|
:. Magic Roadshow :. September 15th, 2005 :. Issue# 31 :. Rick Carruth / editor Copyright(c)2005 - All Rights Reserved ~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~ Hi All..
Well... have we had an information overload this past couple of weeks or what? I feel from the bottom of my heart for all the good folks of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, but for a little while at least, I'm ready to think about magic and give my mush mind a slight reprieve. I hope you're ready too. WELCOME! to all the new subscribers. You guys are the very heart of this publication, the reason we exist.. I look forward to hearing from you and getting your opinions on what we do right, and what we do wrong. Without it - there is no growth. Without growth, we become the same 'ol stale publications that litter the internet highway and clog your mailboxes... Email Me --------------------- In this issue: --------------------- (1) Self Promotion - tools to promote your career (2) Outside Look - What others expect of you (3) Nailed! A little bent out of shape (4) Miracle Mongers - Houdini shares his knowledge (5) Cogitations Revisited - Free sophisticated card magic (6) Magic Mind Reading Balloon Modeller (7) Metro Magic - Be there, be very there (8) Trigger's Ghost - Be afraid, be very afraid Lock and load... ~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~ :: Self Promotion.. :. R.Carruth Can you get enough work? Are you booked up months in advance? Probably not.. At least if you're like most magicians. There are a few quick steps you can take to help with the task of finding meaningful gigs - You know - those that actually PAY you to show up and perform. Of course, all this is based on the premise that you're ready and able to perform a complete, professional routine. If you aren't ready, then kindly skip this article and go on to the next. I'm sure 95 percent of magicians have business cards. A lesser percentage have a press kit and/or brochure detailing their skills. Still others have merchandise and promotional items with their names imprinted; items like ink pens, coffee cups, tee shirts, and ball caps, to name a few. If you have a web site, www. CafePress.com will help you set up an online store of personalized items and, literally, print each item as it's ordered at no cost to you. But, it's been my experience that 95 percent of magicians, probably more, DON'T have people working in the background, helping them obtain bookings - and no, I'm not talking about your mother, or wife, or husband... I'm talking about an agency of some sort, that devotes time and/or web space to you to assist you in the business of booking. Let's face it.. most magicians are NOT marketers, and don't have a clue when it comes to the most cost efficient ways to gain extra exposure. I'm about to introduce you to two good resources, and hopefully, plant a seed and point you in a profitable direction. PartyPOP.com is the first. ( http://www.partypop.com ) Specializing in weddings, parties, corporate, and special events, Partypop is sort of a one-stop headquarters for people wanting information on setting up an event. They will help you find transportation, hire a band, valets, caterers, find wedding gowns, hire security, disc jockeys, find florists, bakeries, balloons, belly dancers, and yes.... MAGICIANS! Listed by state, you can sign up as a magician, juggler, mentalist, palm reader, hypnotist, whatever your talent is, and have your name presented to people who want, and are in the market for, performers like yourself. Listing is free, and you can sign up HERE . http://www.partypop.com/register_vendor1.cfm PartyPOP has a series of specialized sites, about eighty in all, that help narrow the search for the good people with the money to spend. One site is advertised as... "101Artists.com - The largest directory of artists, entertainers, magicians, comedians and more on the internet!" I would definitely recommend going to http://www.101artists.com and signing up for any appropriate categories as well. Please, do yourself a favor though, and don't sign up under categories that you are NOT qualified to perform. If you're not a hypnotist, look through the directory for hypnotist in your area, get their number, and call them and respectfully work out a 'joint venture' or a 'mutual agreement'. Anyone wanting a hypnotist, you will refer your new friend, and anyone needing a magician your friend will refer you. Work as a 'team', if the situation is right.. Quick note: Although PartyPOP is a free directory, they do offer web space, site development, and premium listings for a fee. You are NOT obligated to subscribe to this service. PartyPOP, like all web sites, cannot survive by offering information alone. They must have a stream of income from somewhere, and that percentage of performers that sign up for the premium listings are their source of income. The second resource is GigMasters Entertainment Agency. Their web site describes their services as: "Gigmasters helps you hire live music and entertainment. Whether it's a wedding, corporate event, club, or private party, you'll easily find the perfect live entertainment for your special occasion. We have thousands of professional performers for hire throughout the U.S. and Canada. " GigMasters has a much narrower focus than PartyPOP, aiming directly for customers that are looking for live entertainment only. With over 17,000 performers in an extremely wide range, they have positioned themselves as a " Forbes - Best of the Web" site. Unlike PartyPOP, GigMasters is not a free service. On the other hand, they are not an expensive service either. For a low of about twelve dollars a month, you can post a slide show to a site dedicated to you, along with an audio and/or video sample of your performance. There are a number of other features as well, but, at the risk of sounding like an ad, I'm going to leave it to you to visit their site and review their options. Why should you use any of these three services? Exposure.. Todays buyers are turning