This is going to be a treatise on strolling magic for magicians than for clients and laypeople. I hope this is insightful to anyone who reads it. Please understand this is from both my own personal experience & the collective experience from other professional strolling magicians.
WHat is strolling magic? It is modular close-up magic performed table to table. Sometimes depending on the magician – a side lightweight side table is used but believe me – this just gets in the way. Strolling magic originated from the restaurant world and has been used in banquets, cocktail parties, weddings, Sweet 16s, picnics, etc etc. Props are usually carried in the pocket of the performer or in a pouch attached at the waist. Now we got definitions out of the way I want to focus more on the NATURE of strolling magic because there does seem to be a bit of confusion with new players to the field.
- Strolling Magic is modular. You do not want to stuff your pockets full of stuff. You want at least 3 -4 minutes of solid material but also be able to get away with doing a few seconds. Table to table magic is quick. A solid coin act, a solid card magic act and maybe a solid rope routine is good. You don’t want to stuff your pockets because you need to have good pocket management. This will not only make life easier for you, it will give you a clean polished appearance. Heres an idea – learn 1 – 2 good solid magic with rubber bands and wear the bands on your wrist! Try not to do things that require a lot of set up. Strolling magic is fast paced.
- Its not about you. The people at the table won’t care as much what you do as long as you are competent. The first thing you do needs to be solid for a good impression. The first thing should be quick and to the point, the second thing you show them should involve them. It is the same formula you would use for stage / stand up magic – an introductory piece followed by some kind of audience involvement. Now keep in mind – the table is going to be packed with food. Try to keep the magic in the hands as much as possible and be ready for an accidental spill of liquid.
3) You may find that it is hard to get the entire table involved or interested – so have material that is versatile for both one on one and something that’s visible from a small crowd. A lot of times you may only be performing for 1 or 2 people at each table early on during the event.
Here is a formula I like that has worked for me … Focus on one or 2 people at the table, do something then dismiss yourself to the next table and do the exact same thing. Go around the room doing this and when you get back to the first table do your second bit. No promises but word will probably have spread and the rest of the table will be more inclined to see what you have to offer.
HERE IS A SHOCKER – YOU WILL BE TALKING MORE THAN PERFORMING
SHOCKER! As the guests warm up to you and vise versa you will find that you will be having more conversation with the guests than you will be performing anything. It is very important to pack small, avoid stuffing your pocket so you can have a more relaxed polished look.
BUT I WAS HIRED TO DO MAGIC
You were hired to entertain. Again the strolling magic is not about you and its not even about your client – its about making sure the guests are relaxed & enjoying themselves. Learn to communicate and have fun without solely relying on the magic.
Jordan Allen 