Thoughts on 1st part of Cruise Video:
Thanks for the shout out! I loved the humor though out the video.
Thanks man. I'm even crazier with the guests. I love that random, kind of goofy, but at the same time sarcastic and almost intelligent type of humor
-- Seems like you get in a TON and I mean a TON of performing experience (your 45 hours per week is outstanding)
The amount of experience completely depends on you, and how much you wanna push it. But even if you are slacking as much as you can, you will still end up with at least 10 hours per week, which is still better than most.
-- I had No idea that you would HAVE to live with a room mate while on board. That could be good and bad depending on if you wanted
some quiet time.
Well, you know what, like I said in the video, I had like 10 different roommates so far, and all of them were great. However, I would always prefer to be alone in the room. But because of the schedule, you are going to be alone in the room most of the time, since everybody is working more then you are, so you will still have couple of hours of alone time per day.
-- I think it is great that there is a "mentor" program where a magician with cruise ship experience "shows you the ropes" so to speak
Yeah, that helped me a lot. And honestly, I cannot wait for them to send me someone to train, I always liked to teach and train people.
-- I would definitely agree that your 9 month experience would change your patter and presentation of your effects. That would have been neat to see your first week on the job compared to your last week on the job.
Oh for sure. I will check if I have like videos from the beginning and the end of the contract, to compare, but I doubt it. I mean, mine changed for the better of course, but there are magicians who are working on ships for years, and still didn't move from square one. That is why you have to think about your magic, in and out of performance.
-- Interesting fact about security...that it is there should you need it during an altercation with a guest.
Yes, it is. So far I never had a problem that I couldn't resolve myself. But I am 6'6" tall and 200lbs, so not many people will mess with me out of the blue.
-- Planning ahead for when your props / gimmicks run out would definitely teach you some responsibility and preplanning on your part.
Yes, this is extremely important. There are tons of things to take into consideration when you do this, like when is your next paycheck, how long will it take to deliver your stuff, are you going to be able to purchase on time etc. So it will teach you about prop management. And also how to make props, that you usually give away, last for a lot longer than they should lol
-- $250 for spending on magic items per contract didn't seem like much but I guess it is better than nothing. They probably figure you
aren't buying big stage props and mainly just using cards, coins, rubber bands, and such.
Yeah, for some people $250 will be more than enough, if they don't give out souvenirs, and don't buy new magic. But if you want to leave your spectators with something they will always remember, and if you want to keep progressing in magic, than you will have to dig into your own pocket.
-- At 7 months = psychologically tired. I would bet so.
This is actually a weird phenomenon. Even if your contract is like 3 months long, you will still be psychologically tired for the last couple of weeks. And if your contract was 12 months, you will be completely fresh until month 10 lol
-- I think it is great that they "make" you perform for the kids so that it gets you out of your comfort zone and it allows you to see what you
enjoy and don't enjoy doing.
Exactly. I hated this in the beginning, but then I start thinking about it, looked at it as a challenge, and made it more interesting for myself. And now I want to have the best kids magic show on the 7 seas. If you like challenges, than all you need to do is make everything into a challenge and you will be great at it. Just look at my pass and clipshift lol
-- Something you brought up that I also think is important is that you are constantly in the gym and drinking protein shakes. I am the same
way. I truly believe that "appearance" is a big turn on or turn off. Who wants to see a big, fat, balding, pale guy walking around the ship
showing card tricks? Especially for the younger crowds. Keep it up and keep those "guns" in shape man.
So true. The better you look, the more positive attention you will get from people, and from spectators during performance. I work out because I LOVE IT, but I also back you up that everybody should invest into their looks. I like looking good, having a nice suit that fits me, nice tie that goes with the shirt and suit, expensive watch, bracelet, rings etc. I like looking like a million dollars. Even though my image prevents me from getting more tips (because I look like I have a lot of money), I would rather look good and get complimented on every step, then to look poor, and to get a dollar out of pity.
And thanks for the compliment Just remember, they are not "guns", they are "rocket launchers" lol
-- You talked about the "variety" of clients / spectators on the ship and how that you could see the punk / goth girls and one table over the
business men. This definitely allows you to hone your patter and change your approach.
Yes, this also helps you decide or find out if you are better suited for corporate gigs, family restaurants or Osbourne concert lol
-- It was interesting and true to hear you say that you were probably one of the top 2-3 FAMOUS people aboard the ship. That has to be a
great feeling and a double edged sword. I applaud you for always entertaining the guests who would even come up to you when you were
not "on the clock". Not all performers would be so nice. Thumbs up!
Thanks man! This is also a part of your image. It would be really bad if you said to a guest "well you know what, I'm off the clock so go f*** yourself". It would be a complete image suicide, and you can forget about any tips from anybody that hears about that.
-- I had never heard about the "Chef's Dinner". I knew about the VIP or high class dinners.
It's actually really good, so if you ever go as a guest, make sure to book yourself one, you will not regret it.
Looking forward to watching the second video this afternoon when my kids are napping. Thanks again Toby!
You're welcome. And I cannot wait to get feedback from that video too