Approaching Tables – How to approach people to show them magic tricks.
A lot of magicians worry about how they will approach people and start performing magic. There are ways to easily identify the best method for approaching a group, and several techniques that can make your approach far easier and more effective.
In this free book Dominic Reyes shares what he has learn’t about approaching people to perform table magic over the past 20 years.
The tips and advice are intended to give you a feel for what to expect, ways to be prepared for most situations, practical tips that will make a huge difference to the reactions you get when you join a group, and the degree of attention your guests will show you right from the beginning.
Topics include:
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The challenges faced performing magic at tables
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Why the work starts before you get to a gig
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The best way to talk to client
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Ways to work with the resturant staff
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How to create energy
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Ways to overcome approach nerves
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Techniques to build confidence
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Tricks to connect with spectators
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Ways to approach tables
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How to Introduce yourself
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Introductions and dealing with alpha spectators
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Tips for approaching long tables
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Approaching clients by email
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How not to be annoying
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The best trypes of magic tricks to perform
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How to improve the impact of your magic
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much much more
'Great eBook on "Approaching Tables". Good tips that all magicians can use.' – Marcus Bailey
'Very thorough on all aspects of close up at tables. Every magician should read this. There is something for everyone!' – Ricky Morgan
'The ebook is very useful raising points I probably would never have considered years ago.' – Boris Leistikow
Hi Dominic Reyes/Merchant of Magic,
First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to you guys for providing this e-book for free. The Approaching Tables is a great e-book, especially when I just started table hopping recently. Previously I’ve just been performing for family, friends, or even at small parties/events/gatherings (from close-up to parlor setting).
Approaching new people/strangers has always been a challenge for me, therefore when I was approached by my close magician friends to follow them to do some table hopping magic (for a couple of days), I was worried of all kind of things, but I was glad I read your e-book as it helps me a lot, especially at the setting where we should scan first and analyze each table before approaching, identifying the alpha spectator(s), knowing the right spot to stand when performing, where the mirrors are, the condition of the table, etc.
I however encountered two different (difficult) situation on two separate occasions (in regard to the types of spectators). You wrote on the elderly guests in one of the section of the e-book, and to stand closer to them in case they may have impaired hearing or eyesight, however I encountered an elderly man (who seems to have good hearing and eyesight) who kept zoning out during the performance. The tricks was well received by the other guests, which makes me think could it be that some tricks are harder to cater to the elderly guests, or if it’s too complicated and too long to hold their attention. I’m currently reflecting on that.
I’ve always been afraid to perform magic to kids, in the past I had kids running to me in an attempt to take my money when I performed Extreme Burn, and had some of my tricks ruined when performing to them (as they can sometimes be unpredictable). I’ve always wanted to learn children magic and the ways to deal with them, but never got the time for it. Anyway, during the table hopping performance, I was trying to avoid tables with children, until at one point I don’t know what has gotten into me that I approached a table with a couple of kids. Things was fine for the first few tricks, but suddenly they started making noises and drawing away some of the guests’ attention. I continued anyway, and some of the guests who was distracted earlier only managed to see my finale (without knowing how things got to that point).
Well, they still applauded, but I was rather disappointed as they could not fully enjoy/experience the magic. However, my friend told me that it was fine, it keeps them curious, and the other guests can/will tell them what has happened in the beginning. At least that was a comforting thought.
I apologize for the long winded story, just wanted to share my experience with you and the team. I also want to thank you guys once again for the great e-book, it was fun to read, and has given me great insight on a couple of things. Forgive me as well if I made any mistakes in my post above as English is not my first language. Last but not least, I’m looking forward to more great advices from you guys in the near future.
Sincerely,
Hon Sen
Thanks Hon Sen, that’s nice of you to say.
Yep, many people struggle performing magic for kids, because it uses a different skill set than for an adult audience. The principles of magic remain, but audience control becomes vital. I don’t think you have to worry much about the situations you mention. Yes, you need to control grabbing, and crowding, as that can happen when doing close-up for kids, but that comes very quickly as you perform more for families.
Attention spans can be very different, especially for mixed groups of adults and kids, but as long as you have some material that is suitable for young children (sponge balls etc) you are fine to mix up a range of effects at the table so everyone gets entertained. Get the adults to hold the hand of the kid whilst the magic happens or ask questions that both the adults and kids need to answer.. Engage everyone..
Sounds like you have things covered and are making great progress
Wishing you the very best wish your magic
Dominic