Hello everyone!

I just have a quick question to ask of you guys, which is:

When you're talking to the owner/manager of a restuarant about getting a job, what trick would be most suitable to show them as a demonstration of your skills?

I was talking to someone who used to do restuarant work and is now just a hobbyist and he told me that of all the restuarants he went to, none of them asked to see a trick upfront.
However I feel it would give a bad impression if I wasn't prepared at all for a quick effect.

I'm thinking something with coins, as I don't want to waste his time pulling out a deck of cards, shuffling, spreading ect.
Obviously it can't be too long, so I'm leaning towards Revolution, but I have NO idea whether or not this would be suitable/would impress the manager enough.

Do any of you have an idea for a quick(-1 minute) trick which would help me get a job?

Hope to hear from you,

~ Pingumagic

whichever "trick" you can do flawlessly. No one cares which effect you perform, but it better be one you can perform instantly, with no set up, and no chance of screwing up.

It's an audition. There are generally no second chances! As long as there is magic. As long as you are entertaining and as long as you execute flawlessly you are good 2 go. Look professional make sure you have an out so that if something goes wrong he would never know!

Exactly. It's not about what the trick is, its about impressing the manager with an effect. So whatever effect gets the job done.

i think a effect using business cards would be best. Sankey has a few great ones. That way when they look at your card they will remember the awesome effect.

something that has to do with whatever they sell or do, or hundy 500

Yea sailor, make a pork chop disappear. Some people if their brains were nitroglyercin still couldn't blow their nose.

^^

Pig to watermelon lol.

Pauldela

You bought Revolution too?? Sorry bro. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that DVD was nothing but a 30 minute love making session with Brad. The move not only takes 30 seconds to teach, but also 30 seconds to MASTER it. Easiest vanish in the world requiring ZERO MISDIRECTION.

For a manager trick I'd go with something truly spectacular. Mentalism could be risky because they might not want to hire you if they think you are the anti-Christ. I'd do liquid metal or an ACR.

Yeah, I'd do Revolution- but after that, to really blow him away, I'd pull out Killer Spies. I really like this one because it's totally impromptu.

I just closed a deal for a weekly restaurant gig.

I got the owners attention with Haunted Key then a Fork Bend. He booked me for one evening for a special event. When the people raved about my performance, we made a deal for every wednesday evening.

Basically I performed two effect that I am really good at and am known for.

So advice to you - Do the one or two effects that you can do with your eyes closed and that are entertaining.

In addition to what George said, don't copy another performer's patter. I was just watching Bill Malone on Reel Magic and he was saying that the restaurant is the best way to find your character, you really need to be on your toes. So script one or two good effects, like George said (don't sound like a robot) and give them your best.

-JT

To impress a manager:

No business card effects - that just makes you an infomercial.

Money effects are fun for anyone, I suggest "Collateral Damage" ala, Sankey.

Cards ideas:
The Invisible deck
"Blackpool Effect" (Sankey)
ACR with a card to wallet ending

acr

Wrong! You have to give them a business card...you might as well make it something special. I do it everytime I hand one out. It's called "Hot Leads". You pull out your business card on FIRE and then hand it to them un-burned. However, you better be extremely comfortable and experienced with this one before attempting it in a public building.

Ok, maybe that's not a good one unless you already do it.

I still say that if you can present your business card in a magical way, then it gives purpose for you giving it to them.