Trading Performances

Develop a working relationship with other magicians; they'll be able to hand you performances they're too busy to do and vice-versa.

Joining a Magic Organization

If you want to be a magician, join a magic organization; they frequently know of the best sources of sustained gigs. Join as many as you can. You´ll find it´s well worth the dues.

Volunteering for non-for-profit venues

Volunteer to do your magic show for non-for-profit organizations as often as you can; it's the best way to gain experience and to make yourself known. Hospitals, care homes, charity fundraisers and schools can give you a lot of "free" promotion.

Business Cards

The best thing you can do for your career as a magician is to invest in 1000 business cards. Be generous with them when you think they will be of some use; at every show, pull a few out of someone's ear.

Performance Tape 2

When setting up your magic promotion tape, script everything but be sure to include shots taken at your previous shows; it illustrates that you can work well for an audience.

Business Cards 2

Take time to design your card. Try to avoid the staid regular business cards used by other professionals. You want something smart, sharp and interesting; something that will draw attention to your act. Scatter them to the flock of children for whom you are performing and make sure you "accidently" leave some behind you as you leave.

Free Domain Name

Free Domain Name at yourmagician.com

If you would like your own domain name, a company has been created to serve the needs of magicians with their own homepages. The service is free of charge.

Examples:

http://dondrake.yourmagician.com
http://magimike.yourmagician.com
http://teddy.yourmagician.com
http://damian.yourmagician.com

Get yours today at YourMagician.Com

Performance Tape III

Send a copy of your performance tape to your local public access station; alert your friends and colleagues when the air time will be.

Consider filming other magicians to produce your own show. This way your own performance tape can be shown more frequently.

Your website

Develop a website and make sure you list it on every known search engine; make it interesting and splashy…this is not a time for modesty!

Web Resource for Entertainment Professionals

When Cabaret Entertainer Jim Coston began his show business career twenty years ago, he took the advice of a veteran entertainer and started keeping a "little black book" of entertainment industry contacts. Through the years it grew to be thousands of names and addresses, and he routinely gave copies away to his fellow entertainers.

The ESSENTIAL ENTERTAINER´S LINKS WORKSHOP is your one-stop web address for resources for professional musicians, actors, writers, stage techs and comedians and variety acts.

* Over 3500 Entertainment Industry Related Weblinks
* An Industry Database of over 3500 names and addresses
* Current entertainment industry news
* Casting Calls & Music Gig Listings from around the world
* Message Board, Interactive Polls, Live Chat Room
* Informative articles written by Entertainment Pros
* An online store featuring theatre, film & music books, software, etc.
* A Game Room that allows users to relax, have fun and win cash & prizes
* Find what you need FAST!! Our site is fully indexed for easy keyword searches!!

The Essential Entertainer´s Links Workshop is a FREE clearinghouse of informative articles, weblinks & resources for the working and aspiring entertainment professional.

Visit them at: Essential Entertainer´s Links

Performance Tape II

Your magic performance tape should contain varied magic effects; include both close-up and platform work. The tape should be shot in front of a live audience to record their reactions to your performance.

Creating and Using an Audition Tape

Rule #1: Get a tripod. “Documentary-style” shaky camera shots are comical at best and you will wind up looking like your Aunt Betsy filmed you as you performed for the twins´ birthday party. You won´t impress a prospective employer that way.

If possible, get your audition tapes done professionally. The expense will be repaid when you get twice as many gigs with a good tape as you could have with a bad one.

Photos: Headshots

Have professional grade 8 x 10 photos taken of yourself. Create a portfolio of these headshots and any other performance-style photos that you have. Don't be shy; booking agents never hire a “pig-in-a-poke.”

Free Web Listing

Get your listing online at a new and free listing site entitled SleightlyMagic. It really is free and is marketed well. Check it out at: Sleightly Magic

Performance Tape 3

- No special effects, please…just straight cinematography.

Performance Tape 1

- Get someone who is good at filming, lighting and editing to film you. Don't rely on a non-professional.

Representation for Magicians

Representation for magicians around the world
URL: http://www.magicprograms.com

Philip Murad offer representation to professional and semi-professional magicians around the world. This could be a great way to get regular gigs. If you are interested, check out his website at Philip and Henry Productions.

MagicCoach Newsletter

MagicCoach.com is the Web's first free weekly email newsletter and resource site dedicated to helping Magicians grow their entertainment business. Get tips, tactics and classic strategies on Marketing, Promotion and more. For details click here - MagicCoach

Free Professional Listing

Are you interested in a free magic performance website? PartyDirectory.com will offer one free for your magic act. If you would like to create one, try this link: PartyDirectory.Com

You will be allowed to use your new URL on business cards and all print advertising.

Table-hopping

Approach restaurateurs and bar owners. Be aggressive without being rude or ridiculous; no one likes a pushy magician. Table-hopping can be your number one source of income as a professional or semi-professional magician.