Strolling Magic Exposed

"Find out insider secrets of performing strolling magic." An Interview with Magician Jim Pace. Interviewed By J.L. Siefers, Learn-Great-Magic-Tricks.com [J.L.] What kind of tricks do you use when doing strolling magic? [Jim] I will use coins, cards, mini linking rings, rubber bands, string, glassware, watches, fingertips, napkins, table knives, dollar bills and pretty much anything that will reset immediately. [J.L.] How do you approach a group of people? [Jim] My methods differ depending on how I feel about the table. Sometimes I will just hand a piece of flash paper to someone in a group. I will take it back...not saying a word then light it on fire, where it turns into a silver dollar. Sometimes I will take my handkerchief and ask who ordered the glass of water. I will produce a bottle of water then set it down on the table for people to see, I say "..no...that is not it, this is!" I produce a glass of water. I want them to know that I am the magician right away. I really do not like asking for permission to perform my magic. That in mind if you would like to carry the same thoughts...be careful, not every one likes magic. You must learn how to read people before you become seemingly reckless. [J.L.] Does your approach change if there are children in the group? [Jim] Yes, depending on the age. From 5 years and up I will pluck a coin from the air and proceed to do Miser's dream and place them into the parents open hands. Every once in a while I will take one from the kids ear or elbow and then once I have their confidence I will make a shower of coins fall from the kids nose. It always gets a laugh and laughs are important in this field. [J.L.] What advice do you have for the opening effect? [Jim] The magician's opener should be short and visual. Your table should know who you are within the first moments of your approach. [J.L.] What advice do you have for the closing effect? [Jim] A closing effect should be strong and visual. It should also represent who you are or the establishment from where you are working, such as a business card trick, or a card trick that spells the name of the restaurant you are at. Perhaps the Hot Leads wallet although not a trick could be used as a closer. It is visual and your client will remember you for the rest of their lives. [J.L.] How do you dress for strolling magic? [Jim] Either a tux, a sport coat and nice slacks, or a vest and shirt with nice black pants. [J.L.] How do you market yourself to get strolling magic jobs? [Jim] Lao Tzo once said ..." The longest journey begins with a single step..." Just start doing it. Go into restaurants, have a meal, ask questions. You will get some no's. Go to the places that you least like to work at first. By the time you get to the one that you like you should have a Yes in your favor. A restaurant gig will book you more shows than you need. Try them first. Agents also work well for gigs in the non restaurant field. [J.L.] What do you do when it is clear the group does not want to see magic? [Jim] Leave. [J.L.] How long do you perform for a group? [Jim] Restaurant or strolling? I would suggest that every trick is part of a three phase routine where each builds on the other but each could be stopped at any time for many reasons.( food arrives, Uncle Edward from out of town) Not more than two minutes at each trick, and each trick visual. [J.L.] What kind of effects do you recommend that don't require a table? [Jim] Rope magic, mini linking rings, Misers dream, and multiple card selections from people around the table (eight cards are selected lost and then found each in a different matter.) [J.L.] What kind of magic tricks do you avoid when doing strolling magic? [Jim] Pick a card tricks. In strolling situations many people have a drink in their hand and often food in the other. If there is a card trick involved it would be from a glanced at card. [J.L.] What kind of performer is best suited for strolling magic? [Jim] The performer who is not shy and enjoys being around crowds [J.L.] What kind of outs do you use when things go wrong? [Jim] I do not pretend that a mistake never happens. I say oops and laugh an obvious mistake off. Many times the audience is unaware that anything has gone wrong. Most the time it is only you. [J.L.] How do you handle the issue of tips? [Jim] I do not solicit tips. I will never turn a tip down and I will encourage tips by performing magic with their money. I have a friend who wears a badge for his tips. it reads " I am Dyslexic will work for spit!" I enjoy his badge [J.L.] Do you pass out your business card or do other things to get more jobs while performing strolling magic? [Jim] If you are not passing out cards, then you are not getting work. Pass them out at any chance. You are your best salesman. Did I mention my Hot Leads wallet as a way to pass out business cards in a way that the client will always remember?