AboutJohn Gordon - Master Magician Expertise I am a professional performer, and attained status of Gold Star Member of The Inner Magic Circle and, over and above this highest degree, I am only one of 5 perfromers alive who has been awarded their coveted 'Silver Wand'. I perform at the highest level as well as train and coach both beginners and experts in learning a few tricks to creating a brand new award winning act. I ran The Summer School at The Magic Circle for many years as well as booked performers for the monthly public shows. I run a company called `MagicWorks` which provides magic for adult private and corporate events, television, film and theatre productions. I also hold training workshops and seminars, teleconferences and online training on using magic in business, performing at Trade Shows, Magic for Presenters etc and provide after dinner or conference talks and speeches all on the subject of business and personnel development. This includes creativity, presentation, online and offline marketing etc.
Experience Whilst I have been a performer for many years I now spend an increasing amount of time as a personal and business coach, using magic as a metaphor in my teaching and training sessions. I have several Internet Businesses that include Coaching and Mentoring entertainers in the whole business of self Branding, Promotion, Marketing and filling their diaries with bookings.
Question QUESTION: Hello Mr. Gordon,
I haven't been hired yet to do any magic gigs, but I was going to start to prepare a gig, but then I realized I don't know what should be included? And one more thing, now can you do two tricks in a row of the latter trick requires a set up of cards? What should I do? Thanks
ANSWER: Hi 'The Mindfreak'!
Call me John
The difference between performing magic for friends and doing a paid gig is a whole different matter! What you'll need to know and oprepare for very much depends upon the type of gig and what is expected of you.
I'm very experienced in many kinds ... tell me what you hope to do and I'll give you a whole bunch of pointers and preparation tips.
Magicians who work a lot know the value of material that 'resets' at the end. And this doesn't just mean that a deck 'stack' or other preparation, but items in the right pockets etc ... ready to repeat at the next table or for the next group.
It doesn't mean you cannot perform material requiring any special preparation but it could mean that you need to carry several copies with you and reload as required ie every 2 or 3 groups you'll need to go 'outside' somewhere and swich props.
In practice, if you need to follow one routine with a stacked deck routione, you'll need to do a deck switch. You could always, of course, sandwich say a coin routine in the middle and then remove the 'other' deck.
Tell me more about the kind of gigs and your material and I'll be more specific about what else you'll need to focus on.
John Gordon
MagicWorks
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Well I don't many different types of gigs, the only type I know is like in a restaurant, where you go table to table. See I'm 14, and I don't plan on getting hired for a while, but I'd still like to have a routine that I can perfect by the time I get a gig. And also, what are some ways of advertising yourself for gigs? Thanks
Answer Working different situations requires different knowledge, experience and routines to make that work. For example:
=> At reception style functions, people gather in small groups (of 2 or 4 or 6 people) and have their hands full with drinks and sometimes food too. They are less able to hold things and unlikely to applaud. Space will be tight and there will be no table surfaces to place anything. You'll be working right up close, it'll be crowded and noisy, with people right beside and behind you.
=> In a restaurant you have more time and space and people are seated, so everything is different. However, you'll need to learn why you are there and work with waiting staff. The time you go to a table is crucial to the smooth running of the service. You must not interfere with the order or delivery or clearing process and not hold up any tables thye want to 'turn' for a second sitting. This means pacing and timing each tables visit and being prepared to cut a routine as food arrives etc.
Just two examples that contrast.
Go see a restaurant where a magician is working and watch how it all works (or how it doesn't!).
Learn perhaps a dozen different routines inclusing quickies and also more feature material and do the ever and over until you can do them with your eyes closed.
Write some 'patter' that you'll say as you arrive at each table.
Know WHY you are in the restaurant .... how your presence HELPS the restaurant with any problems and to get more bookings and take more money. THAT's how you sell yourself. They are not there to promote you ... you'll be part of their Marketing.
Tell me ome thoughts and also what kind of Advertising and Marketing you think you should do and I'll give some more ideas. I wouldn't advertise at all (by the way) it's an unecessary expense.
