:: Issue# 27 :: July 15th, 2005
:: Rick Carruth / editor
---------------------------------
:: Rick Carruth / editor
---------------------------------
Hello All..
Let me extend my Welcome to all the new subscribers. I'm sincerely glad to have you as a reader..
I hope you enjoy this issue of Magic Roadshow. I've finally got an interview with the amazing David Breth. If James Brown is the 'Godfather of Soul', by being the hardest working man in show business.. then David is the 'Godfather of Magic', by virtue of being the hardest working man in magic..
I'm also honored to have a new article from Dennis Regling. Dennis and I have more in common than magic. He's the magic editor at www.BellaOnline , which is almost a full-time editorial position, and I am the editor of BellaOnline's 'Shareware & Freeware' categories.
For those of you not familiar with BellaOnline, they are one of the two largest web sites in the world dedicated primarily toward women. After one visit, you will see why they have so many male visitors. The amount of information they have published on every subject imaginable is staggering!
Pay us a visit at:
www.shareware.bellaonline.com -and- www.magic.bellaonline.com
Just for good measure, I have published the url's to several interesting video's/pdf's . Take advantage of these free resources!
Let's get to it...
~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~
:: Interview - David Breth
This issues interview is with one of my personal favorites... David Breth. Aside from being one of Magic Roadshows associate editors, David is one of the most popular childrens magicians and close-up magicians in the country.
Renown for his high energy, laugh-a-minute routines, David has a view to share that can only be gained through endlessly performing at a very professional level..
Just during the past few months, David has performed in locations as diverse as.. St. Louis, MO; New Orleans, LA; Cape Girardeau, MO; Salt Lake City, UT; Boston, MA; Medford, MA; Orlando, FL; Chattanooga, TN; Greenville, SC; and Cary, NC.. to name a few..
If you reside in the Baltimore area ( or DC ) you can visit David weekly at Gusspizza.com , where he offers party packages, close-up shows, and VIP performances ( for the True magic enthusiast..)
I know you will enjoy David Breth and his unique, positive style of magic!
===============
Rick: Hi David, and welcome to Magic Roadshow. First - tell our readers what type's of magic you perform.
Breth: Thank you Rick, I do appreciate this humble opportunity to share with your readers.
As for the types of magic I perform, well I would state "entertaining magic" .
My specialty(s) and passion is/are close-up (sleight-of-hand) and children's stage.
Though I have performed in front of hundreds of spectators with large stage illusions such as zigzag lady and metamorphosis, I started out as a street magician. My true passion and gift is close-up and entertaining children. In a nutshell: The types of magic I perform are close-up (weddings, benefits, restaurant -) and children's stage shows -www.davidbreth.com.
--------------------------
Rick: How did you get into magic:
Breth: I began in magic by learning one, then two and then...a few easy to do close-up magic tricks (scotch and soda, Red-hot momma, professors nightmare, etc...).
Notice I learned one trick at a time, and I learned each one well. It was when I had been in the town of Perryville, MO. that I met a young man by the name of Tyson Zahner ; www.jackson.k12.mo.us/vocal/directors.htm). Tyson was a "hobby" magician (performing tricks for friends, family and at parties). Well, the rest, as some say, is "history", but for me it is my "future".
---------------------------
Rick: ...and who were your primary influences:
Breth: Some entertainers that have had a personal and lasting affect on my skills include: Kelly Presson, Frank Ambrozino, Doug Conn (www.dougconn.com ) Dennis Haney (www.dennymagic.com ), sure there are others, but these are my primary influences.
------------------------------
Rick: How many shows and/or days a year do you perform:
Breth: Thank you to Dave Dee, Dan Kennedy (dankennedy.com), and Eric Paul (moremoneywithmagic.com) I consistently perform an average of 15 through 25, often more, shows per any given month . This is in addition to teaching weekly magic classes, and performing restaurant walk-around .
--------------------------------
Rick: give us several examples of the type tricks you use in your close-up performances.
Breth:
A. Picture This (by Richard Sanders)
The magician shows a stack of full color photos supposedly of him as a little boy in his room holding a large fan of cards. The spectator signs the photo and you place it face down on the table. You have him select a card and upon turning over the signed photo, the little boy has dropped all of the cards except the one the spectator selected. The signed photo is then given to the spectator to keep as a souvenir. This is a really great layman pleasing close-up effect.
Picture This...really is a beautiful work to carry ALL the time!
This is a must perform for all magicians some time or other! EVERY spectator WILL ask you to perform this for them (This is one of the illusions that you have the means [without the secret being reveled] to perform time and again in the same setting! Do this one for the children and upon the revelation all the adults will take the card (that you gave the child to keep & take home) and they will all ask you how this is possible.
Highly recommended. About $12.50 at www.dennymagic.com
B. Holy Moly (Jay Sankey). The Results are fabulous!!! The results are in, the response is awesome. This is one pack REALLY light and play REALLY big effect. Thank you Jay.
The holes on two ordinary metal washers vanish, appear and multiply in the spectator's own hand! At the end of the effect, both washers may be closely examined! An ingenious combination of sleight-of-hand and very clever thinking!
The most devastating coin routine I have ever created.
- Jay Sankey
P.S. This trick does (As all others) require practice, if you want your spectators to remember you as the "best" magical performer they have ever experienced live! Practice, Practice and oh by the way Practice. ( www.jaysankey.com )-$16.00
C. Blizzard (Dean Dill)
A few fellow magicians were dinning in the restaurant where I perform, after their meal they asked if I would perform some magic for them. I decided to entertain them with an effect by Dean Dill called "Blizzard", after the performance (They were all blown away, including one's that have seen this trick did not catch the mechanics when it took place). One of them stated (A fifteen year, full time magic veteran)..."you sure fooled me"... (www.deandill.com and www.dennymagic.com$25.00
D. Renaldo The Great (Michael Close)
Many magicians passed this trick by because it uses a standard prop. Don't make that mistake. This routine is a complete fooler for both laymen and magicians. $10.00 (www.michaelclose.com )
----------------------------
Rick: How often do you practice, and do you practice every day.
