any thoughts/comments appreciated!

There are two schools of thought that I'm aware of; a.) you do much of the same stuff but toss in a healthy dose of new bits; or b.) you have a completely different act with a similar feel (you can't be too different or you could lose the client).

I am assuming here, that you're a magician and not a Mentalist in that the latter can get away with doing a lot of the same material in a return visit but that even depends upon style and content. If you're main act is a Q&A and that's what the client saw previously, it's probably what they would expect on your return, so ask them! Make them part of the process so that you are "serving" them. It's a subtle bit of psychology but damn good business practice.

I think a lot depends on what type of show it is. I see that you are a hypnotist. For hypnotism there is no problem doing the same show since every show is different simply because the subjects are different at every show and react differently. The show can be repeated within reason but after a while I suppose you would have to incorporate different skits.

At a kid show you can often get away with doing some of the same material because if you don't the kids will ask why you didn't do it. Not completely the same show as last time but a bit different as Craig says.

I think for other work such as walk around close up magic you probably do need more material. You really should have a large repertoire. It takes work but I can't see any way out of it.

I've got two different sets that I use for close up, I tend to alternate between the two when doing gigs. Recently I've started making a note of which set I use for a client so that if I do get a repeat booking I can use the other one.

if its that much of an issue, should they pop up over my way.. Hand em over to me

you know i need the work

It's down to the venue i guess. magic wise, If your performing to the same people over and over again, then yes, you should vary the range of effects a bit.
I would consider for example, avoiding multi out effects, because they tend to be strong and memorable. And it only takes one person to remember that " he did it differently the last time" to ruin the thing completely.

the hypnosis stuff will be a plus though, because you will get the...

"go on.Do that thing on him you did on me the other week" .. brigade.

best thing to do, is to hit them when they are drunk.

they wont remember things then

I'm worried I'll never get first bookings, so thanks for making me jelous xD

tom, they wont come looking for you.. you have to put yourself about a bit and get them.
And i know of what i speek believe me!
Ive been on both sides, busy, repeat bookings... and absolutly sweet F.A.

daleshrimpton wrote:tom, they wont come looking for you.. you have to put yourself about a bit and get them.
And i know of what i speek believe me!
Ive been on both sides, busy, repeat bookings... and absolutly sweet F.A.

I don't doubt you Dale, your completely right 100%. (its rare I say something like that)

The problem is my reputation is virtually non-existant. And so not really sure where to begin.

Tom, you have to build a reputation.

Think about it Tom. you have built one on here.. but it's not neceseraly the right one.

you need to start off slow in your local area, with the local magic guys.. then see what happens.

And the guys in your area are all sound.

I know most of them.

daleshrimpton wrote:Tom, you have to build a reputation.

Think about it Tom. you have built one on here.. but it's not neceseraly the right one.

you need to start off slow in your local area, with the local magic guys.. then see what happens.

And the guys in your area are all sound.

I know most of them.

Not neccicerily the right one? :s
I try.


I know the local magic guys, they are all cool guys your right. What do you mean though "with" your local magic guys?

with, as in hang out with the local guys. Join the club.. get yourself known.

The problem with changing the act totally is that after the show you may hear from your client something along these lines:

"I really enjoyed the show, but last time you did this great trick and I told all my friends how great it was so I am a little disapointed seeing as one of the reasons I booked you again was because of that trick..."

I do believe you need to keep fresh and current. My suggestion is to have the core of the show remain the same perhaps change up the order if possible to try to make things seem a little different and switch out some of the 'miner' effects.

Tom, you suffer from illusions of grandeur. On previous posts you talk about an hour (or two) full shows, booking a theatre, selling tickets, etc.

You want actual paying bookings? Have you tried going to local business's with some business cards (and perhaps a trick or two with your business cards) and promoting yourself? Have you gone to any promo agencies with a promo dvd and business card in hand? T'is fair season here in the States, (of course those should have been booked months ago). Have you gone to the local pubs and asked if you could promote yourself and then show 'for free(for now) some effects and then hand out your business card?

Have you tried open mike night at any of the clubs, (if they have such a thing) , old age homes, hospitals, schools, talent shows?

You are not going to go from nothing, to a star overnight, gotta pay your dues. You have to create your rep and the only way to do that is go pound the streets, kick in some doors and shake some hands.

Alternativly you could sit around behind your computer and your practice sessions where it is safe and keep on dreaming, knowing you are safe because nothing is going to happen without you making it happen.