Tag: travelling show

Travelling…

Right now we’re at the peak of my busy performing season. Something that seems to throw off a lot of performers is travelling (especially by airplane) with their shows. Today we’ll just talk about travelling by car, which in some ways is more difficult that travelling by airplane. When I’m packing up my show for … Continue reading “Travelling…”

Right now we’re at the peak of my busy performing season. Something that seems to throw off a lot of performers is travelling (especially by airplane) with their shows. Today we’ll just talk about travelling by car, which in some ways is more difficult that travelling by airplane.


When I’m packing up my show for a few weeks of shows, and putting it in the trunk of my car I have some decisions to make. The first one is the size of props. I don’t mind taking large props by car, but the prop still needs to justify loading it in and out for several weeks, and I need to be able to move it by myself.


The next thing to consider is the amount of supplies it’s going to take. While doing a mouth coil routine once doesn’t take up a lot of space, however doing three shows a day for three weeks starts to take up some space when you are packing.


Then you’ve got to decide whether to bring things you might need. This could be things like an extra power cable, or even an extra filler trick. Bringing extra material on the road is a good idea because sometimes props break and you can’t immediately get it repaired or replaces.


Personally when travelling by car I tend to overpack, but then I’m never at a venue without the proper connection to plug my mic in!

Flying With Your Magic Show

When I travel I like to meet with magicians in the city I’m performing in.  I love jamming magic tricks and hanging out with other magicians.  When I meet up with magicians I frequently get asked about flying with you show.   There are a few schools of thought with this:   Create a show … Continue reading “Flying With Your Magic Show”

When I travel I like to meet with magicians in the city I’m performing in.  I love jamming magic tricks and hanging out with other magicians.  When I meet up with magicians I frequently get asked about flying with you show.

 

There are a few schools of thought with this:

 

  • Create a show that fits in your carry on luggage:  I have mixed feelings on this.  If you are designing a show simply because they take up a small space, are you fulfilling your artistic vision?  I’ve seen very few of these “carry on” shows that I felt really played big.

 

  • Check the luggage with your show props: This is what I do.  I carry on essential props, and things that are valuable (like microphones).  This allows me to have a show that fills the stage and my vision for the show much better.

    If you are checking your show, a great resource is the TSA’s “Ask TSA” facebook page.

    magic show

 

  • Ship the show ahead:  This is probably the best option.  However it does require you to have two show set ups. One that can be in transit and another you are using while the first is en route to it’s destination. The bonus of this is if this shipment gets delayed, you can always take the show that wasn’t shipped.

All of the options have their pluses and minuses, and there isn’t a choice that’s 100% the best for every situation.

 

I know I’m taking a little bit of risk by checking the “meat” of my show, however that’s a risk I’m willing to take.  I’m also able to locally source a show.  For example I have a 25 min stand up set I can do with a deck of cards.  It’s not what I want my show to be, but if my luggage gets lost, I can do it.   Add a piece of rope, scissors, markers and a pad of paper  and I’ve got a 35-40 min show that I can do with locally sourced props.

What it all really comes down to is the level of risk you are willing to take.  There’s no right or wrong answer.

Louie