How to Perform Magic in Restaurants Part 2 | Advice for Magicians

In this 3 part video series, Michael O'Brien talks about how to get your into a restaurant to perform for the guests, get paid, and book even more gigs!
Part 1: How to Get Your Foot in the door
Part 2: How to Interview with the Restaurant Owner
Part 3: Building Your restaurant Magic Act
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Michael O'Brien is an award winning magician who has performed magic all over the world including the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California as well as the Magic Circle in London, United Kingdom. He has made several television appearances including: KTLA 5, Mitú TV, and America's Got Talent. In addition to performing magic, Michael spends much of his time creating his own magic effects, giving his audience a unique experience they will not get anywhere else as well as teaching up and coming magicians the tricks of the trade!
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[@aprildamski7372]

I always wanted to know how to talk to Resturant owners. Thank you so much for this! Extreamly helpful!

[@OBrienMagic]

My pleasure! Hope this is helpful For you!’n

[@vonbodan6145]

Awesome video. The thing I was going to say but didn't want to til you posted this video. What I have done that has worked for me is when I do that first meet is to set up a free audition where you will perform for their guests. You want to do atleast a 30 minute bit but no more than a hour. The reason is you want to hit as many tables as possible those tables you hit will get you the gig. Get that decision marker to allow you this opportunity and sell it to them as it will not cost them anything. You just want to see what and how it will impact their business. So they agree perform magic at the tables that gets them laughing and clapping. When you finish at each table tell them if they like what you did and want to see more tell their server or tell the manager. This has helped as well with restaurants were they say they have to get approval from corporate. You tell the manager ok good let me do the free trial for you so you can let them know how well it went over when you talk to corporate. Great video my friend

[@OBrienMagic]

vonbodan yup! Definitely! The goal is th SHOW them why you are the best not just tell them. Give them a live demo so they see exactly what you will be doing in their restaurant!

[@modern3llusion573]

I do that too, i tell the owner that i post on social media before the day im there and start advertising them. I open the door for the guest and tell them welcome when they come in. I charge super cheap, but the amount of gigs you land is awsome lol.

[@modern3llusion573]

Great video

[@zachariasstarlid5365]

Great video!

[@OBrienMagic]

Zacharias Starlid thank you so much!!!

[@eliasreissmuller6131]

Youre amazing! Thank you so much I really needed to see that and I absolutely appreciate it

[@capacitorvoice]

Great video! These may be questions for the next vid, but do you accept tips? If so, how do you handle servers that may be upset if their tip is smaller? Do you coordinate with servers? What if a table calls you back after the meal? Again probably questions that may be answered in the next video. Thanks.

[@OBrienMagic]

capacitorvoice some may be answered in the next one. The tips thing I already covered in another video in the “advice for magicians” playlist. I have never had any server upset with me that their tip was smaller. Usually people will tip both. Personally, I always turn the tip down first anyway. If they insist I’ll take it but usually I’ll say “oh thank you it isn’t necessary, the restaurant is paying me nicely to be here.” To me a review and photo posted on their social media is worth more than the $5 tip they wanted to give me. If they leave me a yelp review it is much more helpful. So I may say something like. “The staff are working harder than me, how about you leave that as an extra bit on top of the tip you were already going to leave them. Since you seem so appreciative of the show, would you mind telling others about it instead? Maybe leave a review? Etc.” That will help a bit perhaps?

[@vonbodan6145]

Just my own 2 cents on this I don't accept tips . If they offer I tell them to give it to the server. If they still offer I take it and later give it to the server so I don't offend the guests. But also doing that makes the server get on your side. Happy servers can make your job way easier than a mad server who thinks you are there to take money out of their pockets

[@pedroleighton9776]

instablaster...

[@spydertv5840]

Think you sir

[@ElMagoRob]

What days and times would you recommend to be hired for Like Weekends or slow days?

[@OBrienMagic]

Illusions for the Blind great question. It completely depends on the restaurant owners goal. Do they want to get more people inside or do they want to offer distractions for their guests on a busy day. I have performed on days that are super busy because the food comes out slow or the wait at the patio is long. I have also performed on slow days to help give people a reason to come in. It all depends tbh.

[@stefanoparimbelli1261]

great video! how do you handle when you have a gig the same day that you are suppose to work in the restaurant? do you decline the gig (and loose money) or you go for the gig, making yourself appearing maybe not such a reliable worker for the restaurant manager?

[@OBrienMagic]

Stefano Parimbelli great question. One clause I put into my contract is if I cannot make it to the restaurant a stand in can be appointed in my place. I usually try o give at least 24 hours notice. This way the restaurant doesn’t loose its entertainment for the day and I am free to book other events. I’d suggest not doing this every week however haha the restaurant may want to terminate your contract if you are never there and they would have grounds to do so. Once in awhile isn’t a big deal.

[@oogabooga2744]

this helped so much but how good do you have to be to do it and how old do you have to be?

[@OBrienMagic]

Age depends on the labor laws in your state/country but usually as young as 16 can perform in restaurants for free working for tips. As for how good? You should be good enough to perform confidently without messing up. You should also take the time to learn the basic ins and outs of the restaurant business too so you don’t interfere with staff.

[@oogabooga2744]

@@OBrienMagic okay thank you so much. I just ordered some card magic books along with coin trick books do you think that books are worth it and have you used books or do you if you have do you have any recommendations ?