Magic Industry

[StevenLevitt]

Are there many magicians here in the magic industry? When I say industry, I mean perform magic for an audience regular and make some money from it, I would like to hear stories, tips, recommendations, information, anything related to the business.

I want to hear about the business side of magic, rather than the magic itself.

 

[Steerpike]

The business side of magic. How depressed do you want to get?

In all seriousness, it's going to require a ton of work to succeed in this industry. Where do you want me to start?

 

[kevin]

start with how to start- if I may inquire

 

[Steerpike]

First you need to determine what your target markets are. What magic are you good at, what's your specialty, and what demographic do you enjoy performing for the most?

This is essential. If you say everyone, you're doomed because you're nothing special and will never get hired enough to make a living. It's okay to try out a couple different things, but you're going to have to settle on a target market at some point.

Now ask yourself... Why the hell should anyone hire me? What is in it for them? And if you say "entertainment" or something similarly cretinous and narcissistic I will hamstring you with your own cards. What about you is exceptional? What do you offer that they cannot get from any other magician?

Answer those questions and we can move on.

 

[StevenLevitt]

Exactly, to be in the business to begin with you need a speciality, and also you need uniqueness.

The magic I specialise in is close-up magic, mainly with cards, fire, levitation, and the more visual effects. However, I will be working on about 5 stage acts for Talkthames TV, and Glastonbury. These will be targeted for mainly children and adults, and the acts will contain a theme running along the side... Which has not been thought of yet as I have not stated on these new acts.

I have used my skills in the business already, and they seem to work. - I did have several contracts with many big companies. However, I have been tied up in education! (Graduating on the 10th July!)

The majority of the effects I perform are adapted, or they are my own, therefore, the performance I present has not been seen. I offer an experience for the audience to enjoy.

May I ask you Steerpike, what achievements you have gained, and who you have worked for?

 

[Steerpike]

I mostly do private parties though I've also done a release party for Harry Potter Book 7, Phantom Fright Nights at Kennywood Park, and International Networking Day among a few other things. And I have a volunteer appearance at a charity event coming up.

 

[StevenLevitt]

Cool nice work. How do you normally gain these bookings? Mainly word of mouth?

 

[Steerpike]

Cool nice work. How do you normally gain these bookings? Mainly word of mouth?

Yeah, but I'm not getting the same results I used to. I'm switching tactics slightly as I figure if what I'm doing now isn't working, then doing it even harder probably isn't the answer.

I had a nice talk with Docc Hilford about getting work in restaurants, bars, and bistros, and I'm going to give his strategy a shot in the coming weeks.

 

[StevenLevitt]

I have found giving free shows away can be very useful to gain bookings and popularity. However, the only issue with it is people may phone you expecting a free show. - So I tend to have strict periods when I am not busy by performing for charities and communities for free. This is for a good cause, while it helps me too, by getting noticed, practice, and contacts.

 

[Steerpike]

Charity is the only reason for me to do a free show.

I do however have a free keynote I recently developed. From the Pharaohs to Houdini - A Brief History of Magic. It's a 30 minute talk with a door prize. When presenting it to adults, it's to help me book shows. When presented to kids, it's to help me get students for lessons.

 

[druix]

I perform in 2 different environments. At Red Robin, I go between tables as people are waiting for their food. At parties, I do the same thing....except they're not waiting for food...and they're often standing...

As far as getting my name out goes. Word of mouth works best. People I perform for at Red Robin might be looking for someone or may know someone looking for someone. If I'm waiting in line at a store, I'll show a trick or two to the person in front of or behind me in line. Sometimes they're looking. I also get in touch with small businesses and talk to the owners. That alone can get my name out to other businesses.

I've never posted ads anywhere. I just perform and talk to people.