Breth: How often...Daily and six days per week. I do not wait until I am performing, as I know some self-proclaimed 'magicians' do. You audience will know!!!
----------------------------
Rick: How do you go about learning a new trick.
Breth: Depends on the trick. Some have instructions included, but I highly recommend books! What? Books? Yes, books! You can watch a video, but to create your own character will be created by read books and attending lectures. In a book you only visualize how you see the author performing an effect.
----------------------------
Rick: If I hire you to perform at a party, what type of guarantee do I get..
Breth: 100% (You don’t like, you don’t pay)!
You know it is a fact (call for yourself) I am one of only a few magicians in my area that offers all my customers a "100% GUARANTEE. If you don't like, you don't pay". Most magicians offer what I call the tail light guarantee: "When you can not see my taillights anymore that is when your guarantee has expired".
I have my share of 'well meaning' magicians telling me ..."oh, you should not offer a 100% guarantee. There are always gold diggers out there looking for a bargain"...
That statement is true, yet for me I have never had any one take me up on my offer.
Then these same 'well meaning' magicians ask me ..."what if they do decide to take you up on your offer then what?" ..."If they do, I will tear their check up"....
Real to life: I live about 30 miles outside of Baltimore, MD just this year 2005 I am on the phone with a potential client, we are chatting about their son's fourth birthday party. When I told them about my 100% GUARANTEE Mr. and Mrs. X said "really, wow". They secured my services right then and there.
Now you may be saying OK neat, but what is the big deal? Oh, yeah I have not mentioned to you the fact that they live just outside of Boston, MA.
This means they have to fly me in, put me in a hotel, and take care of my meals and ground transportation. Mr. and Mrs. X are not just a couple that have flown off their rocker, they are real to life folks like you converse with each and every day.
They were not buying the reality that it would cost them more to have me travel there than to have a local drive ten minutes to their house, they were buying the 'perception' of me being the 'best', and giving them a security blanket (100% Guarantee) in case I said I was the best and did not come through.
Disclaimer: You must be able to deliver what you promise or you will be taken up on your guarantee. I strive to over deliver. Give them more than they had agreed to... Notice I said more - not less.
Footnote: I am not in anyway putting down the "well meaning" magicians that tell me I should not offer my 100% Guarantee. 99% of them that tell me this are not full-time and perform less shows in a few months than I perform in one month. I am not boasting; please know I am humbler when I say this!
----------------------------
Rick: Why are your customers willing to fly you from state to state to perform when they could hire a local.
Breth: "Hello, my name is David Breth!" No, no, no I am just kidding...please, don‘t get all worked up. "Most people do not buy reality, they buy perception". When I heard this statement used, my first thought was 'hummm this seems dishonest.'
The more I pondered and studied this statement, the more I began to see that this was not a justification to be dishonest, but it was just being honest about most people.
"Most people do not buy reality, they buy perception". I recall a story I read years ago about several bakeries located on the same street each located only a few shops down from one another.
One of these bakeries placed their sign out front of their store and it read "The best bakery in the universe". Another had a sign reading "The best bakery in the world", yet another displayed a colorful sign with bold letters "The best bakery in the state".
The one that is always packed with paying, repeat customers is the bakery that has the sign that simply says "The best bakery on this street".
You see whether they were actually the best bakery on that street or not, the perception is that they are from what their sign says.
In my case-sure it is perception, but it is also referrals and a MASSIVE amount of testimonies that I have everywhere and also assemble for potential clients to contact via-Email or telephone (I often get permission to give a repeat client’s Email or phone number out ... with discretion of course).
----------------------------
Rick: Do you use any paid advertising. If so - what works best for you.
Breth: Hardly ever!!! 99% of my business is word of mouth, "The Best billboard". Fact: I give several shows per month to other local entertainers that are advertising each month in this magazine and that paper.
PLEASE NOTE: I am not in any way saying not to do this, your business is going to be different to mine (Plus you have to be willing to sacrifice, to gain). Here is a letter that I sent to Dave Dee a few months ago, he sent this out to his E-news letter clients (some of you will recall this)
-------
"Dave:
Thank you for all the super information.
For more than a year we have implemented most of the techniques gleaned from your 'Ultimate' course in the restaurant I perform at six (6) days per week.
Our birthday party package has become a VERY, VERY, VERY successful commodity. We have folks that are calling and booking their child's birthday party's with us and some live one to two HOURS away! SERIOUSLY!!!
Last year around this time we ran an exclusive $99.00 special, many of the local entertainers called me and some even stopped into the restaurant and heckled us, stating things like: ..."having the party's inside of the restaurant was a "CRAZY" idea and for $99.00, Have you lost your mind"... and "How can you afford to do them at this price and give all the stuff away that is in the package for such a low price. David you are in business and that means you need to be trying to make a profit"... .
For sure the cost of the party may of been more than $99.00. But when I shared my vision with Gus the founder and owner of the establishment he saw the big picture I was painting and he practically gave me the entire dinning room, food, drinks, and all the other commodity's (Napkins, forks, etc.) for next to nothing I think it is called his cost (Wholesale).
The picture for him was of FREE advertising, each party plays host to NO LESS than 15 to twenty NEW family's that have yet to dine in his restaurant (By the way he has been in the same location for more than 23 years).
My response to the other entertainers was often: ..."hey, I can NOT afford not to do it for $99.00 and inside the restaurant"... .
From this we have turned a few party's into many, many, many REPEATED birthday party's. (And we DO NOT pay to advertise, it has ALL been word of mouth). I send those that give a booking referral to us a gift certificate to none other than the restaurant. Again the owner has given me these at his cost not retail, he knows that with each one of these mailed to those whom have sent us party's will and have continued to send us several good referral's per year. One family had four birthday party's with us in 2004 and has paid their deposit (back in 2004) for two benefit banquets (Magic Show) and three birthday party's for 2005!
Dave Dee: "The information found within your system works, if you work it".
Continuing to learn. As the old timers say: "Get all you can and can all you get"
------------
Rick: What's the difference between your normal restaurant close-up routine and your 'private sessions'.
