talkmagic.co.uk

user24 wrote:

Discombobulator wrote:Street magic might need a buskers licence. check out that aspect with your local authority.

that's probably worth doing just in case some busybody decides I'm doing something wrong somehow But do you think it's necessary even if I'm not taking any money?

Its not only the money aspect, If you get a crowd around you then you might be causing an obstruction, or you might be invading on another performer's pitch if you pick a popular spot. There may also be local by-laws to consider.

For a one-off event you are probably OK(ish), but if you want to do this as regular event then you must seek permission.

That's a good point too. I'll do some research if I do start doing it more regularly.

Go into a pub when it's quiet. Order a drink and sit at the bar. The staff will be bored - talk to them for a bit and then show them some magic. If you're really good they might even tell the manager and book you!

Incidentally, there have been previous threads on street performing, the Search function will help and those threads contain a lot of useful advice.

Usually here's where I'd post a humorous picture.
Try putting words like "sneaking" and "approaching" into google image search! WHOA! The internet is a *****d up place!

To me, the advice that if perform, they will come is sound. The number of times I've practiced my shuffling on the train and have been pestered by lithe young things asking me to show them something fun. They get quite a surprise when I say, "nope I'm not a performing monkey". (only joking: I'd never say that).

Once they are hooked, you can reel them in. Even if you have only seen Ninja (poor old Brad)

I have never asked anyone if they would like to see any magic. Yet on numerous occasions found my surrounded by a crowd.

Last week I was in readiing and was sitting by the canal just practicing I guess. before long I had a crowd round who approcahed me and asked me to show them something.

As many have said here, it'd best for them to approach you. Saves embarassment or performing people who do not really want to see anything but felt obliged to stop.

I normally just stand there practicing flourishes, cobra cuts and throw in the odd colour change and trust me, you will be approached or asked questions.

Then tell them you will show them something.

Oh and in regards to licenses .. bah!! just do not stop in one place for too long and use common sense and don't start right next doot to a vendor or other street performer.

I have even had police that have approached me on plenty of occasions and asked me to show them something while a crowd has been round

Haven’t made a posting here for yonks but the subject matter interested me. For several years I worked in shopping malls doing strolling magic. (I was booked by the management).

The first thing was that I dressed in a manner that drew attention to myself without being too over the top. I found my best approach from cold was to approach folk resting their weary feet during a long shopping spell, especially if they have tired children with them also. The outdoor café tables are also an easy source. Some do say that by doing a balloon animal of sorts that will show you are an entertainer but in some circumstances you might finish up like the Pied Piper.

I do know that to open with, you should do a quick visual effect with impact not a long winded ‘pick a card’ routine. That’s just a couple of tips for you.
Mark

The whole ''start with something visual instead of a long winded trick'' has always got me thinking and worrying about my openers.Were they quick enough?were they flashy enough?etc etc.

The thing is I've found in my own experience that you can be as long as you like in your opening effect as long as your entertaining during the build up.I've started with tricks that take up to 1 minute and a half to 2 minutes to get to the climax but during it I will always have the spectators smiling,laughing or having fun.Starting with something quick and simple is definetly an advantage but not a must.I'm taking it that the magician has a bit of humour and personality but if they don't then by all means go for the quickie...In fact I'd urge you to

I agree with that Flood. For me the production of (say) a £50.00 note from some quick visual routine, is a sure fire winner. I'm not at the moment going to say what I actually do - Unless you all want to twist my arm of course.

As you say Flood, what ever you do must be accompanied by your sparkling personality and showmanship. Mark.

I tend to arrive at meetings at work a little early and start playing with my cards especially if it is with people I have met only a couple of times before, they are interested in why you have cards and then you start to show them tricks before and after the meeting.

I also used to drink in a student type pub where a bloke would just sit down at tables and perform a trick, trouble was one nite he was so wasted he just gave away all the slights, so mabe not the best idea if you intend on sinking a few!

The original question posed was about approaching strangers in order to present your magic skills. From the many answers here I seem to get the impression that many of you have a fixation about card tricks. Don’t get me wrong; I have the greatest admiration for folk who have great skills with a pack of cards. However, card magic is not all that an entertaining magician should present. (There are exceptions of course).

Let’s say that you are asked to present strolling close-up magic in the High Street as part of a town’s promotion. I have mentioned shopping malls before as these bookings do occur. Think about when you are in the main shopping area of your town and how often folks will be offering leaflets on a wide range of subjects and products – many with a ‘50% OFF’ offer. Most people just mutter “No thanks” other just ignore whilst others might take a leaflet and walk on despite the attempts of the leaflet giver to get into conversation. Stressed people hectic with their shopping, hands full of goods are not going to be impressed by the sight of a chappie flashing a pack of cards trying to get their attention and delay their busy life. These are the true facts of life.

Just imaging an agent asking you to do a few hours of strolling magical entertainment and – by the way “No card tricks as the Mayor is very religious!” Unlikely I know, but it could happen.

I repeat, look for the folk taking a well needed break on one of the many benches along the way. These are fairly easy to approach and also, as they are seated and you are standing, you have the advantage. As a general rule these will be family and older folk and not teenagers so looking smart is important. The outdoor seating of the many cafes are also good starting points. Have an identity badge printed and mounted displayed prominently on your lapel or hung around your neck. This gives you a sort of implied authority even if it’s just your business card.

So there you are looking VERY SMART and no playing cards in sight. How do you approach these folk? The first thing is just the confidence to speak. Here is a sample, it just gives you an idea and is not meant to be absolutely correct for every situation. “Good morning, my name is Joe Bloggs (indicate your badge) and I see you are having a well earned rest from your shopping. Have 5 seconds commenting on the weather etc. Actually I’m a strolling entertainer – no I don’t sing or dance – Big smile here. Let me show you . . .” My advice here (you may well disagree) is NOT to start with a card trick. You could for instance start with the very well known Easy Money where half a dozen pieces of paper instantly turn into £20.00 notes. There are many versions available.

Note that there is no taking of cards or any audience participation involved or things to place down etc., but you have instantly turned paper into money so who could resist. Have no fear, your viewers WILL react and enjoy.

That’s all for now. Think about it. Mark.