What's the Best Way to Approach the Public to do Street Magic?
Adrian wrote:
Thanks for giving me the chance to ask a question.
My problem at the moment is: what's the best way(s) to approach the public to perform street magic for them? How can I get experience?
Many thanks.
Adrian
Hi Adrian
The first step is to thing about how to approach someone when you want to perform. This free ebook covers just that:
Download a copy of the ebook here:
http://blog.magicshop.co.uk/2014/06/approaching-tables-free-book-magicians.html
There is some info on the Main Merchant of Magic blog regarding approaching people in the street and performing street magic which you may find useful:
http://blog.magicshop.co.uk/2017/08/street-magic-magicians-stopping-people-on-the-street.html
http://blog.magicshop.co.uk/2015/09/performing-street-magic.html
http://blog.magicshop.co.uk/2015/08/which-street-magic-tricks-dont-need-many-props-or-set-up.html
http://blog.magicshop.co.uk/2013/05/street-magic-good-bad.html
http://blog.magicshop.co.uk/2013/03/how-to-do-street-magic-tricks.html
Street magic is a great way to start showing new people, but prepare for rejection. People are out and about for numerous reasons, and most of them are running errands, or doing something important.
Have you seen those guys on the street canvassing for signatures, or market research? Do you avoid them? I do. Most people do. So if you get lots of people who are too busy or don't want to be bothered do not take it personally. You need thick skin to work on the streets. Dynamo and Blaine have a team of helpers who approach people on their behalf, so for every 100 people approached, maybe 2 or 3 will want to see magic.
You can always see if there are any charities in your area holding events and offer your services to them. If you do not want pay and only want to perform to practice, then this is a great introduction to public performing. It is far less stressful than street performing as the people at the event will generally want to see something. You have very little pressure and it can very quickly build your confidence.
Good luck and let me know how you get on.
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