How to Get Magic Show Gigs

Getting magic show gigs is a matter of developing a repertoire of tricks within your skill range. In addition to practicing the tricks themselves, you'll want to know in advance what order you will perform your tricks and what you will say to your audience.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make a name for yourself by practicing in front of others and performing in public as often as possible. When you're staring out, offer free shows. Consider volunteering your services at libraries, fundraising events, children's birthday parties, schools, at gatherings with your friends and in public places such as parks.

2. Go around to businesses such as bars and restaurants once you have built your repertoire and developed a reputation as a good performer. Be prepared to perform one or two tricks for the manager so that he or she gets a sense of your routine.

3. Offer managers references built during your volunteer work and offer to work for tips for the first few gigs. If they are not paying you up front, the business has little to lose by giving you the gig.

4. Consider building a website and having business cards printed once you have substantial experience performing in front of a crowd so you can be located easily when someone needs a magic gig. Pass out your business cards after shows and let any interested audience members know you are available for hire.

5. Look for paid gigs at places like trade shows, churches, summer camps, country clubs, cruise ships, casinos, circuses, night clubs, theaters, conferences and local television stations.

Tips & Warnings

• When you are first starting out, talk to other professional magicians and volunteer to assist them so that you can get a feel for what is effective and how the business works. When you do get gigs, whether paid or volunteer, stick with simple yet impressive tricks that you know well.