Ryan Joyce AMA: How to become a professional magician in just 495 easy steps :)

From Reddit:

Great question! Here are some to ponder:

• Invest in your visual sales medium --- have awesome photos and videos. Doesn't mean you have to spend thousands, but get a promotional photo done that makes you unique. Get video of you in action. This isn't vanishing anytime soon, its a long term investment. I modelled my promotional material after seeing a Ritz Carleton ad on a flight to the middle east.
• Learn to pick up the telephone --- the idea here is that shows aren't going to always come to you... you've gotta work for them. This part sucks because we are artists not marketers. It's a tough pill for many to swallow.
• Be personable --- there is no room for ego in this business.
• A good sales job and a bad show will get you booked only once. They need to be in harmony
• Over deliver --- do something that will make them remember that you thought more of them than just a "client." One of my "clients" shared with me that he and his wife loved indian food, when we rolled into town I brought with me a chutney from home and an extra souvenir I had bought in India. Means virtually nothing to anyone else, it cost me virtually nothing... but I gained a client for life.
• The bottom line if you can add value to someone's life you can be rewarded greatly.

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[via Owen Anderson]

Bill Abbott in the Magic Cafe's Creator's Spotlight

From Bill Abbott's Twitter feed:

Delighted to be the part of the Magic Cafe's Creator's Spotlight June 25-June 27 Thx to @stevejbrooks& @murphysmagic for making it happen!
— Bill Abbott (@billabbottmagic) May 17, 2013

Eden Cheung: street artist

From the CBC:

Eden Cheung is a Vancouver street magician who incorporates music, comedy and balancing acts into his performance.

Cheung has recently become a prominent voice against controversial new regulations and a revamped audition process buskers now need to go through in order to get a chance to play at the coveted Granville Island outdoor market adjacent to downtown Vancouver.

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Calgary: The Garden Variety Show

From The Garden Variety Show press release:

May 30th, 2013 - 7:30 pm

Press Release:

The Garden Variety Show is a once a month gathering of some of the best local and international performers, for a one of a kind entertainment extravaganza. Magic, Juggling, Side Show, Comedy, Music and more; this show captures the true spirit of Vaudeville Variety shows of the past.

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Toronto: CAFTCAD's Spring Movie Wardrobe Sale

From the CAFTCAD's Spring Movie Wardrobe Sale Facebook page:

It's time for the amazing event every savvy shopper speaks of all year long. Clothing, costumes, accessories, craft materials all under one roof at the Toronto Pinewood Studios for one day only (until the next sale that is).

Saturday May 25th

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[via: Deborah Fallick]