increasingly to the web, just as in years past they went to the yellow pages of the phone book. Everyone knows how to 'Google'. And these sites, with their profitable formats, have positioned themselves near the top of most major search engines - sometimes based on popularity, other times with paid ads. Believe me, it's difficult for most web developers, and especially individual magicians, to build web sites that rank consistently near the top. Taking advantage of the hard work of others, especially when they solicit you to do so, seems like a win-win situation for websites like PartyPOP, 101Artist, GigMasters, and a hard working magician like yourself. Keep your expectations reasonable when signing up for any of these services. A critical factor when seeking work in any category of entertainment is 'Target Marketing'. Make sure you are directing your promotion efforts toward those who have the ability, the authority, the resources, and the need to hire YOU for their next event. Additional Resources: 1. http://www.philipandhenry.com 2. http://www.alltimefavorites.com 3. http://www.directcatering.com I personally know professional magicians who get twelve of more bookings each month using these resources. No hype here... Hopefully, these resources will help you fill YOUR calendar. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ :: Outside Look It's all a matter of perspective. As magicians, we tend to look at our profession through the same eyes. We read the same books, watch the same videos, visit the same forums, and enjoy the friendship of one another. Sure, we have diverse opinions, very different opinions in fact. But when all is said and done, we still look at our profession with a very narrow focus, influenced by our peers ( particularly the more successful ones ) and adopt notions and ideas that may, or may not, be accurate. Large corporations learned many years ago that their image of themselves and the way in which the public actually viewed them differed to the extent that the corporations had to hire third parties to conduct accurate surveys. Can you imagine your boss, assuming you have one, conducting a survey to see what his workers think of his managerial skills? Furthermore, can you imagine a group of managers brainstorming to select the ideal characteristics of a good manager? If you want to know the ideal characteristics - ask the office staff that works with the manager. I'm sure you will uncover a far more accurate assemblage of ideas and suggestions. That's percisely my point here.. When agencies and clients outside the realm of magic look for a magician, this is what THEY look for. Forget what your buddy told you - forget what that magic book told you... This is the 'Standard' intelligent clients are being advised to use. How many qualifications can you fulfil? ~ How to Choose a Magician ~ ~ By John Kinde 1. COMMON SENSE: Like choosing other professionals, selecting a magician is left to your common sense. You may discover that the magician has been "doing magic" for over 20 years (but maybe your show is the performer’s first professional engagement). The promotional material you received is top-notch (but maybe the magician has a good "day job" and can afford a slick press kit). The magician may belong to an exclusive magician’s club (but this may only mean that the magician paid the required dues). On the other hand, these three credentials may belong to a highly qualified professional entertainer. Consider many of the items which follow, ask questions and use your best judgment! 2. THE RIGHT KIND OF MAGICIAN FOR YOU: There are different magic specialties. Find a performer with the skills needed for your engagement. Some magicians have only one specialty: some may perform several types of magic. If a magician's promotional material shouts "kids-kids-kids" you might want to be cautious when considering the performer for an adult banquet. a. Children's Magic is a branch of magic using tricks especially designed for kids. If you're hiring someone for a children's party make sure that the act will be suited for the age group. There are big differences between ages 5, 10 and 15. It’s not that one group is more difficult to entertain; the selection of magic tricks just needs to be different. Your magician should be able to discuss that with you. b. Close-up or Walk-around magic is perfect for mixers before banquets, for receptions, for grand openings, trade shows, and occasions where a stage performance is not wanted. The intimate nature of the magic (right under their noses) adds a powerful element to the performance. c. Stage Shows are referred to by magicians using different names: Stage Show, Illusion Show, Parlor Magic. Stage and Illusion shows are for larger audiences and may involve Las Vegas style illusions. Parlor magic is a show for a smaller audience, for example a private party in a home, and involves smaller magic. d. Comedy Magic is presented by a magician specializing in tricks with comedy appeal. Normally, all magic specialties are likely to incorporate some comedy. A good comedy magician will come closer to what you might expect from a good comedian in terms of laughter value. e. Silent Act. This might include things like doves and other magic set to music. This is ideal for cross-cultural audiences where many non-English speaking people are in attendance. f. Gospel Magic incorporates magic with a religious message and is often performed for church banquets and Sunday school classes. 3. FEES: There is normally a correlation between a performer's fee and the quality of the program. You would never think that a $3000 car might be similar to a $30,000 car. Just the same, you wouldn’t think that a $100 magician might be similar to a $1000 magician. You normally get what you pay for. And consider this: What you pay for a magician is normally a small fraction of what you pay for the meal at a banquet and the entertainment is probably far MORE important than the meal. You often pay 10 times more for the meal than for the entertainer (on a per capita basis), when in fact the evening’s program is probably 10 times more important than the meal. Consider the true value-per-person-attending when deciding on your entertainment investment. 4. PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS: A good way to select a magician is to request a press kit from every magician you're considering and compare them. Normally, the more professional the press kit, the more professional the magician. Press kits may include brochures, photos, articles, testimonials, client listings and more. The more professional the performer, the more likely that a press kit will be available. 5. INTERNET WEB SITE: If the performer has one, the web site will give you an instant "brochure" which may help you make a decision. This is especially valuable if your decision time frame is short. 6. TESTIMONIALS: Testimonials may give you an indication of quality. You could ask for the names and phone numbers of three recent clients (who had the kind of program you need). Call them and ask questions. Read between the lines and listen for genuine enthusiasm in their voice when talking about their experience with the performer. 7. VIDEO TAPES: You’ll find that most magicians do not have demonstration tapes. However, the more professional the magician the more likely that a video preview tape will be available. The video tape will never be YOUR exact program, but watch the tape for genuine audience response and performing style. Look for a demonstration tape before a live audience with no canned laughter. 8. VIEW A PERFORMANCE: It might be possible to watch the magician in a live performance before hiring. Although this is not often possible, you could ask. Most magicians will not "audition" for a single-date performance, but you might be able to attend someone else’s program. Some magicians perform a regular schedule at restaurants and clubs and previewing them will be easy. 9. PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: The fact that a magician is a member of a Magic Association or the Chamber of Commerce may indicate a level of commitment to the art and business. However, this may or may not have a relationship to the quality of their performance. 10. AWARDS: This is somewhat like the category of professional affiliations. Although awards are normally a good flag, you just never know the true significance of the award received by the performer. Some awards are highly significant and others may be of minor importance. 11. PERFORMER’S EXPERIENCE: How long has the performer been practicing magic? Does the magician perform full-time (earning a living as a performer) or part-time (with a full-time day job)? These considerations may or may not have a great impact on the quality of the performance. Some very young performers are actually very skilled performers. 12. CLEAN MATERIAL: You may be concerned about the "G-rated" nature of the material. Talk to the performer about your concerns about program content (sexual, bodily function, racial or religious jokes, for example). 13. CUSTOMIZATION: While talking with the magician, you may get a feel for the customization skills of the entertainer. What kind of questions is the performer asking YOU about the audience? Is the magician wanting you to provide "inside information" about the audience in advance of the program? Not every act needs customization but some performers specialize in adding this personal touch. 14. PERFORMANCE SPACE SETUP: Ask the magician what you will need to provide at the meeting venue: Risers/platform, sound system, lighting, etc. Find out how much space the magician will need, as many of them use a large number of props. Ensure that someone else, a band for example, does not set up in the space reserved for the magician. Beware of tall centerpieces (balloons, for example) as they will block the view of many in the audience. 15. AGENT: Using an agent will normally ensure that you get a quality program. Agents will not take a risk on a questionable, non-proven performer. In essence they screen the magicians for you. Using an agent's services may cost you more (this varies from agent to agent), but may be worth it for the piece of mind. 16. GUARANTEES: You will probably not see the word "guarantee" on the magician's promotional material. Will they guarantee your satisfaction? You could ask them. For the true professional a guarantee is a no-risk proposition. ( editors note: how many times has my friend and fellow editor, David Breth, talked about the Power of The Guarantee..?? http://streetmagic.info/archives.html ) ----------------- A special "Thanks" to John Kinde and PartyPOP for this extensive list of considerations on "How to Choose a Magician", and their permission for Magic Roadshow to share this valuable info with our readers. http://www.partypop.com/Categories/Magicians_Magic_Shows.html ~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~ :: Nailed ! Effect: Performer displays two straight, large nails held at his finger tips. Slowly, the two nails visibly bend to a 45 degree angle! The nails continue to visibly bend to almost a 90 degree angle. The nails remain in full view throughout the bending process. The spectator can actually hear the metal creaking as the nails bend. The can be examined both before and after the effect and you can almost instantly reset. No super strength needed. No tools are used. Just Magic ;o) I can do this! Yes, yours truly can actually make people think that he is bending nails with his mind. Mental magic is one of my very favorite performing methods. Nothing gets your audience going like something that 'appears' totally impossible. Don't take my word for it... About $6.00 , from the strangest mind in magic - Bob Solari http://www.gmrcreations.com/bob/under15.htm#nailed ~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~ ~ Danny's Favorites ! ~ ----------------------- :: Miracle Mongers "The subject of these trials is a young man, a native of Toledo, in Spain, 23 years of age, and free of any apparent peculiarities which can announce