Retiring a Favorite

I've done quite a few shows in the past month, and I realized that 1) one of my favorite closing effects, the Sword thru Neck is just not getting the same appreciation it once was.

Combined with 2)People who WANT to see my show more than once, are looking for something new. It's hard to come up with good, solid, funny material. However, I am taking a cue from Walt Disney, who (paraphrased here) specified that the Disney Parks will never be completed and always in a state of flux, with new shows, rides, updates, or events.

I've seen some entertainers who NEVER change their set. Once you have a solid set of material, it's great to work it. However, once an audience sees it once, they are looking for something new. If the performer doesn't provide, their fanbase dwindles.

So, in the next few shows in Oct, Nov, and Dec I will be bringing some new effects in, while sadly, phasing out one of my favorites. If you have not had a chance to see it live, here is a quick video of it here...




Lesson:Keep yourself on your toes, and give repeat audiences something new.

K, bye

The Launch of Something New (or two?)

Greetings all,

This weekend is the launch of two brand new shows. While both are family friendly, one is tailored more towards children, while the other is more adult themed. I'm also working on developing a relationship with the audience and connecting more.

As mentioned earlier, there is a reason why magic is not perceived as a legitamite art form. I believe part of it is that there is so much bad magic out there. Look at youtube.

I spoke to someone today who has not seen magic live, or on tv. To be 30 and not been exposed to ANY magic? We had a stimulating conversation which resulted in a cool souvenier after a miracle that blew her mind.

It's the small moments of astonishment that make what I do so awesome.

There is no lesson in this post, just looking forward to meeting some of you guys at some upcoming shows! Hit me up on Facebook for the Fall/Winter Schedule.

PEACE

What makes San Jose so great?

Aside from the amazing diversity, fantastic food, and stellar culture (who says redundancy is dead?) I realized that San Jose is a place to really be yourself. As it pertains to magic, I've found a new way to present my show. I've been performing at a few local comedy clubs and they have forced me to up my game. I've included a video of me practicing a closeup magic trick, and I'm excited about some things in the works. sorry for being vague, but news to break soon!



Lesson: Everyone is put here with a song to sing...learn and sing your song!

Becoming the best....for you

Every once in awhile, just when you need it, someone comes along to knock you off your pedestal. Such is the case with me. The reason for my long gap in writing, was that I found a mentor to help me refine my show, drop the things that didn't work, and redesign the act into something that was professional, funny, and family friendly. I found myself battling with the advice, as I know my voice and style better than anyone,but this gentleman's advice was invaluable.

As such, I will be honing in on some new material and some new themes, and making myself the best, in the hopes of bringing you a little piece of magic, something that will inspire and something you will take home with you.

Lesson: Follow your own voice, but let others ground you when necessary.

Frustrating again....

I have a very specific market that I tailor to. The one that pays. (HA!)...

Local Festivals that are run with various themes (art and wine festivals, food festivals, etc). Using a specific marketing approach, clients outside of my market still contact me if they need entertainment for their event.

Honored that they consider me for their event, many times I refer them to someone who can handle their particular needs better than me. What shocks me though is that they are sometimes offended.

Which brings me to my point. As mentioned in a previous post, not all magic is the same. Last year a coworker of mine asked me to perform for his kid's birthday. As this is not my usual market, I declined, but after some discussion, I decided to do it.

The show went over, ok...but not as well as a kid's magician would have done, and the coworker was upset with me for a bit.

A similar situation presented itself recently. This time I referred it and all were happy.


Lesson: Know you're strengths, and if something is out of your scope....pass it on.

Audition

I'm at a crossroads. I have been asked to audition for a show locally which may lead to a great run in late June. I have been developing a few new routines but they have only been workshopped.

My apprehension lies in this. As I intend to perform the new pieces in the show (should I get it), would it be appropriate to demonstrate those? While some of the classics (Julie, Odd Couple mind reading...) are fun.....perhaps I need to push myself.

Lesson: Take chances and show everyone something. If you build it....they will indeed come.

Is it worth it?

Sometimes as I sit, working on a new routine, or idea for a trick it gets frustrating at some point of the process. It's easy to forgo and idea and just settle for something a little easier.

There is a card routine I have been working on for the past month or so. I was asked to do something for a client, and the trick did not go so well. I'm not sure if it was because it was the first real person to see it, or if it was not yet ready.

Learning from what I deemed to be the mistake, I did the same trick last night with a couple of friends and it killed. Once you have something ready, don't wait for it to be "perfect", the feedback you get will help you learn what works and what doesn't.

This applies to performance artists, comedians, and tactile artists as well.

Lesson: If you have an idea for something. Become proficient, but if you wait for it to be PERFECT, you will be waiting to show it someone. Waiting...waiting....waiting...