street magic
street magic
Well, I tried street magic today. I was in the National Mall in Washington, DC, and I am shocked how many people say no. Who says no to a magic trick? I got 1 tip for $5, but I had a good time anyway. I preformed for some Dutch people who did not speak English(odd because most Europeans do)
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Re: street magic
Magia wrote:Well, I tried street magic today. I was in the National Mall in Washington, DC, and I am shocked how many people say no. Who says no to a magic trick?
Welcome to the real world...
- Tom Frame
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Re: street magic
If you bring a camera crew with you on your next foray, the crowd may be a bit more receptive.
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Re: street magic
That's not street magic. That is un-requested strolling magic.
"Hope I Die Before I Get Old"
P. Townshend
P. Townshend
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Re: street magic
Magia, you may find helpful what Jamy Ian Swiss has to say on the subject: http://www.antinomymagic.com/swiss.htm
Not all agree with Jamy, but it may give you a starting point to consider.
Not all agree with Jamy, but it may give you a starting point to consider.
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Re: street magic
Brandon Hall wrote:That's not street magic. That is un-requested strolling magic.
Indecent public exposure with or without a wand?
Is this to be our new oft told tale: So this stranger comes up to me and says "want to see my deck, it's really special" - and I just ran. I turned around and saw him aproach some other folks. He fussed for a minute or so and then they giggled - and he ran away.
People stopped in trafic are not supposed to be in a red light district. ;)
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Re: street magic
Brandon is right. The strolling magician can socialize with guests as if he was part of the crowd before attempting any magic. If they like him, they may want to see him perform.
That type of guerilla street magic is a disrepectful invasion of privacy. The magi presumes (hopes?) people want to see him perform. It usually comes off as a form of harassment.
It's better to busk on the streets instead. You stake out your spot and perform. Folks can then decide for themselves if you're worth their time.
That type of guerilla street magic is a disrepectful invasion of privacy. The magi presumes (hopes?) people want to see him perform. It usually comes off as a form of harassment.
It's better to busk on the streets instead. You stake out your spot and perform. Folks can then decide for themselves if you're worth their time.
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Re: street magic
I'm with Leo and agree with much of what Jamy wrote.
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Re: street magic
The mall is the last place in DC I would try to busk. The National Park Police are not too forgiving on these things.
brian :cool:
brian :cool:
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Re: street magic
Yes people react negatively in this situation. Some stranger shows up wanting to do magic tricks isn't exactly too inviting. "Want to see a magic trick?" is probably not a good opening line.
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Re: street magic
Brian Marks wrote:Yes people react negatively in this situation. Some stranger shows up wanting to do magic tricks isn't exactly too inviting. "Want to see a magic trick?" is probably not a good opening line.
Brian, in my experience it really depends on how you ask them and whether they are already preoccupied or in a rush when you ask them.
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Re: street magic
Everyone loves an uninvited show-off!
That's the basis for my entire career...
Ian Kendall Close up magician in Edinburgh and Scotland