Hey all,

For the past few weeks I have started to get my crap together and start doing restraunt work, and I do have a few questions. I have been doing stage for about a year now, some street busking and such but now I'd like to get a gig at a restraunt that know my experience and how entertaing my shows are so they have asked if I can do some work to attract attention to their restraunt and I freely accepted. I've got as much time as I need so there is no rush. These questions have been asked but I would still like to have opinions and answers from all.


I have been told that a restraunt gig (table hopping) should only last from 5 to 8 minutes per table... is that about right?

I do want to have the "audience" involved in many of the effects so what are some good effects that have hard hitting and good participation with the people?

What is a good wage to start off at, I've been told answers ranging from 50 to 200 four a 4 hour night so now I've got to ask you because my brain is being played with, reasonable price.


Thanks all for the help and best regards,

Shane Arsenault

I don't think you need a 5-8 minute routine for each table. I do anything from a minute to 10. It really depends on who you are performing for. If they seem to really enjoy what you are doing, than make it a little longer. If they seem impatient, make it shorter. Just observe your audience.

I would suggest getting Front Row Sankey. He has some great effects. Most of Sankey's material is great for resturaunt work.

Personally, I work for a fixed income. Depending on how many days they want me to work, I will work from $250-$500 a week, and I don't take tips, unless they are above $20. The reason for that because if someone offers me something smaller, I just tell them that they really don't have to since I'm already being paid by the establishment. But I figure if they are giving me something bigger, they can afford it. And I took that from a suggestion Banachek made.

I hope that helps.

Hey fallingblood, thanks for the help. On Sankey's DVD does his tricks have good audience participation.

Many of the tricks do. The majority of them actually do. With resturaunt work, I don't think you can go wrong with Sankey, as most of the stuff he creates is for close up and works great for resturaunt work.

Alright thanks, is there anything else important that you should let me know?

Just have fun. That's the most important thing. Relate to your audience.

The main thing is to have fun.

Thanks fallingblood I really appreciate it!