It seems there are always more magicians than there are places to perform. This is true on all levels of the magic business including places like Las Vegas where magicians are usually in demand.
For those who would rather be performing than doing anything else, this lack of venues is frustrating. It also means it is difficult to develop as a performer. Many magicians have turned to areas where there is a modest demand for live magical entertainment: restaurants, birthday parties, corporate work, cruises, and street performing among them. But each of these areas imposes limitations on the nature of the magic the magician will be able to perform and the manner of the presentation.
This doesn't mean it isn't possible to find places to perform or succeed as a magician. Obviously there are a number of highly successful magicians. What it does mean is that there is minimal middle ground in the magic business. You're either making a modest living or you're doing very well.
All that said, it is possible to build a business based on being a magician and get paid for providing your talents. What must be understood is that to do this your magical talents aren't quite as important as your business talents. Like any business, you have to determine what you're going to sell and who is going to buy. Then you have to figure out how to let your potential customers know that if they don't hire you they've made a big mistake.
In my experience very few magicians know much about advertising, promotion, publicity, contracts, theater or any of the other elements that are crucial being in show business. If you're not working as much as you want to, then you should consider spending your free time figuring out how to attract new customers just like any other business would do if they wanted to, er, stay in business.
Do as much research as possible to find all the places and companies in your area who feature or use live entertainment. This includes theaters, restaurants, caterers, corporate event planners, civic organizations, arts councils, schools and anything else you can think of. Check local listings to build a list of events that happen on a regular basis and find out who books them. With enough effort you'll probably be surprised at how many places there are that might potentially hire you. Be sure to include local newspapers, magazines, TV and radio on your list.
Once you've developed a master list, create publicity material that can be mailed to them. When you have an important show, let them know you're working with a promotional postcard or press release. The basic idea is to make everyone aware of who you are and what you're doing. Over time, you'll establish yourself in their minds as a magician and maximise your potential for being the one they call when they need entertainment.
Some magicians believe that with a web site touting their talents they're in business. Selling a magic show requires a more door to door approach than that. Most often potential clients are most likely to hire you if they've seen you perform, met you and like you. Yours Magically Solomon Interested to learn magic for fun or profit? Would you like to hire a magician, hypnotist or an emcee for your event? Visit www.themagicofsolomon.com for more info..