Breth: My ‘normal’ <----(Thank you for your kindness), restaurant routine is available and delivered, when I am in town, Wednesday through Saturday. Private sessions is an exclusive setting with R.S.V.P. ONLY!!! Again "Perception vs. Reality, P.S. are marketed via-word of mouth as ..."if you enjoyed the close-up magic that was presented here tonight, if you enjoy Las Vegas quality sleight-of-hand-oh you will not wish to miss our P.S.’s"..
---------------------------
Rick: Silly Billy told me he mentally divides the kids into different age groups and has different routines for each group, as each group responds to different types of humor. Sounds complicated to me.. Does your performances differ between, say.. seven to nine year olds, and ten to twelve year olds.
David: Yes! A 4-year-old will laugh and scream during a silly routine with a balloon, as a typical eight-year-old will not find this as funny as telling a buger joke. I may use the dream bag and crystal tube with both age groups, but the actual routine is totally different.
---------------------------
Rick: What percentage of your close-up routine is card sleights, and why..
David: Depends on the venue and the request. The typical mind-set of most is ..."he is a magician therefore he will show me a card trick"... , this in mind I may approach with a deck of cards for them to see and produce ‘Holy Moly’(Jay Sankey). As for ‘sleights’, I personally tend to use more sleight-of-hand than ‘packet’ tricks (Doug Conn, Simon Lovell, Derek Dingle, ...).
----------------------------------
Rick: Do you use any packet tricks, and if so, what has been most successful for you. Also, do you use gaffed cards..
David: I do use packet tricks from time to time. For me the most successful have been:
A. Blizzard (Dean Dill)
B. Hunters Monte’ (Rudy T. Hunter)
C. In A Flash (Jay Sankey)
D. Picture This (Richard Sanders)
---------------------------------
Rick: I know you have your own line of merchandise. Any plans to market a DVD or ebook in the near future. Do you sell back-in products after your performances.
David: Yes, Yes and Yes. A DVD and several valuable ebooks are in the works as I type this. Back-in products are a great source of extra income, I take home hundreds of dollars just from my book sales alone from each show (I use the funds earned ‘JUST’ from my book, from one party each month to pay my rent). Though David Copperfield earns a healthy income he also brings in thousands of bucks each month from back-in sales.
-------------------------------
Rick: I have examples of your contract and evaluation forms on my website for printout. Has your contract prevented any major problems, and what is the primary benefit of an evaluation form.
David: No, using a contract is valuable for many reasons (Two valuable reasons are):
1. It gives your client(s) the security of knowing that they are hiring a professional entertainer and not just a circus carney (if you are a circus carney, please take note there is no offense intended here...I love the cotton candy).
2. A well-written contract will guarantee that if a client does cancel an event last minute, you will still receive some type of financial compensation.
( Editors Note: I have posted blank copies of the contracts David uses on my website at:
www.Streetmagic.info/contracts.html and www.streetmagic.info/evaluation.html
David has granted permission for you to reproduce these contracts ..)
-----------------------------
Rick: You and I have a mutual friend in Dave Dee. How much difference does Dave and his marketing techniques have on your bottom line..
David: Wow!!! How much time and how many pages do you want this to be?!.
In a nutshell purchase his materials!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Literally, my business went from performing occasional shows (maybe 10
per month), now an average of 20 through 25 plus shows each and every month!!!
You HAVE NOTHING TO LOOSE, if you work it it works! Dave offers a 100% money-back guarantee... Do what others won’t, to have what others don’t. (do not listen to the negative folks). http://www.davedee.com
----------------------------
Rick: If you could have any three current magicians over for dinner and an extended session, who would you invite..
David: Dennis Haney, Dean Dill , and Brad Ross (http://www.bradross.com">www.bradross.com )</a>
--------------------------
Rick: How do you keep a room full of kids focused and attentive - and what is the ideal length of time to perform for them..
David: Think like a child during the performance!!! This will help you create one of the most child-friendly shows your audiences have ever been involved with. In return you will begin to receive a steady-stream of repeat clientele. I truly believe it is important for us to learn how to properly respond and entertain to and for the children.
"All the kids (SHOULD) get a serious case of the sillies"
Are you trying to ‘impress’ the adults with your skillful sleight-of-hand techniques or are you giving the children a taste of Mary Poppins’s ‘magic’?
Talk about Mary Poppins ‘magic’. Recently I enjoyed the movie ‘Finding Neverland’ (Johnny Depp), this is a creative and ‘magical’ journey through the eyes of a child in an adult body. Too many times I see self-proclaimed children's "entertainers"; they endorse themselves as being good with kids (many times they are).
The problem is in the "I still want to be an adult (while entertaining kids)" syndrome, this in no way is to put the kids in charge of the show, but these entertainers are NOT really kid friendly as they think they are. You can and should have full control, yet let the children witness your "inner child" at the same moment. If you are a children's entertainer (JUST) to earn a buck-get out!
Ideal length of time? I have several shows...one goes for 30 minutes, another for 45 and one that last for one hour. YOU CAN KEEP there attention!!! if you become child-like your self-GUARANTEED!!!
----------------------------
Rick: Where have your travels taken you in the past few months.
David: Out of my front door. Amazing I know, all of you are ‘impressed‘...I can tell by the grin on your faces. My travels have taken me (during the past few months) to many, many birthday parties, churches and other special events. I have flown/traveled by train and cab into:
St. Louis, MO; New Orleans, LA; Cape Girardeau, MO; Salt Lake City, UT; Boston, MA; Medford, MA; Orlando, FL; Chattanooga, TN; Greenville, SC; Cary, NC; ...
-------------------------------
Rick: What are your plans for the next year David..
David: I desire to serve The Lord Jesus Christ!!! If it is His will be done, I have plans to produce a new high-quality DVD, continue composing articles, performing 30 - 40 shows per month, help others increase their personal success, increase my annual income by at lease 300%, have a ‘party palace‘ where birthday party shows can be performed six days per week, and several other plans...
P.S. Thank you for reading.
Rick: Thank You, David, for your time !
--------------------
You can visit David at his site: www.DavidBreth.com and find out more about his parties and close-up shows..
