talkmagic.co.uk

i just had my first gig the other day and loved it so much it was so much fun and the buzz was great now im aching for my next fix. how do some of you get your gig or is just word of mouth?

Many of mine have been via word of mouth, although I've always found wedding fairs to be a good way to get your name about.

I do things a bit differently as i have been doing this a long time. However, to start you can try attending wedding fairs, advertising in local newspapers (the wedding and entertainment section is good) and the newsagents. Some people also like to cold call some restaurants, i never really did that much but i know people who did. try to build a rep as the local magician in your area if possible. Start off small and work your way up. Saying that though, i would leave weddings until you have a lot much experience.

At 16, you might be/look too young to do weddings. Most couples want someone experienced as they want everything to be perfect for their 'big day' and dont want to take a risk with an newbie.

I would start by taking a serious approach to your performances at places where you normally met people socially. School, scouts, church, youth clubs, family occasions, etc.
Dont just be some geek who shows off a couple of tricks. Work on a having a polished performance ready to perform at a minutes notice. Dont just make it a technical performance. make sure you include your own personality and humour, rather than copy someone else's performance.
This performance is your advert so make sure you leave them wanting more. Leave them with a 'business card' so they know how to contact you.

Offer to do short performances at parties/functions in return for feedback and contructive critisism. Once they realise how good you are the requests to perform elsewhere will start to come...and the feedback is useful anyway.

Your studies are also very important for your future in magic. I find maths, logic and physics very useful when devising new effects. Languages, drama and psychology are good for developing skills in dealing with audiences. Business and financial skills will be useful for selling and marketing your skills as a business.

Above all, have fun with magic.

Discombobulator's post is a definite mine of wisdom, there; that'll be really useful for a great many 'just-bitten-by-the-buzz' chaps & chapessess, who are just starting out, I'm sure