I have a couple of questions about closeup pads here at penguin. First off, how long have these been out of stock, it seems like forever. I'm really wanting to get one but they're always out of stock. I'm assuming these are good pads right? Second, for people who own these closeup pads and who do restaurant walkaround, do you guys think it's a good idea to take with you the pads so you don't have to worry about getting your cards dirty on the tables or not being able to pick up coins or cards correctly? Thanks.

Use the table as little as possible, It is the guest territory or personal space dp not infringe on it to much, just do effect that do not require it

personally I have a real close up pad that I made from pool table skins and a hard base, and when i do walk around in a restaunt, i use my buskers table because its so portable its just my pad, and a waiters stand. penguins pads are fine for practise, dont set it down on the table though, thats a big no no

i dont have a closup pad, i dont do too many closeup tricks like that, but if you want one, just look around. Google magic supplies or something this is not the only place that sells them (sorry guys, but the've been out of stock forever) just look around

i dont have a closup pad, i dont do too many closeup tricks like that, but if you want one, just look around. Google magic supplies or something this is not the only place that sells them (sorry guys, but the've been out of stock forever) just look around

Don't use a close-up pad in restaurants when going from table to table. You'll find it is more of a hassle than anything. Also, any trick that needs that kind of surface to perform, is not intended for strolling performing.

I will mimic the general sentiment....don't use a close up pad for restaurant work. Moving anything on the table should be a last resort and only minimal if necessary.

One other piece of advice, and this is purely personal experience/opinion...don't buy the Penguin Close Up pad...it is a piece of junk. Yes, Penguin has the lowest prices, but sometimes it's because the item is just that....cheap. While most items I've purchased from Penguin tend to be of good quality, the Close Up pads were far inferior to any others I've seen. I would recommend an Apollo Close Up pad. Those are made much better and will last longer.

Dave

I did resturant magic in the Chicago area for 12 years. When I moved to Az. I stopped doing it. I am thinking of getting back into it I really miss performing. I read some of the advice posted above ad it is all "according to the book" as far as resturant magic goes. Yet I have to disagree with one rule that has been established in all the books on resturant performing. That rule being, "do not perform on the customers table and invade their space".
I have found that once you have been welcomed to the table, you sort of become a part of their group. I am not saying that you take over the table, but just use a small portion of it for your close up mat. This is intimate entertainment and your audience will want a closer look. And as far as them feeling their space is invaded... think about it... most people have never seen close up magic before and your presence is not an invasion but more of a curious invitation.
I know many will diagree with my philosophy, but the real world workings of resturant magic sometimes are different than the text book "rules", or at least it has been so in my personal experience.
Ken

I personally dont perform using a close-up mat in restaurant work, and my arguement for this has been brought up by reading loads of magic thoery...
If you want to get your audience to connect with your magic on a more than physical "wow" level, more on an emotional level, they must be involved in the magic, and believe that it is not just a trick, but that it is somewhat real. Now, this may still mean that you could still use a mat, but using a mat seems, for me at least, that it is giving a certain "I've practiced these tricks hundreds of times" feeling to the performance, unlike a 'real magic' feel. Now please dont go saying that I said not to use close-up mats, i am just stating my personal opinion. If you want to be more intimate with your audiences, it is my suggestion you dont use a close-up mat. But like i said, this is my suggestion, and nothing more.

Sean

Do you not have a local magic shop, thats probly the best resource at the moment... thats where I had to go..
-shane

If you are going to get a cloese up pad, get one that will last you for ever.

Trevor duffy has the best one on the market!

Ok, well I will definately not use a close up pad in restaurants now, but I will need one for my upcoming family show in Christmas, it will be a mix between stage and close up, kinda in between. Anyways, yeah John Midnight, I am planning on getting the Duffy one as well, from mjmmagic. They're bigger than penguins I think, they sound good.