Day in the life of
Stage Hypnotist – Misha Tuesday
Generally speaking, I do live event entertainment. I am currently a stage hypnotist and have also worked as a magician, mentalist, character performer, and clown.
My Typical Day
I am self-employed with a one-person operation. There are two types of days: office days and gig days.
On gig days I prepare props and load them in my vehicle along with my sound system. I travel to the client’s location, set up, perform, schmooze and network, tear down, pack up, and travel home.
On office days I email and call clients and potential clients, manage ads and other marketing, write, and rehearse.
Pros
The pros are that I get to do something I enjoy, I’m my own boss, set my own schedule, and answer to no one (except clients).
I also get to travel to a lot of different cities and towns, learn more about the geography of my state and region, go to a lot of parties (where I am often offered food and drink!), meet a lot of people, and often be one of the most interesting people at any event.
Cons
On the con side, performing is only 10% of the job. The real job is sales and marketing. You have to be able to promote yourself and close sales in order to do this type of work (although there are agencies that will do this work for you, too). But I think it’s a great option to work in the entertainment business. It’s not as glamorous as being in movies or being a rock star, but if you’re going to have a modest job while you try to “make it,” being a self-employed event performer is an industry alternative to waiting tables.
Advice for aspiring Performers
What aspiring performers should think about: You have to be willing to do what you can sell to clients, and not just the type of performance you love to do. For instance, when I started out I wanted to play my original songs and produce my original plays, but the paying gigs I could get were doing puppet shows and doing magic at kids parties. You have to be flexible. If you’re a musician, you might have to play standards and hits instead of your own music. If you’re an actor, you might start out doing commercials and corporate training films. But by achieving some success with what sells, you can gain the notoriety and reach that allows you to transition to original and more personally rewarding art.