~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~
:: Japanese Video
Very nice effect from a Japanese street magician , courtesy of Pagliacci.
http://www.iampagliacci.blogspot.com/
I enjoy watching magicians from afar. You get a different perspective on magic watching someone from Japan, China, or India perform. With their rich and ancient history, you witness a 'performance', as opposed to a 'trick'.
http://www.santoalt.com/videos/205_Hamburger_Trick.html
~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~
:: POSTCARD MARKETING FOR MAGICIANS
:: By Dennis Regling / contributing editor
One of the most useful tools in the magician's marketing kit is the lowly postcard. Unfortunately, they are incredibly under-used and many entertainers do not know how to get the most out of this inexpensive form of advertising.
PROSPECTING POSTCARD
Geoff Ronning books hypnosis shows in clubs and schools using postcards to prospect.
A prospecting card is a card mailed to a mailing list of prospective clients. You can compile your own list or get lists from the chamber of commerce or list dealers.
The prospecting card should have all your contact info, your USP or slogan, a free offer and a call to action.
The free offer can be a special report on fundraising, selecting performers or any topic that your prospect will be interested in. Some folks will prefer to go to your website for information, others will prefer to phone you, so be sure to give them options.
A well designed card will get your phone ringing. Don't try to explain your entire show, but list some benefits and whet their appetites to want more.
POSTCARD FOLLOW-UP
This is a card I leave with my clients. It is stamped and addressed to me.
The card contains a simple thank you and asks for their comments about the show. This is a great way to get quotes and comments for your advertising.
Always use a real stamp, not a postage paid card. People are more likely to return the card with a real stamp, since it seems wasteful to throw out a perfectly good stamp.
POST CARD THANK YOU
This should be a nice printed postcard, preferably with your face and logo on it. A simple thank you goes a long way in building goodwill and repeat business.
If it's for a birthday party, be sure you address it to the birthday child. They will be thrilled to get a card and the parents will appreciate it.
VACATION POSTCARDS
Here is a novel idea that will help you stand out from the crowd.
Whenever you go on vacation or to a convention, get some free postcards from the hotel where you are staying, or buy some at the local gift shop. Send these to everyone you have done a show for in the past twelve months.
On the back write:
Dear friend (insert name),
I am attending a convention of entertainers and getting all kinds of new ideas and illusions. I can't wait to put them into my new show and share them with you .
Sign your name and mail it.
For less than fifty cents, you can stand out from your competition. People love getting picture postcards and what greater thrill than to get it from a professional performer. You will be remembered.
So try these ideas and see how quickly and inexpensively you can build your business.
You can have some nice, inexpensive cards printed at:
http://www.printingforless.com
http://www.OvernightPrints.com
http://argonautpress.com
http://www.winkflash.com
http://www.overnightprints.com
http://ad-graphics.com/cart/postcards.asp (Will print and mail to your mailing list.)
Visit Dennis Regling at http://www.magicministry.com
& at http://magic.bellaonline.com
~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~
:: Simon Aronson PDF
There's been much interest in memorized decks in the past couple of years. Slowly, as famed magicians reveal secrets they don't want to take to their grave, the public begins to realize the power of certain techniques.
Memorized Decks are a good example. In the hands of a pro, you can do miracles with the right stack. And just like all magic, everyone has their personal favorite...
Simon Aronson, a mainstay of magic in the Chicago area and one of magic's most innovative thinkers, is a retired attorney and one of Marlo's 'inner circle' of friends - until Marlo's passing in 1991.
Simon says: " Several years ago I published a set of lecture notes for some private workshops I conducted on the Memorized Deck, and that pamphlet may prove helpful to those who want a background, and some basic principles and effects, on this fascinating topic."
To download your free pdf, go to.. http://www.simonaronson.com/magiciansonly.htm
Enter the 'Professors' first name ( _ _ _ Vernon) and enter a private area to access the download..
~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~
:: 2 Card Monte
Made famous by David Blaine on one of his TV specials, the two card monte is still one of my favorite moves. You show a queen on top of the deck, give it to the spectator to hold, show another queen on top of the deck, give that one to the spectator to hold also...
And in an instant, you change the two queens for two aces...
This is a great impromptu trick that can be performed with any deck, at any time. Check out this video of Brad Christian performing the 2 Card Monte..
-link no longer active-
~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~
:: Shell Game - free PDF
I'm sure many of you are familiar with Glenn Bishop, especially if you visit the Magic Cafe. A professional magician and hypnotist, Glenn has lectured for the Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians, as well as performed at the Magic Castle.
If you haven't visited Glenn's site at www.bishmagic.org , you should.
He has uploaded a large number of videos of various performances that I know you will find interesting.
Glenn has a unique three-shell routine that he has compiled into a pdf that you can view at..
-link not active-
To access this pdf you will be asked for a password. The password is Dai Vernon's real last name.. V_ _ _ _ R . ( No, I'm not going to give you the answer. That wouldn't be fair to Glenn..!)
To help you get the overall effect of the three shell routine, Glenn has also put a video on his site of him performing this routine on tv..
http://www.mrhypnotist.org/video/shells.wmv
Check it out...
~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~
:: 25 Shows a Month
Are you familiar with Dave Dee? For those of you who don't know, Dave is the marketing expert for magicians and is the author of the all time best selling "Ultimate Insider Secrets Marketing Program For Magicians.
My Associate Editor, David Breth, tells me that Dave is the real deal. As a full-time magician who travels the country, David should know. Dave insist that he can increase your shows from 3 or 4 per month - to 20 to 25 per month.
Can he? Visit his web site and read his side of the story..
-link not active-
~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~
'Thank You' for hanging in there to the very end.. If I had a prize, I'd send you one..
This issue has been a labor of love. I've had a dozen different things going on. As I write, it's four-thirty in the morning and I'm trying desperately to wrap things up with grace and dignity. It would be so easy to just say "bye, see ya".
Actually, I think that's exactly what I'm going to do..
If you enjoyed this issue - tell others. If not - tell me..
-Email Me-
Send me your magic related articles and resources and let me forward them around the world. ( Really... I've got subscribers in about 33 countries..)
--------------
Remember to visit Magic Bullets - the blog - at http://streetmagic.info/blogger.html
Street Magic Bullets
http://StreetMagic.info
--------------
May my next issue find you well...
