My Current "Gig Rig"
Here's a detailed look at my "stationary" performance space. It's cost effective, durable and it sets up / tears dow in a flash. I use this both for both corporate work and street performing. I hope you find the info useful..
The
Bungie Cord
Put a bungie cord (that you use with your cart) around and under the
front of the table. This blocks things from rolling off. And provides
a good place for cards when it it windy.
Ingredients
or... how to build a traveling magi set-up
for under $100 (tricks not included :)
First, you'll need a base/legs. A waiters tray stand or a Piano/Keyboard stand is what I suggest ($20-$40.) You'll also need a Table Top: Go to home depot and get a piece of decent plywood; they'll cut it for you (mine is 2ft * 3ft) Now head to the fabric store and find something that "feels right" my latest cover is suede and I like it alot. Wood and Cloth = aporx $20.00.) A bag/servante is esential (I got mine at Walmart for 9.96; I think it is called a soft attache.) Optional: Hook thingees (got mine for a buck at a grocery store.) Nails will suffice. I also use a Catalog Case ($29.00 @ office depot.)
You'll also (probably) want a cart to pull the stuff around. I was using a shoulder strap to carry the table, with the bag over my other shoulder, the table under the arm and catalog case in hand... that gets old... quick. You can get servicible wheels for as little as $15.00. The cart I use was found at walmart ($40) It's a great cart; the wheels are large, it holds 200 pounds and it folds up flat.)
So... for about $100 bucks you can have a working set-up ready to roll. Below you find a few pics with examples of how I do it.
The
Bag (servant) hangs from the table arms...
The bag hangs from the table via hooks (or nails.) Small holes are made
in the bag (beneath a zipper. A very small hole is all thats needed.)
Packed up
and readly to roll...
Good
luck with your set-up!