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 How old should you be around to have your first magic gig? is there a legal age? what type of businesses would hire you, like restaurants, etc.?
Thanks
Answer MAGYK
=> How old should you be around to have your first magic gig?
You can perfrom as early an age as you are able!
Gig? Do you mean a paid gig? I guess as soon as you are good enough. I can imagine a situation where a TV company pays a kid of, say, 5 years to eprrom because he's a kind of child prodigy. So, there's no lower or upper limit.
=> As far as legalities ... these probably vary the world over ... but you'll need permission from parents or guardians if you are under age of consent (whatever that is in your area).
=> You age will of cours affect both what you perfrom and how you are perceived. Act you age! Perform material suitable for you age (and experience).
=> A magician in a restaurant is an attraction. But they are also an extension of the restaurant staff, working with wait staff, management and the kitchens, keeping the tables turning and getting customers to both enjoy their stay, spread the word and return. So long as the perfromer has an understanding of this plus good skills at rapport, people interaction etc, then there is no reason why a young magician cannot be hired by a restaurant.
=> There are also many other places to perfrom at a young age and the same applies; so long as you are able to understand their business, know why you are there and how you can add to the event, there's no reason why you could not be engaged to perform. This may include shows, tours, television, radio, roadshows, fetes, arena shows, concerts, product launches, charity fundraisers, trade shows and fairs, weddings, barmitzvahs and other celebrations, block parties, river boats, cruises, comedy clubs ....... and so on.
The important thing is to be yourself. Don't try and be someone you are clearly not. Many of the shows I do would not be possible for a young person. I am perceived as being part of the company I am working for, perhaps their Marketing Director or Regional Sales Manager. I look and can speak that part with and without any magic. Someone in their teens (even 20s or 30s!) would find that difficult.