Rick Carruth
-------------------------
Let me extend my Welcome to all the new subscribers. I'm sincerely glad to have you as a reader..
I hope you enjoy this issue of Magic Roadshow. I've finally got an interview with the amazing David Breth. If James Brown is the 'Godfather of Soul', by being the hardest working man in show business.. then David is the 'Godfather of Magic', by virtue of being the hardest working man in magic..
I'm also honored to have a new article from Dennis Regling. Dennis and I have more in common than magic. He's the magic editor at www.BellaOnline , which is almost a full-time editorial position, and I am the editor of BellaOnline's 'Shareware & Freeware' categories.
For those of you not familiar with BellaOnline, they are one of the two largest web sites in the world dedicated primarily toward women. After one visit, you will see why they have so many male visitors. The amount of information they have published on every subject imaginable is staggering!
Pay us a visit at:
www.shareware.bellaonline.com -and- www.magic.bellaonline.com
Just for good measure, I have published the url's to several interesting video's/pdf's . Take advantage of these free resources!
Let's get to it...
~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~
:: Interview - David Breth
This issues interview is with one of my personal favorites... David Breth. Aside from being one of Magic Roadshows associate editors, David is one of the most popular childrens magicians and close-up magicians in the country.
Renown for his high energy, laugh-a-minute routines, David has a view to share that can only be gained through endlessly performing at a very professional level..
Just during the past few months, David has performed in locations as diverse as.. St. Louis, MO; New Orleans, LA; Cape Girardeau, MO; Salt Lake City, UT; Boston, MA; Medford, MA; Orlando, FL; Chattanooga, TN; Greenville, SC; and Cary, NC.. to name a few..
If you reside in the Baltimore area ( or DC ) you can visit David weekly at Gusspizza.com , where he offers party packages, close-up shows, and VIP performances ( for the True magic enthusiast..)
I know you will enjoy David Breth and his unique, positive style of magic!
===============
Rick: Hi David, and welcome to Magic Roadshow. First - tell our readers what type's of magic you perform.
Breth: Thank you Rick, I do appreciate this humble opportunity to share with your readers.
As for the types of magic I perform, well I would state "entertaining magic" .
My specialty(s) and passion is/are close-up (sleight-of-hand) and children's stage.
Though I have performed in front of hundreds of spectators with large stage illusions such as zigzag lady and metamorphosis, I started out as a street magician. My true passion and gift is close-up and entertaining children. In a nutshell: The types of magic I perform are close-up (weddings, benefits, restaurant -) and children's stage shows -www.davidbreth.com.
--------------------------
Rick: How did you get into magic:
Breth: I began in magic by learning one, then two and then...a few easy to do close-up magic tricks (scotch and soda, Red-hot momma, professors nightmare, etc...).
Notice I learned one trick at a time, and I learned each one well. It was when I had been in the town of Perryville, MO. that I met a young man by the name of Tyson Zahner ; www.jackson.k12.mo.us/vocal/directors.htm). Tyson was a "hobby" magician (performing tricks for friends, family and at parties). Well, the rest, as some say, is "history", but for me it is my "future".
---------------------------
Rick: ...and who were your primary influences:
Breth: Some entertainers that have had a personal and lasting affect on my skills include: Kelly Presson, Frank Ambrozino, Doug Conn (www.dougconn.com ) Dennis Haney (www.dennymagic.com ), sure there are others, but these are my primary influences.
------------------------------
Rick: How many shows and/or days a year do you perform:
Breth: Thank you to Dave Dee, Dan Kennedy (dankennedy.com), and Eric Paul (moremoneywithmagic.com) I consistently perform an average of 15 through 25, often more, shows per any given month . This is in addition to teaching weekly magic classes, and performing restaurant walk-around .
--------------------------------
Rick: give us several examples of the type tricks you use in your close-up performances.
Breth:
A. Picture This (by Richard Sanders)
The magician shows a stack of full color photos supposedly of him as a little boy in his room holding a large fan of cards. The spectator signs the photo and you place it face down on the table. You have him select a card and upon turning over the signed photo, the little boy has dropped all of the cards except the one the spectator selected. The signed photo is then given to the spectator to keep as a souvenir. This is a really great layman pleasing close-up effect.
Picture This...really is a beautiful work to carry ALL the time!
This is a must perform for all magicians some time or other! EVERY spectator WILL ask you to perform this for them (This is one of the illusions that you have the means [without the secret being reveled] to perform time and again in the same setting! Do this one for the children and upon the revelation all the adults will take the card (that you gave the child to keep & take home) and they will all ask you how this is possible.
Highly recommended. About $12.50 at www.dennymagic.com
B. Holy Moly (Jay Sankey). The Results are fabulous!!! The results are in, the response is awesome. This is one pack REALLY light and play REALLY big effect. Thank you Jay.
The holes on two ordinary metal washers vanish, appear and multiply in the spectator's own hand! At the end of the effect, both washers may be closely examined! An ingenious combination of sleight-of-hand and very clever thinking!
The most devastating coin routine I have ever created.
- Jay Sankey
P.S. This trick does (As all others) require practice, if you want your spectators to remember you as the "best" magical performer they have ever experienced live! Practice, Practice and oh by the way Practice. ( www.jaysankey.com )-$16.00
C. Blizzard (Dean Dill)
A few fellow magicians were dinning in the restaurant where I perform, after their meal they asked if I would perform some magic for them. I decided to entertain them with an effect by Dean Dill called "Blizzard", after the performance (They were all blown away, including one's that have seen this trick did not catch the mechanics when it took place). One of them stated (A fifteen year, full time magic veteran)..."you sure fooled me"... (www.deandill.com and www.dennymagic.com$25.00
D. Renaldo The Great (Michael Close)
Many magicians passed this trick by because it uses a standard prop. Don't make that mistake. This routine is a complete fooler for both laymen and magicians. $10.00 (www.michaelclose.com )
----------------------------
Rick: How often do you practice, and do you practice every day.
Breth: How often...Daily and six days per week. I do not wait until I am performing, as I know some self-proclaimed 'magicians' do. You audience will know!!!
