Strolling Magicians in the Boston area...
I get many
inquiries from people who think they might like to try magical entertainment
for their, event, celebration, wedding, cocktail party…and more.
As is
often the case, so many are unsure of what will fit their program the best.
Most haven’t thought about or totally understand their options. It is my
obligation to help them understand what is available; it is NOT about selling
me or my performance.
I am a
strolling/ Walk Around/ Close Up Magician, and love what I do, if my services
fit you, I’m all over it. If not, I’’ guide you to another professional or an
agency.
Let’s
look at Stage, Parlor, and Platform Magic…Most often people pay to go to a
show. They have a good idea of what to expect, and understand that they will be
seated. They are welcome to applaud, gasp in wonder, but their attention is
expected. They are not welcome to use their cell phones in a way that will
interrupt the show or disturb people they are seated near. They are also not
expected to carry on conversations with people next to them, much less shouting
out across the seats to get the attention of a friend. Those are the rules of
polite society…get it? Yup, most of you. A Stage show is appropriate for any
venue. A stage show is also appropriate where an individual hires a Magician for
his/her guests. It is best that the guests are aware that they will be asked to
devote an hour of their undivided attention. If this is unknown to your guests
it may not be what they were expecting and may make some feel they want to bow
out for a little while. Let your guests know you are inviting them to a show.
Strolling
Magicians play by slightly different rules. Many might perceive that what they
do is Helter Skelter, unplanned or improvisational. Nothing could be further
from the truth. The professional strolling magician presents highly structured
and rehearsed entertainment. I paraphrase, but the best improvisation is
extremely well rehearsed.
Where is
the strolling Magicians best venue? These are numerous, cocktail Parties,
Holiday Parties, Weddings and everything you can possibly think of.
It is
always best if your guests know a Magician will be there to provide
entertainment. It just makes it easier on the introductions…not necessary; we
can slip in without being rude, and are always welcome, 99.9% of the time. When
you are skilled from experience you can tell when old friends are catching
up…give them some time and return later.
Truthfully,
when you begin entertaining your first group there should be so much laughter,
applauding and things I can’t mention, you will be welcomed wherever you go as
each group is anticipating what all the noise was about.
When is
this entertainment not a good idea? When people are dining! Very important, I
repeat, when people are dining. The only entertainment that will work properly
in this environment is quiet music, which will allow the diners to talk as they
eat. You would think this is a no brainer…it is not. Can you imagine, a magic
show interrupting your dinner? When the show is over, your dinner is cold…or
you pay no attention and the Magician is wasting his time, but more
importantly, your time.
This
does not rule out cocktail parties where food is served. The professional
strolling magician has no problems providing entertainment to suit the
circumstance. One person may be texting…carry on, everyone else is totally
immersed in what you are doing. People may interact with you, perfectly fine,
this does not mean they run the program, but they have to feel free to talk
with you. I ask many questions of the guests, and I listen, it is part of the
“Magic”
There
are always pros and cons in every situation. Weigh out you options, the pros
should outweigh the cons 99 to 1. If this is not the case perhaps Magic is not
your best entertainment.Stage or Close Up? Not so mysterious now.
If you
need a free consultation please call me…you and your event come first. My
finding my next Gig…There’s always another around the corner. I can always take
some time to help a friend.
