Shouldn't have gone.
I also disagree with visualartist. I've had last minute gigs before and as long as they agree to sign my contract I'm happy to do it. A professional is always prepared and ready (to some extent), that's one of the things that makes him a professional.I respectfully disagree. While yes, it is supposed to be a structured "thing" when it comes to booking a gig, I also feel as if one should always be ready just in case something pops up.
I also disagree with visualartist. I've had last minute gigs before and as long as they agree to sign my contract I'm happy to do it. A professional is always prepared and ready (to some extent), that's one of the things that makes him a professional.
Oh and good luck, sounds like a fun gig.
People take as much leash as you give them. As I said, I have a contract. If they don't sign the contract I don't work with them. If they do sign the contract and mess me about or take the piss I will stop performing and walk away taking full payment with me. It sounds to me like these troublesome clients of yours thought of you too much as a friend, because you let them. There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing gigs last minute as long as you are clear and maintain control.It's not about being prepared, its the principle of the thing.
Maybe Im coming from my experience as a filmmaker and observations of the upper crust of hollywood.
They try to make a wh0re out of you and I don't play like that.
Sure I can make a few quick tricks on the spot. But for something on the spot card tricks are usually the go to. Im tired of card tricks and I don't like to be seen as a one trick pony to my audience. So I like the ability to do magic with my surroundings.
If you make a habit out of being available whenever they call you they will take advantage of you. I've had clients try to do that when i've made myself too available.
Then again, the majority of my experience of that is in film.
I've seen Rob at Denny and Lee's, and he is hilarious xDI respectfully disagree. While yes, it is supposed to be a structured "thing" when it comes to booking a gig, I also feel as if one should always be ready just in case something pops up.
I keep in the trunk of my "whip" (as the young whipper snappers say), a small case that has enough "magic" in there for a full 45 min show if need be. Mind you, I do perform bar magic 3 nights a week, so I am usually prepared. But even if you don't have a regular gig, I think it is important to have a structured set ready to go at any time. I refer you to Jeff McBride's Commando Card Act, which he always has with him...he talks about that a lot, and that is what made me put together an "emergency show bag"...
Like Mr. Draven, I was called to a gig that involved me performing for 30 min. That was all I was told. I even asked on the phone if I am just doing my regular show, as they had seen me perform before. I was told yes. I show up, and it is a room full of 9-10 year olds. Mind you, this person saw me perform behind the bar!!!! Soooo, I did my show and made it as PG as I possibly could!
Another funny story...
My friend Rob, whom you all know as the guy who imitates Criss Angel...
Well, he was at a celebrity impersonator convention in Florida and performed I think about 5 minutes on stage. A few months later, he gets booked to perform as Criss Angel for an "event". Rob has all his expenses taken care of and was even put up in a hotel. Rob shows up with his Angel outfit ready to do. When he comes out on stage, he realizes he is performing for 150 kids, ages from 2-8!?!!
Not one kid in the audience "got" his act at all...and that is the funniest part...