----------------------------
Rick: How do you go about learning a new trick.
Breth: Depends on the trick. Some have instructions included, but I highly recommend books! What? Books? Yes, books! You can watch a video, but to create your own character will be created by read books and attending lectures. In a book you only visualize how you see the author performing an effect.
----------------------------
Rick: If I hire you to perform at a party, what type of guarantee do I get..
Breth: 100% (You don’t like, you don’t pay)!
You know it is a fact (call for yourself) I am one of only a few magicians in my area that offers all my customers a "100% GUARANTEE. If you don't like, you don't pay". Most magicians offer what I call the tail light guarantee: "When you can not see my taillights anymore that is when your guarantee has expired".
I have my share of 'well meaning' magicians telling me ..."oh, you should not offer a 100% guarantee. There are always gold diggers out there looking for a bargain"...
That statement is true, yet for me I have never had any one take me up on my offer.
Then these same 'well meaning' magicians ask me ..."what if they do decide to take you up on your offer then what?" ..."If they do, I will tear their check up"....
Real to life: I live about 30 miles outside of Baltimore, MD just this year 2005 I am on the phone with a potential client, we are chatting about their son's fourth birthday party. When I told them about my 100% GUARANTEE Mr. and Mrs. X said "really, wow". They secured my services right then and there.
Now you may be saying OK neat, but what is the big deal? Oh, yeah I have not mentioned to you the fact that they live just outside of Boston, MA.
This means they have to fly me in, put me in a hotel, and take care of my meals and ground transportation. Mr. and Mrs. X are not just a couple that have flown off their rocker, they are real to life folks like you converse with each and every day.
They were not buying the reality that it would cost them more to have me travel there than to have a local drive ten minutes to their house, they were buying the 'perception' of me being the 'best', and giving them a security blanket (100% Guarantee) in case I said I was the best and did not come through.
Disclaimer: You must be able to deliver what you promise or you will be taken up on your guarantee. I strive to over deliver. Give them more than they had agreed to... Notice I said more - not less.
Footnote: I am not in anyway putting down the "well meaning" magicians that tell me I should not offer my 100% Guarantee. 99% of them that tell me this are not full-time and perform less shows in a few months than I perform in one month. I am not boasting; please know I am humbler when I say this!
----------------------------
Rick: Why are your customers willing to fly you from state to state to perform when they could hire a local.
Breth: "Hello, my name is David Breth!" No, no, no I am just kidding...please, don‘t get all worked up. "Most people do not buy reality, they buy perception". When I heard this statement used, my first thought was 'hummm this seems dishonest.'
The more I pondered and studied this statement, the more I began to see that this was not a justification to be dishonest, but it was just being honest about most people.
"Most people do not buy reality, they buy perception". I recall a story I read years ago about several bakeries located on the same street each located only a few shops down from one another.
One of these bakeries placed their sign out front of their store and it read "The best bakery in the universe". Another had a sign reading "The best bakery in the world", yet another displayed a colorful sign with bold letters "The best bakery in the state".
The one that is always packed with paying, repeat customers is the bakery that has the sign that simply says "The best bakery on this street".
You see whether they were actually the best bakery on that street or not, the perception is that they are from what their sign says.
In my case-sure it is perception, but it is also referrals and a MASSIVE amount of testimonies that I have everywhere and also assemble for potential clients to contact via-Email or telephone (I often get permission to give a repeat client’s Email or phone number out ... with discretion of course).
----------------------------
Rick: Do you use any paid advertising. If so - what works best for you.
Breth: Hardly ever!!! 99% of my business is word of mouth, "The Best billboard". Fact: I give several shows per month to other local entertainers that are advertising each month in this magazine and that paper.
PLEASE NOTE: I am not in any way saying not to do this, your business is going to be different to mine (Plus you have to be willing to sacrifice, to gain). Here is a letter that I sent to Dave Dee a few months ago, he sent this out to his E-news letter clients (some of you will recall this)
-------
"Dave:
Thank you for all the super information.
For more than a year we have implemented most of the techniques gleaned from your 'Ultimate' course in the restaurant I perform at six (6) days per week.
Our birthday party package has become a VERY, VERY, VERY successful commodity. We have folks that are calling and booking their child's birthday party's with us and some live one to two HOURS away! SERIOUSLY!!!
Last year around this time we ran an exclusive $99.00 special, many of the local entertainers called me and some even stopped into the restaurant and heckled us, stating things like: ..."having the party's inside of the restaurant was a "CRAZY" idea and for $99.00, Have you lost your mind"... and "How can you afford to do them at this price and give all the stuff away that is in the package for such a low price. David you are in business and that means you need to be trying to make a profit"... .
For sure the cost of the party may of been more than $99.00. But when I shared my vision with Gus the founder and owner of the establishment he saw the big picture I was painting and he practically gave me the entire dinning room, food, drinks, and all the other commodity's (Napkins, forks, etc.) for next to nothing I think it is called his cost (Wholesale).
The picture for him was of FREE advertising, each party plays host to NO LESS than 15 to twenty NEW family's that have yet to dine in his restaurant (By the way he has been in the same location for more than 23 years).
My response to the other entertainers was often: ..."hey, I can NOT afford not to do it for $99.00 and inside the restaurant"... .
From this we have turned a few party's into many, many, many REPEATED birthday party's. (And we DO NOT pay to advertise, it has ALL been word of mouth). I send those that give a booking referral to us a gift certificate to none other than the restaurant. Again the owner has given me these at his cost not retail, he knows that with each one of these mailed to those whom have sent us party's will and have continued to send us several good referral's per year. One family had four birthday party's with us in 2004 and has paid their deposit (back in 2004) for two benefit banquets (Magic Show) and three birthday party's for 2005!
Dave Dee: "The information found within your system works, if you work it".
Continuing to learn. As the old timers say: "Get all you can and can all you get"
------------
Rick: What's the difference between your normal restaurant close-up routine and your 'private sessions'.
