talkmagic.co.uk

Hi. I've been working on restaurants over the last 3 years, and for those who are thinking about getting to work in a restaurant, i have to warn you.
Murphy's Law, anything that can go wrong, Will go wrong. and this isn't meant to scare you, and I'm not telling you not to work in a restaurant, but i think you'll do better if i tell you this things..

One. You don't ever do your show, while they're eating. and your timing must be good, so you can estimate correctly the time you have before the meal arrives.

Two. Never walk to a table while they're watching you. Let me explain; when you see a guy that sell's something in the street, and he's coming directly to you, you instantly think "agh, this guy wants to try to sells me something" and immediately you close yourself, you follow? that's the same felling people have when they see you coming to them (especially when they don't know you are a magician, and you are working for the restaurant) so it's better that you identify a table that is good for magic, go around the place, and then go to that table from behind while they wasn't expecting you. and of course identify yourself right away.

Three. Step out of the way of the waitress! you don't wanna throw all the food, it will cost to you.

Four. Watch your angles.. remember you're in a place with people all around you, and the people you're performing to, is seated. I don't do any trick with angle sensitivity.

Five. People will want to tip you. Do not accept it, those are for the waitresses oh right?

Six. Don't do a mess with your magic in people tables. they might feel uncomfortable and complain about it with the manager, you don't want that.

This is my last post since i didn't have good feedback with my others posts. I hope this be helpful for you and take care of yourself. till the next time, bye

Not sure what kind of feedback you were expecting but, as far as I can see, your posts are informative and very helpful - stay with us a while longer OK?

I've never performed in a restaurant but I've eaten in lots of them! The main problem I see is one of noise - lots of customers chatting, laughing and generally having fun - any tips for getting around that problem?

Well, it depends on the restaurant, in the bigger ones the echo last longer to return, so technically speaking it should be less noise, but when the noise is really loud, and you can't talk very much (or nothing at all) like in night clubs or bars, the magic you do must be purely visual. anything that is impressive even if you don't say anything, it's good. but in general restaurant the noise it's not so loud and you shouldn't have any problem friend (: i recommend you to do some restaurant work, if you want i can post my experience on how to get to work in a restaurant but i suppose there is many material on that subject here already.

And about the other thing.. I'm used to people debating, arguing and sharing their experiences, that's what i mean by "feedback" but you're right i'll stay my friend, thank you.

There are one or two previous posts about how to approach customers in restaurants and so on but, as you rightly suggest, the best way to learn is to just do it! Usual rules of politeness, a clean and neat appearance, don't outstay your welcome etc. will apply. It's been suggested before that perhaps a good self worker might be the first item you present at a table so you can 'ease in' to them customers and concentrate on the presentation. I know there are many TM members who do table hopping in restaurants and other places of public entertainment so we ought to be seeing some tips and hints - perhaps the World Cup is taking preference at the moment!

Also, how do you gauge what sort of magic to do? I have a very, very low tolerance for card tricks - I like card magic but not tricks - yet the stereotypical image of a restaurant magician will see him/her brandishing a deck of cards.

Here's a coincidence, just had an email from magicshop.co.uk with a link to a free download called, "Approaching Tables - Free Book".

It Teaches

• The challenges faced performing magic at tables
• Why the work starts before you get to a gig
• The best way to talk to client
• Ways to work with the resturant staff
• How to create energy
• Ways to overcome approach nerves
• Techniques to build confidence
• Tricks to connect with spectators
• Ways to approach tables
• How to Introduce yourself
• Introductions and dealing with alpha spectators
• Tips for approaching long tables
• The best types of magic tricks to perform
• How to improve the impact of your magic
• much much more

.... I don't table hop, but I hope someone can make use of it.

..... good post, by the way, Ever Elizalde

Here's the link to the free ebook:

http://magictricks.magicshop.co.uk/magi ... i=13185993" target="_blank

Thank you - duly downloaded!

thanks me too.

Thanks for the link, I'll have to download it and give it a read.

I too don't usually have a lot to add to your posts. They are direct and imformative and thus far not really 'food for debate' so I never felt as though I had anything constructive to add.

Perhaps look at how many have read the post and how few negative replies you get. That should tell you something.

Stay or go, whatever you decide, thanks for the posts.

The book mentioned actually seems to be a very good book and the price is right! I normally delete all e-mail communications from magic dealers instantly but I tend to keep those from Dominic. Not just this because of this book but he sends you all sorts of wonderful information in his e-mails. I don't think he will ever get any money from me but you never know. I do think it is a very shrewd business move on his part.

Anyway all this reminds me that I was the second magician in Britain who ever worked a restaurant doing table magic. It would have been about 50 years ago. The first was Mick Chardo who actually paved the way for me. He ended up as a traffic warden and that always makes me laugh for some wicked reason. (I was also the first magician to have ever appeared on colour television in the UK!)

Thanks for the tips - somewhat obvious in all fariness - but you can bet your bottom dollar there is a decent %age of magicians who dont follow basic respect rules when performing in such environments

A bit of editing has been necessary as some comments have been misunderstood.