Be a Street Magician! [Paperback]

David Groves (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1998

This beautiful trade paperback is the first-ever how-guide to performing magic on the street, but it also gives valuable information on all aspects of street performing in general (aka "busking"). The book answers all your questions about: *How to create a great show *How do I attract a crowd? *Which tricks work on the street and which tricks don't? *How do I sequence my tricks into a great show? *How do I find a good spot to perform? *Do I need a sound system?

*All about money *How big is the money? *How do I ask for tips? *Strategies for getting bigger tips

*Street performing and the law *Is street performing legal? *Do I need a permit? *What about the cops?

*Best street venues around the world *Which U.S. cities are best for street performing? *Where can I do street performing in exotic foreign countries? *Which cities require permits? *Which cities outlaw street performing?

Top magicians have raved about my book: BILLY MCCOMB: "This is now the definitive book on street magic. It is the beginning, the end, and everything in between." JOHNNY ACE PALMER, world-champion magician (FISM): "David has become the expert on all matters street. A world-class book." MICHAEL CLOSE, MAGIC MAGAZINE: "Highly recommended...$40 is way too cheap for this [book]...."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"You may have read David Groves' article 'Street Smart' (August 1998) and thought to yourself, 'Man, this is the life for me!' Well, before you hit the pavement, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of David's book "Be a Street Magician!" This book will save you time, money, energy, and maybe even your life. If you intend to work the streets you must read this book. "Be a Street Magician!" contains advice from a man who's been through it, and he's sharing his experience with you. $40 is way too cheap for this type of information. Highly recommended." -- Michael Close, Magic Magazine, October 1998

About the Author

On the writing side, David has published articles in some of the most prominent publications in the country, including Harper's Bazaar, Mademoiselle, Mccall's, Good Houskeeping, Self, New Woman, Woman, Working Woman, Seventeen, Esquire Health & Fitness, American Health, Shape, Fitness, Outside, Runner's World, Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Sport, Psychology Today, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, the Orlando Sentinel, and the Boston Herald, among many others. He has completed a first novel, the story of a part-time magician trying to solve the murder of a close friend. And he co-authored "If Sleeves Could Talk" and "Shot Through the Heart" with the World-Champion Magician, Johnny Ace Palmer (FISM, 1988).

On the magic side, Groves regulary performs his Shakespeare of Magic show at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. He performs his magic on television, and appears regularly on Amtrak's Coast "Starlight, which runs from Los Angeles to Seattle and back again.

Product Details

• Paperback: 145 pages
• Publisher: Aha Press; 1st Aha Press softcover ed edition (December 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966814703
• ISBN-13: 978-0966814705
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,944,219 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a magic book for professionals, May 21, 2002

By 

Claire Keough (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Be a Street Magician! (Paperback)

Magic books are usually written by geniuses who can't put a good sentence together. They can deal a second with consummate ease, but don't take pity on their poor readers, who must slog through and read their words over and over again, trying to make sense of it all.

Groves is a former professional journalist and it shows. Also, he's a guy who's put in the work on the street, and that shows, too. Even the great Cellini didn't write a book like this, with chapters on how to attract a crowd, how to pitch for money, best venues around the world, and all the stuff that beginners and intermediates want to know.

I breezed through this book in three evenings, staying up later than I intended every night. He also mixes in anecdotes that enliven the how-to, talking about real street performers in real-life situations (using pseudonyms, unfortunately).

Oh, that Jamy Ian Swiss read as well as this, or any of the writers for Genii. Alas, they can't touch the hem of this guy's sought-after robe. Pity.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars origional and helpful!, May 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Be a Street Magician! (Paperback)

This book was informative and helpful. It is one of the first street performing magic books. The writing style is easy to read and gives a lot of useful advice. Good book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars David Groves made me strap on a set of balls!, August 31, 2008

By 

Jack Wise "Jack Wise" (Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Be a Street Magician! (Paperback)

Im not a Street Performer but as a result of this book I now make a six figure salary!!I know that sounds completely unbelievable but hear me out.Id been a full time Magician for about five years performing close up Magic but I was finding it really hard to pluck up the courage to take to the Stage and do a stand up Magic Act...Fortunately for me I was lucky enough to stumble across this book .
It made me realize that the street was the perfect place to start.Unlike taking to the stage of a comedy Club like a lamb to slaughter, Groves made me understand that The Street is the ultimate stage and when you step on it you're calling the shots.So one sunny day I decided to face my demons.I jumped in the car with a friend and drove to Galway - a city in Ireland rich in history and..rich in Tourists.(It was also far enough away from my home turf that all embarrassment could be left behind in a sea of strangers). We set up our pitch and got to work.On the last show of the day somebody threw us a five.It sounds like nothing but at the time you've no idea how delighted we were.We'd started that day with people walking past like we were invisible and by the end of it, the improvement was significant enough that the punters actually were "folding their money and dropping it in the Hat".I havent taken to the streets since but on the the courage the whole experience gave me I put together a stand up Comedy Magic Act that is now playing all over Uk & Ireland.Ive still got the Five and still got the book.Thanks Mr Groves