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samfairweathermagic wrote:thanks i have already started to reflect and have decided not to do shades as an opener.Although the results where good i don't think they where as good as the results could be from another card trick like lees which i have practiced all day and has worked out well on my girlfriend

Always on a winner if it passes the girfriend/wife test

Lol

cool thanks lee

samfairweathermagic wrote:i have been ask to do a table hopping gig at the lighthouse inn in wolcot Norfolk i am sixteen this is my first gig and i have three tricks for each table and shades by Eric Ross the dissapearence by jay sankey and an ambitious card routine with a dark card kicker any advice on how to approach the spectators and general advice would be appreciated

Take Jay Sankey's advice and don't ask. Walk up to the table, bend down and appear to pick up something from the floor, excuse yourself to the people at the table and show a button on the palm of your hand. Ask if anyone has lost a button. When they say "No" do a false transfer to the other hand and say "Oh no. It's a chinese coin." or whatever you have in your pocket,as you load something else, finish maybe with a £2 coin. Change it no more than twice. They will realise you are the magician they are expecting. Introduce yourself and go into your act. Just be polite. Don't interupt anyone, I'm sure you know what I mean. Just stand at the table until you get their attention.
Never ask . If you have been asked to perform at a function the attendees will be expecting you.

I missed this thread completely when it was posted but so glad it went well and you enjoyed it Sam. To be able to enjoy performing and get a buzz from it is just fantastic, well done.

Firstly consider what you wear. I do not know the venue, but you should dress to make you stand out. Avoid looking like some from another table.

Do not ask if they would like to see some magic..That way they can't say no! (well they can but why make it easy for them!)

I use something along the line of "Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, compliments of the house, my name is....."
"Compliments of the house" is a nice way of saying "it's free".

Make sure your opening is short and snappy and not a pick a card trick.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy the experience. If your attitude is not perceived as "too cocky" then the audience will forgive any first gig nerves, but if you try and oversell yourself, then be aware that this can have very confrontational effect.

I've never understood it when people advise not to ask if the specs would like to see some magic before launching into a routine, I always ask first, it just seems polite to do so and if they say no the it's no big deal, just move onto someone else.

There are many reasons why and situations when a magic performance might be totally inappropriate.

Lady of Mystery wrote:I've never understood it when people advise not to ask if the specs would like to see some magic before launching into a routine, I always ask first, it just seems polite to do so and if they say no the it's no big deal, just move onto someone else.

There are many reasons why and situations when a magic performance might be totally inappropriate.

I hate to be perceived as sexist, but as a lady you have the edge. Few people have seen a lady magician, and as such there will be a curiosity factor surrounding your offer of a magical performance that most men will never have the benfit of. Conversely when I started out (ove5 30 years ago) a table of all ladies would be far more receptive than an all male table.

Do not ask if they would like to see some magic..That way they can't say no!

Why would you want to show magic to people who don't want to see it? they are not likely to be a good audience for you. Just saying "would you mind if I showed you a few things" I think would get a better reception

Karma wrote:

Do not ask if they would like to see some magic..That way they can't say no!

Why would you want to show magic to people who don't want to see it? they are not likely to be a good audience for you. Just saying "would you mind if I showed you a few things" I think would get a better reception

Hi Karma,
I guess from your comment that you don't do much in the way of commercial table hopping, sorry if that sounds blunt, but based on experience many people will simply say no thank you to the closed question.

Max Gordon wrote:

Karma wrote:

Do not ask if they would like to see some magic..That way they can't say no!

Why would you want to show magic to people who don't want to see it? they are not likely to be a good audience for you. Just saying "would you mind if I showed you a few things" I think would get a better reception

Hi Karma,
I guess from your comment that you don't do much in the way of commercial table hopping, sorry if that sounds blunt, but based on experience many people will simply say no thank you to the closed question.

I have no experience at all so will have to play my sig card

Different people have different preferences, I guess. I really don't mind people saying no to me but to be honest I can only think of about 2 or 3 times that people have said that they don't want to see anything, I'm not convinced that being female makes all that much difference, I think it's more to do with your approach and how you introduce yourself. Be polite, be friendly and be interesting and you're much more likely to get a positive response.

The reason that I like to ask is because I like to give people the chance to say no. For all I know, they might have just suffered a death in the family, could be discussing the details of a divorce or any number of things when they really wouldn't need me interrupting them.

Lady of Mystery wrote:Different people have different preferences, I guess. I really don't mind people saying no to me but to be honest I can only think of about 2 or 3 times that people have said that they don't want to see anything, I'm not convinced that being female makes all that much difference, I think it's more to do with your approach and how you introduce yourself. Be polite, be friendly and be interesting and you're much more likely to get a positive response.

The reason that I like to ask is because I like to give people the chance to say no. For all I know, they might have just suffered a death in the family, could be discussing the details of a divorce or any number of things when they really wouldn't need me interrupting them.

