Lectures
Click on the image to download Paul's press kit about his lectures.
WHAT HAVE WORKING PROS SAID ABOUT PAUL'S LECTURES?
"Paul’s lectures are always so well thought out and packed with insight and useful information, I wouldn’t miss one of them.” — David Parr.
"Paul Prater is simply RIGHT. Listen to Paul Prater. Watch Paul Prater. Learn from Paul Prater. You cannot possibly go wrong with that advice.”— Prof BC
"I had become a fan of Paul's performance style after witnessing him perform last year and again this year at the East Coast Spirit Sessions, and now I am a fan of his thinking as well.”— Jim Magus
"Paul Prater's thinking & work in the field of the mystery arts is not to be missed. His lectures are thorough and accessible, and provides material which is, importantly, practical for the everyday working performer as well as the amateur. Prater is a master of the craft." --Dan Eckhart.
Why Paul?
Too many times magic lectures are nothing more than a marketing and sales pitch for the lecturers’ products and the attendees may leave with products, but very little else.
Paul provides solid, impromptu presentations that your audience will be able to perform as soon as they leave, with no props, no products and no gaffes. Paul covers close up/impromptu performances, smaller more formal settings and stage shows.
Paul will discuss marketing, not in abstract terms but providing specific tips and advice for all level of marketers from those just wanting to get their name out to addressing contracts with vendors.
Paul can speak on this with authority because he lectures on those things he actually performs. His routines aren’t throw-away pieces or theoretical pipe dreams but working material. Attendees are really given something to think about in a humorous and warm manner, but one that pulls no punches.
Lecture Topics
EXPANDING HORIZONS
This is the "standard" magic club lecture.
Paul provides solid, impromptu presentations that you can perform upon leaving without the need for gimmicks, props or products.
Paul covers close up, as well as presentations for more formal situations such as cabaret and stage.
Paul will discuss creating and framing routines, as well as how to create an entire show.
Paul will discuss marketing, not in abstract terms, but giving specific and actionable items that can be used for all levels of performers.
Paul can speak on these topics with authority because he lectures on what he performs. These aren't throw away routines or theoretical pipe dreams, but working material.
Attendees are given something to think about, delivered in a warm and humorous manner, but that pulls no punches.
HOW TO MAKE MONEY IN MAGIC
Whether you are a full time performer, or just a hobbyist who wants to perform more, Paul Prater will
lay out the roadmap to help get you booked performing magic.
Paul will give solid advice on marketing your magic shows. These aren't hypothetical suggestions, but advice based on Paul's real world performing experience.
You will learn not only how to work within existing markets but also how to create your own market and leveraging the power of other business owners and fans.
No matter your level of performing, this is something not to be missed! All attendees will also receive PDF versions of the notes as well as a PDF version of Paul's book on marketing yourself.
ADDING SOME BIZARRE TO YOUR MAGIC
The term "bizarre magic" has often gotten a bad rap in the world of magic.
Paul will discuss the beginnings of bizarre magic and its connection with the very origins of magic itself. Paul will cover the origins of bizarre magic, the development of the craft and its evolution into what it is today. However, the workshop isn't just history.
Paul will discuss his approach in a way that can applied by any performer, regardless which style they perform. This isn't a "sit back and listen" lecture however. The principles discussed will be applied by the members in the lecture.
Paul will cover séance work, ghost tours, and traditional magic performance. Paul will also perform pieces from his repertoire so you can see how he constructs and presents pieces.
He will also offer lots of suggestions and thoughts on how you can take your own pieces and add some bizarre working into them.
Practical aspects such as finding appropriate venues and marketing to the right audience will be covered too.
STARTING YOUR OWN GHOST TOUR BUSINESS
Ghost Tours are both a hot item and a very profitable source of revenue. If you are already a performer, then ghost tours are right up your alley!
Paul covers all of the details of setting your business, ho to find your stories and history, how to get FREE marketing for your tours and become an integral part of your local community and business scene.
At then end of this workshop, you will learn how to structure and set up your business for virtually no investment and get out on the street and start earning!
All attendees will receive material that they take with them so they will be able to refer back to all that they learned.