Breth: My ‘normal’ <----(Thank you for your kindness), restaurant routine is available and delivered, when I am in town, Wednesday through Saturday. Private sessions is an exclusive setting with R.S.V.P. ONLY!!! Again "Perception vs. Reality, P.S. are marketed via-word of mouth as ..."if you enjoyed the close-up magic that was presented here tonight, if you enjoy Las Vegas quality sleight-of-hand-oh you will not wish to miss our P.S.’s"..
---------------------------
Rick: Silly Billy told me he mentally divides the kids into different age groups and has different routines for each group, as each group responds to different types of humor. Sounds complicated to me.. Does your performances differ between, say.. seven to nine year olds, and ten to twelve year olds.
David: Yes! A 4-year-old will laugh and scream during a silly routine with a balloon, as a typical eight-year-old will not find this as funny as telling a buger joke. I may use the dream bag and crystal tube with both age groups, but the actual routine is totally different.
---------------------------
Rick: What percentage of your close-up routine is card sleights, and why..
David: Depends on the venue and the request. The typical mind-set of most is ..."he is a magician therefore he will show me a card trick"... , this in mind I may approach with a deck of cards for them to see and produce ‘Holy Moly’(Jay Sankey). As for ‘sleights’, I personally tend to use more sleight-of-hand than ‘packet’ tricks (Doug Conn, Simon Lovell, Derek Dingle, ...).
----------------------------------
Rick: Do you use any packet tricks, and if so, what has been most successful for you. Also, do you use gaffed cards..
David: I do use packet tricks from time to time. For me the most successful have been:
A. Blizzard (Dean Dill)
B. Hunters Monte’ (Rudy T. Hunter)
C. In A Flash (Jay Sankey)
D. Picture This (Richard Sanders)
---------------------------------
Rick: I know you have your own line of merchandise. Any plans to market a DVD or ebook in the near future. Do you sell back-in products after your performances.
David: Yes, Yes and Yes. A DVD and several valuable ebooks are in the works as I type this. Back-in products are a great source of extra income, I take home hundreds of dollars just from my book sales alone from each show (I use the funds earned ‘JUST’ from my book, from one party each month to pay my rent). Though David Copperfield earns a healthy income he also brings in thousands of bucks each month from back-in sales.
-------------------------------
Rick: I have examples of your contract and evaluation forms on my website for printout. Has your contract prevented any major problems, and what is the primary benefit of an evaluation form.
David: No, using a contract is valuable for many reasons (Two valuable reasons are):
1. It gives your client(s) the security of knowing that they are hiring a professional entertainer and not just a circus carney (if you are a circus carney, please take note there is no offense intended here...I love the cotton candy).
2. A well-written contract will guarantee that if a client does cancel an event last minute, you will still receive some type of financial compensation.
( Editors Note: I have posted blank copies of the contracts David uses on my website at:
www.Streetmagic.info/contracts.html and www.streetmagic.info/evaluation.html
David has granted permission for you to reproduce these contracts ..)
-----------------------------
Rick: You and I have a mutual friend in Dave Dee. How much difference does Dave and his marketing techniques have on your bottom line..
David: Wow!!! How much time and how many pages do you want this to be?!.
In a nutshell purchase his materials!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Literally, my business went from performing occasional shows (maybe 10
per month), now an average of 20 through 25 plus shows each and every month!!!
You HAVE NOTHING TO LOOSE, if you work it it works! Dave offers a 100% money-back guarantee... Do what others won’t, to have what others don’t. (do not listen to the negative folks). http://www.davedee.com
----------------------------
Rick: If you could have any three current magicians over for dinner and an extended session, who would you invite..
David: Dennis Haney, Dean Dill , and Brad Ross (http://www.bradross.com">www.bradross.com )</a>
--------------------------
Rick: How do you keep a room full of kids focused and attentive - and what is the ideal length of time to perform for them..
David: Think like a child during the performance!!! This will help you create one of the most child-friendly shows your audiences have ever been involved with. In return you will begin to receive a steady-stream of repeat clientele. I truly believe it is important for us to learn how to properly respond and entertain to and for the children.
"All the kids (SHOULD) get a serious case of the sillies"
Are you trying to ‘impress’ the adults with your skillful sleight-of-hand techniques or are you giving the children a taste of Mary Poppins’s ‘magic’?
Talk about Mary Poppins ‘magic’. Recently I enjoyed the movie ‘Finding Neverland’ (Johnny Depp), this is a creative and ‘magical’ journey through the eyes of a child in an adult body. Too many times I see self-proclaimed children's "entertainers"; they endorse themselves as being good with kids (many times they are).
The problem is in the "I still want to be an adult (while entertaining kids)" syndrome, this in no way is to put the kids in charge of the show, but these entertainers are NOT really kid friendly as they think they are. You can and should have full control, yet let the children witness your "inner child" at the same moment. If you are a children's entertainer (JUST) to earn a buck-get out!
Ideal length of time? I have several shows...one goes for 30 minutes, another for 45 and one that last for one hour. YOU CAN KEEP there attention!!! if you become child-like your self-GUARANTEED!!!
----------------------------
Rick: Where have your travels taken you in the past few months.
David: Out of my front door. Amazing I know, all of you are ‘impressed‘...I can tell by the grin on your faces. My travels have taken me (during the past few months) to many, many birthday parties, churches and other special events. I have flown/traveled by train and cab into:
St. Louis, MO; New Orleans, LA; Cape Girardeau, MO; Salt Lake City, UT; Boston, MA; Medford, MA; Orlando, FL; Chattanooga, TN; Greenville, SC; Cary, NC; ...
-------------------------------
Rick: What are your plans for the next year David..
David: I desire to serve The Lord Jesus Christ!!! If it is His will be done, I have plans to produce a new high-quality DVD, continue composing articles, performing 30 - 40 shows per month, help others increase their personal success, increase my annual income by at lease 300%, have a ‘party palace‘ where birthday party shows can be performed six days per week, and several other plans...
P.S. Thank you for reading.
Rick: Thank You, David, for your time !
--------------------
You can visit David at his site: www.DavidBreth.com and find out more about his parties and close-up shows..
