First, this post is not about magic, or how to perform magic. It's about getting a position in a restaurant performing your particular brand of magic.
Working as a close-up performer in a restaurant is probably the easiest way for the inexperienced magician to gain valuable 'face time'. It's also one of the best ways to develop your close-up skills and work on your confidence.
Working the same location, week after week, requires a different strategy and finess from say - working birthday parties. Approaching friends, family, and co-workers to get a birthday gig is one thing - approaching the general manager of a national restaurant chain is something else.
Here is a list of tips I consider "essential ":
(1) Look for the proper type of Restaurant -
It will be your responsibility, among other things, to help the restaurant cover that period of time between ordering and receiving the order. Seek restaurants that meet the criteria of having a legitimate 'wait time'. TGI Fridays and Applebees are
good examples. Pizza restaurants that cook pizza on-demand are another good example. (Customers typically wait at least fifteen minutes on a fresh baked pizza)
There are always exceptions to this 'rule', but these type of restaurants are a good place to begin your search..
Since many restaurants hire magicians to work on typically slow days of the week in order to increase mid-week traffic, mention that you, for a fee of course, can just as easily perform for waiting customers on weekends. Not only will these customers
appreciate the time-consuming entertainment, but it will help cut down on walk-offs that leave at the first sight of a long line.
This little-used technique will definitely bring more money into the restaurant and keep paying customers from going elsewhere. Plus, it gives YOU work both during the week and on weekends.
(2) Dress Appropriately- To be taken seriously, dress seriously. I'm not suggesting you wear a tuxedo to an interview, but as Michael Finney is fond of saying.." dress like you have some place more important to go later."
(3) Leave the Case- Don't walk in carrying your close-up case, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to have it in your car. Leaving it outside will give you a few moments to think about what strong magic you want to show the GM/Owner -IF- they insist on seeing a sample of your magic.
(4) Deal with the Decision-Maker Only -
You're not there to perform a free show for someone who can only refer you to someone else. Although some performers say call and set an appointment, I say go to the restaurant about one-thirty, eat lunch, and then ask to speak to the general manager/owner. Because you're there as a customer, it makes it more difficult for the GM to 'brush you off'.
The manager should respond to you as he would any other customer. Once at your table, ask him if he has a couple of minutes to 'talk'. Chances are, even after you disclose your reason for wanting to talk, he will still see you as a customer, and not an inconvenience.
Go on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and try to talk to the GM around two-thirty - the slowest part of the day for most GM's. Ask the GM to have a seat.. it puts you both on an equal level. Be confident.
(5) Be Prepared -Give the owner/gm a promo package of some sort. If you have to go to the mall and get a good photo of yourself at the glamour photo place - do it - and attach a business card to it. If you have a resume, take copies with you to give out, as well.
Some of the chain restaurants may want a contract. If you don't have one - I have a basic contract posted on my website at:
http://streetmagic.info/contracts.htmlPrint it out, modify it to suit your specific purpose, and run a few dozen copies off at Kinko's.
(6) Convince the Owner/GM The owner/gm must be convinced that you can increase their business on traditionally slow days. If you're working on salary (or by the hour), you need to show that you can increase traffic enough to cover your pay.
Don't wait until you're asked- to outline your plan. Have three or four good examples mentally ready, and look for an early opportunity to present them.
GM's are in charge for a reason - they know how to separate profitable ideas from costly ones..
(7) Compromise-Offer to work one night for free - if the management has reservations about your ability or usefullness. Give the GM a chance to see, first hand, the effectiveness of your magic.
If you're offered a tip, politely decline, and ask that, instead, they put in a good word with the GM. This is VERY Important.
(8) Pick your Poison -
If you're talented and personable, you can make more working for tips. Keep in mind that you will be competing against the wait staff, to a degree, for the customers money.
Think of creative ways to work WITH the wait staff instead. Consider offering them a tip if they refer tables to you. I wouldn't 'quote' them a dollar amount, instead, just tip them a percentage of your tips. If they can 'pre-qualify' the table, it will save you time and money in the long run anyway.
(9) Get Paid Accordingly -
If you decide to work on salary, or hourly, remember that you will perform a valuable service for the restaurant - one that no one but you can perform. You deserve to be paid according to your talents.
Good wait staffers can easily make a hundred dollars plus a night. Shouldn't you?
(10) Negotiate -
To make your job easier, negotiate the right to place card holders on the tables. This lets the customers know you're working, that you're working for tips or courtesy of the management, whatever the case, and to request a visit to their table through the wait staff.
Some of the biggest names in magic perform regularly in restaurants. Not so much because they need to - but because they want to. It's the perfect place to introduce new magic in your repertoire and make important contacts that may lead to very
profitable performances.
Mastering the ability to be personable is equal to mastering your magic. Both work hand-in-hand to elevate your status as a performer. Restaurants are the perfect place to develop your craft, build your confidence, and gain invaluable contacts.
Good Luck!
