Your first restaurant magic gig can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some of the essential steps you should take to get your first gig fast!
Understanding Your Objectives
Before you start reaching out to venues, it’s crucial to identify your primary goals. Ask yourself:
- Do you want to refine your skills?
- Are you looking to earn money?
- Is networking and distributing magicians business cards your main focus?
- Do you view restaurant gigs as a stepping stone to corporate work and private parties?
Choosing the Right Venue
The type of venue you target should align with your goals. Consider the following:
- High-End Restaurants: Attract affluent patrons and executives.
- Sports Bars: Draw a crowd more interested in drinking and less likely to engage attentively.
- Family Restaurants (e.g., TGI Friday’s): Offer a family-friendly atmosphere. These are often the easiest restaurant magic gig venues to secure.
Chain vs. Privately Owned Restaurants
- Privately Owned Restaurants: Direct access to the owner or general manager increases your chances of securing a gig.
- Chain Restaurants: These require corporate approval, which can be more challenging to obtain but often have established precedents for employing entertainers.
Developing Your Hook
Your pitch should focus on the restaurant’s needs, not your personal aspirations. Common hooks include:
- Enhancing the restaurant’s ambience and attracting more business.
- Easing the staff’s burden on busy nights by entertaining waiting guests.
Making the Approach for a Restaurant Magic Gig
Contacting the decision-maker is vital. This is often the owner or general manager. Here’s a strategic way to make your first approach for a new restaurant magic gig:
- Initial Call: Find out the decision-maker’s name and thank the staff for their time.
- In-Person Visit: Show professionalism by arranging a meeting or dropping by with a valid reason and a brief demonstration of your skills.
The Forgetful Ploy
Use a clever tactic of ” forgetting” your promotional materials in your car. This makes your visit seem spontaneous and genuine while providing the decision-maker with professional credentials.
Conducting the Meeting
When you meet with the owner or GM, your goals are to:
- Impress them with your performance.
- Address and alleviate any concerns they might have, such as:
- Not embarrassing patrons.
- Not soliciting tips directly.
- Not interrupting the dining experience.
Promotional Materials
Prepare a professional promo folder containing:
- A cover letter.
- A bio and achievements.
- Service descriptions and rates.
- A client list.
- Endorsements and testimonials.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Newspaper articles (if available).
Performance Material For a Restaurant Magic Gig
Have a strong, fast opener, a few in-the-hands magic tricks, and a memorable closer. Ensure your performance material leaves a lasting impression.
Conclusion
Securing your first restaurant magic gig as a magician involves a mix of preparation, strategic pitching, and professional performance. You can create a successful and sustainable restaurant entertainment career by understanding your objectives, choosing the right venues, making effective pitches, and fostering good relationships with both management and staff. Nathan W. Kranzo’s guide, “The Gig,” provides insightful strategies and practical steps to help aspiring performers secure their first restaurant gig. Follow Nathan W. Kranzo’s tried-and-true methods to land that coveted first restaurant magic gig.
Get THE GIG by Nathan Kranzo Here
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