~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~
:: Japanese Video
Very nice effect from a Japanese street magician , courtesy of Pagliacci.
http://www.iampagliacci.blogspot.com/
I enjoy watching magicians from afar. You get a different perspective on magic watching someone from Japan, China, or India perform. With their rich and ancient history, you witness a 'performance', as opposed to a 'trick'.
http://www.santoalt.com/videos/205_Hamburger_Trick.html
~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~
:: POSTCARD MARKETING FOR MAGICIANS
:: By Dennis Regling / contributing editor
One of the most useful tools in the magician's marketing kit is the lowly postcard. Unfortunately, they are incredibly under-used and many entertainers do not know how to get the most out of this inexpensive form of advertising.
PROSPECTING POSTCARD
Geoff Ronning books hypnosis shows in clubs and schools using postcards to prospect.
A prospecting card is a card mailed to a mailing list of prospective clients. You can compile your own list or get lists from the chamber of commerce or list dealers.
The prospecting card should have all your contact info, your USP or slogan, a free offer and a call to action.
The free offer can be a special report on fundraising, selecting performers or any topic that your prospect will be interested in. Some folks will prefer to go to your website for information, others will prefer to phone you, so be sure to give them options.
A well designed card will get your phone ringing. Don't try to explain your entire show, but list some benefits and whet their appetites to want more.
POSTCARD FOLLOW-UP
This is a card I leave with my clients. It is stamped and addressed to me.
The card contains a simple thank you and asks for their comments about the show. This is a great way to get quotes and comments for your advertising.
Always use a real stamp, not a postage paid card. People are more likely to return the card with a real stamp, since it seems wasteful to throw out a perfectly good stamp.
POST CARD THANK YOU
This should be a nice printed postcard, preferably with your face and logo on it. A simple thank you goes a long way in building goodwill and repeat business.
If it's for a birthday party, be sure you address it to the birthday child. They will be thrilled to get a card and the parents will appreciate it.
VACATION POSTCARDS
Here is a novel idea that will help you stand out from the crowd.
Whenever you go on vacation or to a convention, get some free postcards from the hotel where you are staying, or buy some at the local gift shop. Send these to everyone you have done a show for in the past twelve months.
On the back write:
Dear friend (insert name),
I am attending a convention of entertainers and getting all kinds of new ideas and illusions. I can't wait to put them into my new show and share them with you .
Sign your name and mail it.
For less than fifty cents, you can stand out from your competition. People love getting picture postcards and what greater thrill than to get it from a professional performer. You will be remembered.
So try these ideas and see how quickly and inexpensively you can build your business.
You can have some nice, inexpensive cards printed at:
http://www.printingforless.com
http://www.OvernightPrints.com
http://argonautpress.com
http://www.winkflash.com
http://www.overnightprints.com
http://ad-graphics.com/cart/postcards.asp (Will print and mail to your mailing list.)
Visit Dennis Regling at http://www.magicministry.com
& at http://magic.bellaonline.com
~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~
:: Simon Aronson PDF
There's been much interest in memorized decks in the past couple of years. Slowly, as famed magicians reveal secrets they don't want to take to their grave, the public begins to realize the power of certain techniques.
Memorized Decks are a good example. In the hands of a pro, you can do miracles with the right stack. And just like all magic, everyone has their personal favorite...
Simon Aronson, a mainstay of magic in the Chicago area and one of magic's most innovative thinkers, is a retired attorney and one of Marlo's 'inner circle' of friends - until Marlo's passing in 1991.
Simon says: " Several years ago I published a set of lecture notes for some private workshops I conducted on the Memorized Deck, and that pamphlet may prove helpful to those who want a background, and some basic principles and effects, on this fascinating topic."
To download your free pdf, go to.. http://www.simonaronson.com/magiciansonly.htm
Enter the 'Professors' first name ( _ _ _ Vernon) and enter a private area to access the download..
~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~
:: 2 Card Monte
Made famous by David Blaine on one of his TV specials, the two card monte is still one of my favorite moves. You show a queen on top of the deck, give it to the spectator to hold, show another queen on top of the deck, give that one to the spectator to hold also...
And in an instant, you change the two queens for two aces...
This is a great impromptu trick that can be performed with any deck, at any time. Check out this video of Brad Christian performing the 2 Card Monte..
-link no longer active-
~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~
:: Shell Game - free PDF
I'm sure many of you are familiar with Glenn Bishop, especially if you visit the Magic Cafe. A professional magician and hypnotist, Glenn has lectured for the Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians, as well as performed at the Magic Castle.
If you haven't visited Glenn's site at www.bishmagic.org , you should.
He has uploaded a large number of videos of various performances that I know you will find interesting.
Glenn has a unique three-shell routine that he has compiled into a pdf that you can view at..
-link not active-
To access this pdf you will be asked for a password. The password is Dai Vernon's real last name.. V_ _ _ _ R . ( No, I'm not going to give you the answer. That wouldn't be fair to Glenn..!)
To help you get the overall effect of the three shell routine, Glenn has also put a video on his site of him performing this routine on tv..
http://www.mrhypnotist.org/video/shells.wmv
Check it out...
~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~
:: 25 Shows a Month
Are you familiar with Dave Dee? For those of you who don't know, Dave is the marketing expert for magicians and is the author of the all time best selling "Ultimate Insider Secrets Marketing Program For Magicians.
My Associate Editor, David Breth, tells me that Dave is the real deal. As a full-time magician who travels the country, David should know. Dave insist that he can increase your shows from 3 or 4 per month - to 20 to 25 per month.
Can he? Visit his web site and read his side of the story..
-link not active-
~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~::~~
'Thank You' for hanging in there to the very end.. If I had a prize, I'd send you one..
This issue has been a labor of love. I've had a dozen different things going on. As I write, it's four-thirty in the morning and I'm trying desperately to wrap things up with grace and dignity. It would be so easy to just say "bye, see ya".
Actually, I think that's exactly what I'm going to do..
If you enjoyed this issue - tell others. If not - tell me..
-Email Me-
Send me your magic related articles and resources and let me forward them around the world. ( Really... I've got subscribers in about 33 countries..)
--------------
Remember to visit Magic Bullets - the blog - at http://streetmagic.info/blogger.html
Street Magic Bullets
http://StreetMagic.info
--------------
May my next issue find you well...
Rick Carruth
-------------------------
