Dealing with Covid-19 as magicians
Across the globe we are in the middle of a very difficult time: Possibly the most difficult time I have seen in my lifetime. The current situation with Covid-19 is having an impact on a huge range of industries including the performance arts. Could the current crisis spell the end for magicians or magic as we know it?
The Covid 19 pandemic has led to a closure of almost every performance venue and magicians are now sitting around with lost income and loss of performance outlets.
Across the world theatres have closed their doors, weddings and parties have been cancelled, orchestras and choirs have been disbanded.
Magicians are suffering because we have a very limited range of outlets we can perform in, and while some magicians can put on Zoom shows this isn’t possible for everyone. Most of magic involves an interaction with the audience and getting the audience to handle props is a sure fire way to prove that things are genuine and fair.
The current global pandemic of Covid-19 should ease up at some point and life should start going back to ‘normal’ but our art might have to develop to stay afloat.
Tips for dealing with the current Covid-19 crisis.
*Look for another avenue of work.
This is the least popular option, but if you need the money and magic is currently paused then check out other local employment.
*Reduce Audience interaction.
Look closely at your routines and find the ones that use the least cases of the audience touching and handling props. Remove any card to mouth, or mouth coil plots, altogether.
*Use single use props.
Steer away from using props across multiple gigs. Wherever possible choose things that can be binned at the end of a gig to save cross-contaminating different groups. If you must use things across several gigs then make sure they are easily wipeable.
*Introduce ‘safety measures’.
Bring antibac gel and a facemask with you. Be prepared to do a distanced performance where the audience stays a set distance away. Some audiences will want all these ‘safety’ features while others might not. If you come prepared with them then you are good to go either way.
*Follow the rules.
Find out the latest guidance set by your government in your area and follow it religiously. If you are caught breaking the rules then this could be disastrous for your brand and cause more damage than the money is worth.
*Consider Zoom shows.
Zoom shows are not for everyone. We released a whole podcast on them so check that out if you are interested in looking into that as a performing avenue.
*Plan ahead.
There will be a point where things open up a little more and there are more opportunities to get back out and perform. Use your time well to start making contacts in restaurants or venues so you are ready when the time comes.
Dealing With Covid-19 As Magicians
