How Do You Open?

Michael Kras · How Do You Open?

What lines do you use to start off a small performance or act during walkaround or restaurant work?

My line is simply: "Fsssssshhhhhhhh, tktktktktk, Fshhhhhhhhh, tktktktk"

In case you cannot interpret that, it is the sound of cards shuffling. I always gather attention and start off by doing flourishes, shuffles, and cuts. People often gather to see what's up, and I casually go immediately into an effect... Never under-estimate the power of a 17-packet cut.

Liam

i never flourish infront of audiences.
it ruins it in my opinion
and in paul vigils, his whole performance he doesnt display anything of skill.

BrianMillerMagic

I have an intro that I've crafted over years of restaurant work that I guarantee my restaurant clients I will use when we sign the contract. It is this:

"Hey folks, how are you doing this evening? (pause for response) Excellent! My name is Brian and I am the house magician here at (restaurant name). Would you be interested in seeing a minute or two of magic while you wait?"

This does a whole bunch of things in about 10 seconds:

1) Establishes my connection to the restaurant
2) States my name and my purpose
3) Gives them an option of entertainment rather than forcing it
4) If they aren't sure whether or not they'd like to see something, they can say 'yes' and take comfort in the fact that if they don't enjoy it, it will only be a minute or two or their time
5) Assures them that I won't be interrupting their meal should it arrive while I'm at the table

Ben Train

Rather then get some opening lines, why don't we disect HOW to create an effective opening line.

One thing I keep in mind with any opening line (approach is a much better term) is OBJECTIVE. Some of mine are:

Establishing Character
Create Interest
Explain what is happening- unless you want the "Deer in headlites" look (Which I often do) then I want to let them know I'm free, I'm good, and I'm paid to be here BY THE ESTABLISHMENT (either owner, promoter, etc.) I remember earlier in my career someone, after I was done, found out I worked for the company. They expressed surprise and exclaimed "I thought you just wandered in off the street!"- Let me tell you, you don't usually want them to think you wandered off the street...

etc.

Mike, let me ask you- WHY should they care that you're shuffling cards. Here's a fun one that gets the headlight-look I mentioned.

Walk up to a table, shuffle the cards but don't say anything. Progressivly do more and more impressive things (shuffles, cuts, etc) then pause look up, and ask "so... any wanna win some money?"

Would I use this? HECK YAH! But, only if the table already KNEW I was a magician (or, if it was a table of 20 something year old guys).

What's interesting is it's EXACTLY what you are already doing, but with ONE SENTENCE we've created a character (maybe not the one you want...), interest (Again, maybe not the kind you want), and reactions!

Ben

Michael Kras

That's excellent advice Ben, it immediately addresses the fact that you're not just some silent punk playing with cards, but someone who is looking to entertain and moreover, be entertaining.