Getting a Job?

[Twozwozer]

Ok, Well its coming up to the summer holidays and Im looking for money (I already have a job, but would like more money )

And I was just wondering, for all you expirienced guys out there. What was your first magic job (Not something that you did for free, but something you got PAID to do). And also, how did you go about finding this job? What did you do for advertising, and things like that. And finally, where did you do the job and what did you perform.

And feel free to share any interesting stories about your job. I love Stories

Cheers, Tom

(PS. I suppose Busking counts, I really want to start doing that.)

 

[Sleight_of_Hand]

does work experience at yhe local magic shop count lol

 

[Twozwozer]

does work experience at yhe local magic shop count lol

Well I was think more along the lines of actual performance gigs, like parties and such. But like I said, if you have any super special awesome stories from working their, do share.

Cheers. Tom

 

[Close-Up Expert]

I'll post something when I get home later...just don't have the time right now.

Best.
Steve

 

[MaxDeVill]

My first paying gig was at a local bar. I was paid 50$ a night to do magic tricks in a walk around environment. It woulda been great pay probably if I wouldn't have drank 100$ worth of beer every night.

 

[CaesarMagic]

Hey, well the 1st gig I ever got was at a bar i made about $80 of tips in 1hr,now i make about $170, this is what u can do, go to a bar one day before, ask permission if you could come in the next day to do magic and that u will only work for tips, on the day of the gig make sure that you give a good show and then tell your audience that if the enjoy the peformance tp make sure to tell the manager, and soon the bar will pay u to go or they will let you go anytime,

 

[PatrickDonovan]

The first gig I got was at a local weekly street fair. I was allowed to set up a booth and perform magic and juggle for tips. I got the gig simply by asking permission from the local chamber of commerce. It was an easy gig, no paperwork, no contracts, just set up and perform.

After a summer of busking, I decided to perform at libraries as part of their summer reading programs. There is much more work involved in getting these types of gigs. First off you need a good show, 40 to 60 minutes long. I had color brochures printed, publicity photos taken, cover letter, price sheet, all put together in a professional looking package that would get mailed to every library in my state. Then I called each library and let them know that they should be expecting an informational package from me in about a week and that I would call back and would be happy to answer any questions they had. After the second call I started booking gigs and had to send out contracts and promo material for the libraries to use to promote the show. About two weeks before each show I would send out press releases to the local news outlets to promote myself and the show. Then of course there was traveling and the actual performances.

By the second year I was fully booked for the summer and had to turn shows down.

During the rest of the year I would advertise in magazines and newspapers and I booked private parties and functions (Corporate, birthdays, special events, etc.).

As of now, I'm putting a new show together and have an audition for a summer gig at a theme park.

I hope some of this helps. There are gigs out there, you just have to go out and sell yourself.

 

[Twozwozer]

The first gig I got was at a local weekly street fair. I was allowed to set up a booth and perform magic and juggle for tips. I got the gig simply by asking permission from the local chamber of commerce. It was an easy gig, no paperwork, no contracts, just set up and perform.

After a summer of busking, I decided to perform at libraries as part of their summer reading programs. There is much more work involved in getting these types of gigs. First off you need a good show, 40 to 60 minutes long. I had color brochures printed, publicity photos taken, cover letter, price sheet, all put together in a professional looking package that would get mailed to every library in my state. Then I called each library and let them know that they should be expecting an informational package from me in about a week and that I would call back and would be happy to answer any questions they had. After the second call I started booking gigs and had to send out contracts and promo material for the libraries to use to promote the show. About two weeks before each show I would send out press releases to the local news outlets to promote myself and the show. Then of course there was traveling and the actual performances.

By the second year I was fully booked for the summer and had to turn shows down.

During the rest of the year I would advertise in magazines and newspapers and I booked private parties and functions (Corporate, birthdays, special events, etc.).

As of now, I'm putting a new show together and have an audition for a summer gig at a theme park.

I hope some of this helps. There are gigs out there, you just have to go out and sell yourself.

Ooo, sounds very interesting, their should be lots of fairs and things poping up soon, its nearly the summer.

Cheers for that, Tom

 

[emagician]

restaurants?

I was wondering if there is anyone out there with experience in restaurant magic? What is the pay as well, because even though I have a book on it I would like to get some advice and tips on that stuff.

 

[Close-Up Expert]

Patrick said basically what I was going to say...only much better. Hate to say it, but the majority of the Christmas gigs have already been booked...my schedule already looking kinda full as most companies take care of the parties by early to mid October.

Like mentioned, start putting together your promo pack now. Go to a photographer, get head shots, performance pics, letters of recommendation, a nice QUALITY business card (not something made at office depot or photoshop), perhaps put it all on a nice disc and send along the hard copies too??

Start working on a show NOW! Work on all the material, etc, so that way when summer rolls around, you're set to go. Here you go...the greatest tip anyone can give you is this. Pick up a book about sales, NOT written by a magician. 90% of being a successful entertainer is SELLING YOURSELF! You're not selling the magic, you're selling TOM! You need to think of yourself as a solutions provider instead of a magician...if you do that, you'll be providing an invaluable service that's always in demand.

Just some ideas....
Steve