Table hopping is a form of close-up magic where the magician moves from table to table (typically in a restaurant), performing magic. This provides valuable exposure for the magician, and improves the reputation of the restaurant.

I am often asked by youngsters how old they should be before they start table-hopping. My career as a table hopper started a few days after my final GCSE exam (English exams at the age of 16). I would say that you should be at least 16yrs (even then, I felt quite young for the job) - the older you are the more likely the audience are to respect you, and the easier it is for you to "keep them in control". Hopefully being younger can work in your favour as the audience may make allowances for being young, so are less likely to try to trip you up. Sadly some audiences see this as a vulnerability and an opportunity to make themselves look better by showing to you that they know better! You should certainly feel confident with what you do, and with your skills in ‘managing people’.

I found it very useful to subtlety let the tables know that I was employed by the restaurant - it is useful to wear a name badge (if you aren't in "costume") - that way the tables are likely to let you do magic for them without thinking they have to tip you, or that you are begging!

Timing is a very important factor in table hopping. It is essential to time your visit to the individual tables - if you arrive just before the waiter/waitress arrives with their meal, your visit will be cut short abruptly - nobody wants you around then! I found that arriving shortly after their main course was cleared away worked well, or around "coffees". Of course, it will depend on your location - you will soon see what suits each place.

Another question I'm often asked is what rate to charge. There is no hard and fast rule - it again depends on the type of location, your experience and how often you are going there (it is often worth charging a lot less for a regular place to ensure a long life-span there.) If it is just a one-off special occasion, then remember you are providing a very unique service, so you should be able to charge a fair amount.

I found it very useful to get audible appreciation from the tables (i.e. laughing or clapping) - it often makes other tables inquisitive and eager to see you!

Finally, should you do the same tricks to each table, or different tricks to them all? This obviously depends on how many tricks you can do with a limited number of props that all fit in your pockets! If you repeat the same routine to every table, future tables may have already seen your tricks, so will be less entertained, and more likely to figure out how they're done. If you change your routine for each table, then you may find your audience is much larger than the one table, so you have to be very careful about viewing angles. If you can manage this, it is generally more impressive for the audience, and for the restaurant managers who see a "good quality magician". It also prevents you from getting into a monotonous routine, which is likely to make your act less exciting after you've done it 50 times that night!

Good luck!

Edward Jellard has been performing professional magic for many years. His repertoire includes stage magic, children's entertaining and close-up table hopping.

For plenty of free magic tricks, please visit the Magic Hat website. Most, if not all, are perfect for table-hopping.

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