So you think you are a magician?
What does that actually mean?
Well on cruise ships that usually means two different shows with large props and effects, to be performed in a large show lounge, and one close up magic show to be performed to a select few in an intimate environment.
The key is to stick to an act that works. Do not keep trying new things no matter how tempting it is, if you are getting the ratings with the act you are doing. One disaster show can wipe out the work from a hundred good shows. Consistency is the key if you want to get booked regularly or even have a residency on one ship.
Residencies pay a lot less but you can stay in work for 6 months at a time, and most importantly, you don't have to move your props from ship to ship every week. Also, an overview of 6 months of ratings will be taken into account meaning less pressure to score high ratings every show. You can also make long term friends making it feel more like a full life.
A lot of cruise ship magicians are a member of the magic circle, and through that, have become involved in large magic companies who put out pre built and scripted acts onto cruise ships. The result is a lot of different magicians doing the same act and jokes, but the act works so good magicians can get the necessary ratings to stay in work. As I am not a member of the magic circle, I can not advise you about these groups or give you contacts for them. What I will say is that original acts reign supreme once they get it right so if you have the ideas and the ability to build the props, this could be the way forward.
- Greg's tip- Whilst it's exciting to play with fire and it amazes crowds, it's also worth thinking about the cruise ship invironment before you build your act. I once had to wait in the wings with a fire team of 12 in case a trick went wrong involving hoops and skittles on fire. Most of these guys had done a full day in their own department and were having to give up their spare time to help. They were not amused. Fire on a ship is a very dangerous hazard at sea. The trick didn't go wrong but if it had, the result could have been disasterous. It's also worth mentioning that a lot of passengers are old and won't withstand major shocks like being burnt alive, or watching someone else drown. Humour is traditionally a safer prop to use. That particular act was not invited back dispite good ratings from passengers because of the logisitics of their act.
There is also room for jugglers and puppeteers among other variety acts to get regular work on ships, and many of the same rules apply. A lot of speciality acts are booked through the same agents as magicians.
