Hi All,
I posted in the misc forum a write up about my first gig ( http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic43403.php), and as promised this is the second.
I'd just like to say again that I'm writing these accounts so beginners (just like me) can hopefully gain anything at all helpful for themselves.
The Venue:
A 50th Gentlemans Birthday Celebration. A hired function room with bar and dance floor. There were around 100 guests, seated and standing throughout, and tables accomodating 8 to 10 people. There was an Elvis impersonator on between 9 and 10pm (Who was fantastic). I was there betwen 7:30 and 12:00.
Again I didn't charge anything, and also didn't announce my arrival beforehand because of the number of possible spectators (200 people was the original estimate I was told). I'd heard about the party through a friend and had them okay it with the birthday boy for me to attend, and maybe show a few effects.
The atmosphere was very informal, a buffet at one end of the room, and guests spread thoughout, and although I havn't performed in a bar/club atmosphere yet, I imagine them to be more like this experience rather than true table-hopping.
So, The Bad:
I'm sure if a working pro had been watching me, they could probably point out more to me than what I'm about to say. Which I think the only thing I could have got better, is the initial approach. I did find it genuinly difficult to spot the right moment to approach a table at the beginning of the evening. After about 5 minutes of standing like a billy no mates fiddling with his cards I quickly came up with a simple solution (after reading a few posts on talkmagic), and approached any 2 people that weren't leaning into each others space. ie leaning back. This worked great, and although it was usually a couple of men, from there it was easy to move around the group with a few more effects.
The Good:
I made goals beforehand which I stook to, and these were - Ask everyone I meet their name and shake their hand, Only spend 5 minutes with each group, and to try to return to each group later in the evening with different effects.
I wasn't aware of the Elvis impersonator until I arrived, but he helped tremendously. There was a natural break in entertainment, me doing walk-around for 90mins, Elvis for an hour, and again myself for another 90mins.
I did 3 effects first time round, which could include upto 5 spectators and at least 2 biz cards, and if there were any extra onlookers I had them shuffle the cards where possible.
Second time round I opened with a non card effect, and then bought out a stacked deck which was never under scrutiny. I can only assume because of the earlier conditioning with an imrpomptu and regularly shuffled first set.
If I can summarise, I'd like to say I feel like I 'smashed it'. For the first time I didn't feel nervous at all, as soon as I entered the venue I was greeted by the Birthday boy and immediately did some magic in his hands, he was impressed and I think this was key maintaining a calm mentality. I'd pleased the man everyone had been invited by, that was most improtant to me.
After Elvis had left the building there was a real buzz about me, people were coming over mid effect and asking me if I would come and 'do' them next! It was empowering to feel in demand, and my confidence soared (but not my ego). I set goals before I went, and kept only those in mind when performing, I'd recommend this to anyone who is new to performing as it does help to focus on what you need to improve on, and in a non-negative way. And also before I left, I casually had one last stroll around, simply to say goddbye to anyone I could, one last hand shake, and of course to refuse them one final effect as 'I really had to dash'
Lastly, thankyou again for taking the time to read this. Any comments or advise, as always, are greatly recieved
KP
