Working Without A Table.

-equipment, stealth, strategy, and portability.

Working without a table is speed, stealth, and raw talent!

But I'm old, and I don't have any of these things any more.

So now I use a table. But I did it for decades around the world and I'm gonna tell you how I did it.

The first pointer is, Learn to use the ground as your table, and carry very very little with you. Lay it out in front of you. This will build attention and establish your territory.

Pack Small And Play Big my brothers, that's the game. But for us to better understand the concept, we need to understand some key terms.

THE RIG: This is all the tools and equipment you need to busk, and the bags and the carts it takes to hold them. For example, your cards, coins, table, amp, pouch, bottle of water, your Flash, and all the rest of it.

THE FLASH: This is the stuff that catches people's attention and interest. It also marks your territory. Your Magic Show Sign is the best example of Flash.

Your clothing is also Flash, it should tell people you're up to something. Like a costume for instance, but not necessarily. Hats are the most effective form of Flash and portability.

Wearing a hat attracts attention, protects you from the elements, and can be used in prop comedy, tricks, or even collecting tips, which saves valuable bag space. Life as a busker without a hat, is difficult.

One should try and create multiple uses to save space, for example, create tricks with your hat, sign, and bag. This eliminates dead weight.

A NO TABLE RIG.

THE BAG: Doctor's Bag or a tool bag that opens with a wide mouth. One can reach in from the top, concealing hands going in and out.

Or you can use a small Shoulder Bag, I use the one made for tablets, or day trips. This bag can be worn while performing, or placed on the ground, tied to your stage rope for security from thieves.

STAGE ROPE: 15-20 ft. heavy thick soft nylon rope, so the wind won't blow it away. When the people come up to the rope, this length will provide a Close Up Stage setting,

Make sure the rope is BRIGHT, so people can see it from far away. It goes in the bag, when not working. You can purchase this at any hardware store or marine supply, just remember to have the ends melted, so they don't fray when you wash them. You can core the rope before you do this, to make it more pliable and portable.

For bigger shows and crowds, get a longer rope.

THE MAGIC SHOW SIGN: Two words, MAGIC SHOW just those two words in plain print capital letters, black and white, real big, and plain not fancy, so it looks like this- MAGIC SHOW

The reason for this, is that it gets immediate comprehension from the passerby. A cluttered sign could be ignored.

The sign should fit in your bag without folding and should have Velcro on the back, and Velcro on the bag, so that it will stick to the side of the bag. You can make the sign out of poster board clear tape and a black felt marker. Or have one made by a printer.

A sign is usually unnecessary outside of The U.S.

THE MAGIC WAND: You can use a 9-10 inch drum stick. You will need to saw off the sharp end, and sand the whole thing smooth. The oils in the hands, over time, will make a fine varnish for itself.

The reason I use such a small length, is because it's angle proof in manipulation, fits in pockets, and packs small.

I prefer oak, because when banged on the ground, oak will create a cracking sound that echoes down the block. Also, oak holds up to more abuse and breaks less.

The wand is your noise maker, magic prop, Backscratcher, and may have to get shoved into the ribs of a violent aggressive person out on those mean streets, You know, The Magic Wand.

To keep your bag light and your mind clear, only bring the tricks in your show.

In reality, you don't need Flash, a bag, or anything, just keep your tricks in your pocket, and walk out there and go to work. But remember, without Flash, you will need a strong Bally (crowd building routine).

The old guideline is- More Flash, less Bally. Less Bally, more Flash.

Oh, and by the way, if you're a beginner, don't bring any other tricks, but what’s in your show, and yeah, I know, I said that all ready, but PACK SMALL AND PLAY BIG is very hard for the amateur to understand when trying to work professionally.

Don't be a Pack Rat "Just to be sure."

Remember at first you're trying to learn a set show, not trying to amaze them. you need to rely on the set show to get good enough to do its job on its own.

If you're not doing Cups and Balls, but you're lugging a table around, you need to ask yourself something, What the heck am I doing? Why am I dragging this table around all the time, when all I have to do is improvise like a real entertainer.

You don't see movie stars lugging tables around in their movies.

Many magicians are doing just fine without one. Working just out of your pockets isn’t just liberating, it also forces you to become a better performer.

But without a table and carts, where do I put all my props?

You will need to focus on wearing baggier clothes with more pockets, and work on the Magician's Pocket Placement Theory.

This is why me and so many other Magicians, prefer to wear suits. It covers all the bases and attracts the right attention from spectators.

In the summer heat, this may not be possible, so many of us go with cargo pants or shorts, with vests, and pouches.

Over time I have put my show's emphasis on character Byplay and plot, so I don't need so many props. In the extreme heat I wear dress shorts, short sleeve dress shirts, and a nice straw hat.

This is one of a series of articles, I'm going to be writing on the different Rigs, for different shows, and even different Artforms.

And Like I said before, I'm not getting any younger, and it's getting harder for me to get out there on the Pitch. So if you got a kick out of this , you can leave me a tip RIGHT HERE.

Fat Hats

Your Pal Jimmy