anything remarkable in the organization of his skin; after examination, one would be rather disposed to conclude a peculiar softness than that any hardness or thickness of the cuticle existed, either naturally or from mechanical causes. Nor was there any circumstance to indicate that the person had been previously rubbed with any matter capable of resisting the operation of the agents with which he was brought in contact. This man bathed for the space of five minutes, and without any injury to his sensibility or the surface of the skin, his legs in oil, heated at 97o of Réaumur (250 degrees of Fahrenheit) and with the same oil, at the same degree of heat, he washed his face and superior extremities. He held, for the same space of time, and with as little inconvenience, his legs in a solution of muriate of soda, heated to 102 of the same scale, (261 1/2o Fahr.) He stood on and rubbed the soles of his feet with a bar of hot iron heated to a white heat; in this state he held the iron in his hands and rubbed the surface of his tongue. He gargled his mouth with concentrated sulphuric and nitric acids, without the smallest injury or discoloration; the nitric acid changed the cuticle to a yellow color; with the acids in this state he rubbed his hands and arms. All these experiments were continued long enough to prove their inefficiency to produce any impression. It is said, on unquestionable authority, that he remained a considerable time in an oven heated to 65o or 70o, (178- 189o Fahr.) and from which he was with difficulty induced to retire, so comfortable did he feel at that high temperature." So.. how did he do it? Thanks to the Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library and the writings of some guy named Houdini, we are guided down the road of mystery and circus mayhem in " MIRACLE MONGERS AND THEIR METHODS - A complete expose of the modus operandi of fire eaters, heat resisters, poison eaters, venomous reptile defiers, sword swallowers, human ostriches, strong men, etcs. " You can access the entire book, in electronic format, at: http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/HouMirM.html ~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~ :: Cogitations Revisited ( very time sensitive ) For a short while, anyway. Cogitations, Steve Youell's weekly ezine dedicated to the best card magic in the world, died a sudden death a short while ago. Since it was a subscription based ezine ( 20 dollars each six months ) I think some of the subscribers felt that they had paid of material they no longer had access to.. Steve converted many of the very best tricks to video files and PDF's so the subscribers could go to the site and download the material. In a generous gesture to the magic community, Steve opened his private site to anyone and everyone, but ONLY until October 5th.. Read again.. October 5th, Cogitations will cease to exist and you will have missed an opportunity to download some wonderful magic from guys like Darwin Ortiz, Andrew Wimhurst, Ron Bauer, Steve Beam, Jon Armstrong, and others. I don't think the subscribers are thrilled about this sharing of magic, but the fact is.. you can download all the magic for free.. These are NOT simple, self working tricks. These are sophisticated tricks which involve skill and practice to master. But once done, you will be able to perform card tricks which rank with the very best.. Regardless of your skill level, go to Cogitations and download these files and videos now, or you will kick yourself later.. ( Bottom line - twenty bucks of free magic..) http://www.cogitations.net ~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~ :: Magic Mind Reading Balloon Modeller Prepare to be amazed as Colin the Balloon Modeller performs a magical interactive mind-reading balloon-modelling marvel of mystery! This is one magic trick with a twist... in fact it's got lots of twists! http://www.ball00ns.com/magic/ ~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~ :: Don't forget Metro Magic ! When? Sunday, November 6th, 2005 Where? Meadowlands Quality Inn, 10 Polito Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 201-933-9800 ( Accessible from Routes 3 & 17, Garden State Parkway & NJ Turnpike) THREE GREAT LECTURES BY: The legendary Steve Dusheck Inventor of hundreds of magic effects. Steve is one of the world's most prolific minds in magic. He is coming out retirement just for us! This is the last time to see this legend of magic. Darwin Ortiz One of the world's best card magicians. He will teach you some of his best card routines. Bobby Gallo A full-time pro who loves to fool magicians. He is full of surprises. Over a dozen dealers! Close up performances by Steve Dusheck, Darwin Ortiz, and Bobby Gallo. This convention caters to the close up performer, but several of the dealers will be offering parlor and stage effects. Price: Only $30. Contact Bob Solari for more information at 973-546-6110 or 973-773-8818 Check for updates at http://www.metro-magic.com ~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~ :: Trigger's Ghost What do you get when you mix an automotive advertisement and a ghost? Well, you don't get an ad, but you do get a little piece of TV history. The director was so spooked by this ghostly apparition he refused to release the ad for public broadcast.. Unlike most ghostly images captured on film, this one even tries to 'communicate'. Check it out.. http://www.magic2k.com/articles/members/read.php?article_id=123 ~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~ If you have a magic related article you would like to share with the magic community, email me and lets get it out there.. If english isn't your principle language, don't worry. I will gladly edit your article for readability and spelling.. Email Me.. ---------------------- Don't forget to visit my blog at: http://streetmagic.info/blogger.html Stop by http://streetmagic.info and see whats new.. ----------------------- May my next issue find you well... Rick Carruth Rick Carruth - editor ================================== |