I agree that approach is critical. I make a habit of simply strolling round the restaurant and listening to snippets of conversation. If it's business related, slightly heated, or of a private family nature I will not approach them at that time, but Target more relaxed open tables first. A later circuit of the room may reveal the dynamics have changed and a performance may be more welcome. I think having your radar tuned in to pick up the mood of the table / group is vital, that way you can tailor your opening line to suit the mood.

Karma wrote:

Do not ask if they would like to see some magic..That way they can't say no!

Why would you want to show magic to people who don't want to see it? they are not likely to be a good audience for you. Just saying "would you mind if I showed you a few things" I think would get a better reception

I never suggested that one should barge into a circle of people. It is important to be polite at all times but why would people go to a party where a magician has been billed if they don't like magic? Therefore I believe the approach I suggested is valid and appropriate.
When I first started I always asked and I have never been rebuffed. Now I never do.
If they are there, and I don't approach their table, then there are apt to be complaints!

Well everyobody has given great advice, and I'd take some from everyone. When approaching a table it also comes down to your own style. You just have to go for it. I do have a list of what not to do. And even though I'm posting this late I'm doing it anyhow. Some of these are just pet peeves so take what you want from it.

Don't:

Do cards from mouth and then ask me to pick a card. I'm at a restaurant and I'm about to eat, I don't want to be near anything that came from your mouth.

Don't approach my table, bend down pick up an elastic (rubber band) and ask me if it is mine and then proceed to show me 'crazy mans handcuffs' Likewise don't bend down and pick a knife off the floor and ask me if its mine and then do a colour changing knife routine. In fact don't pick up anything off the floor and show me a trick with it, unless it is my wallet or my keys I don't want anyting that you find on the floor when I'm about to eat. (plus it is a cheesy way to approach a table...but I've seen it done)

Don't come up to my table while I am eating to show me a magic trick. Show me when I've ordered and am waiting for my food.

Don't even approach my table if I'm in a heated argument with somebody, having a business meeting, or involved in any 'heavy' type conversation.

And now some do's

Do make sure your hair is washed and brushed, your hands and clothes are clean. I'm going to be eating for heaven's sake.

Do remember my focus is going to be on the company I have at my table and the food I am about to eat, (not always in that order). Just because you are hired by the restaurant doesn't mean I want to see your tricks or that I am there for you. You are there for me. Respect that, and I will respect you.

Don't be upset with me if I don't like what you do. I am the paying audience, that is my right. Don't take it personally. Graciously move on. Me saying, 'thank you but I'm really not interested in seeing any magic" is not rude, its honest respect it, say thank you and move along. Plenty of other tables. Now If I'm just intentionally rude to you because I'm a jackass then by all means be upset, but still, move along. I'm still paying to eat.

Do, be polite, friendly and respectful and when you walk up to my table introduce yourself and tell me exactly what you are doing there. And I will be polite and friendly in return. However just to show up at my table and start performing is probably going to * me off and I'll probably think you are insane.

Make sure your props are not all disgusting looking.

All the above, I've seen before.

bmat wrote:Well everyobody has given great advice, and I'd take some from everyone. When approaching a table it also comes down to your own style. You just have to go for it. I do have a list of what not to do. And even though I'm posting this late I'm doing it anyhow. Some of these are just pet peeves so take what you want from it.

Don't:

Do cards from mouth and then ask me to pick a card. I'm at a restaurant and I'm about to eat, I don't want to be near anything that came from your mouth.

Don't approach my table, bend down pick up an elastic (rubber band) and ask me if it is mine and then proceed to show me 'crazy mans handcuffs' Likewise don't bend down and pick a knife off the floor and ask me if its mine and then do a colour changing knife routine. In fact don't pick up anything off the floor and show me a trick with it, unless it is my wallet or my keys I don't want anyting that you find on the floor when I'm about to eat. (plus it is a cheesy way to approach a table...but I've seen it done)

Don't come up to my table while I am eating to show me a magic trick. Show me when I've ordered and am waiting for my food.

Don't even approach my table if I'm in a heated argument with somebody, having a business meeting, or involved in any 'heavy' type conversation.

And now some do's

Do make sure your hair is washed and brushed, your hands and clothes are clean. I'm going to be eating for heaven's sake.

Do remember my focus is going to be on the company I have at my table and the food I am about to eat, (not always in that order). Just because you are hired by the restaurant doesn't mean I want to see your tricks or that I am there for you. You are there for me. Respect that, and I will respect you.

Don't be upset with me if I don't like what you do. I am the paying audience, that is my right. Don't take it personally. Graciously move on. Me saying, 'thank you but I'm really not interested in seeing any magic" is not rude, its honest respect it, say thank you and move along. Plenty of other tables. Now If I'm just intentionally rude to you because I'm a jackass then by all means be upset, but still, move along. I'm still paying to eat.

Do, be polite, friendly and respectful and when you walk up to my table introduce yourself and tell me exactly what you are doing there. And I will be polite and friendly in return. However just to show up at my table and start performing is probably going to * me off and I'll probably think you are insane.

Make sure your props are not all disgusting looking.

All the above, I've seen before.

Some great advice there

You're becoming the American Allen Tipton