This session will focus on utilizing a variety of strategies to preparing for contests.
Close - Up
Mentalism
Parlor
Stage
Illusion
Foreign
Tools
Engineers' tools: Math, science, and computers.
Actors' tools: Dress, play script, and stage props.
Chefs' tools: Food, spices, oven, and kitchen utensils
Singers' tools: Song and music.
Magicians' tools:
Cards, Money, Rope, Silk & Handkerchief, Sponge balls, Numbers & Math, etc.
Props (big & small)
Sleight of Hand
Gain Experience: Junior - Adult
Data, Information, Performing Arts
Books, video, internet, magic store
Magician is not only buying of illusions or props
Close up builds technical skills
Like movie reviews - evaluate shows and review
Choose a magician's style you like
Gain Knowledge: Friends - Meetings - Clubs - Conventions
Practice Performing:
For fun: Friends, family, clubs, groups of people, church, talent shows, contests, etc.
Paid: Restaurants, Parties, Stage Events, Conventions, etc.
Compete:
Local junior and senior competitions
Regional: PCAM, TAOM, MagiFest, SEAM, Abbots
International: Japan Cup / SAM, Hong Kong SAM, Asian, FISM
Performing for Contest
Must consider visual and audio presentation.
Original magic?
Remember that audience are magicians
Is the props big enough?
Shall the audio be music or "talk."
Types of Stage: Manipulation, Comedy, Talk, Illusion, Music, Theme
Types of Close-Up: Parlor or Micro
Consider the judges preference or "people's choice"
Is the act original or a repeated trick?
Routine type: Cards, birds, cups/balls?
Preparing to Travel:
Is act portable? 50 lbs limit on 2 luggages
If bringing animals, consider quarantine and health certificate from veternarian.
If act is a fire act, must get supplies at destination.
Audio: Type of medium: Cassette, cd, or mini-disc
Always bring back-up
Time-limit: Finish on time. Contest time vary from 7-10 minutes.
Arrive at location early for technical meeting and final rehearsal.
Pre-Contest Meeting is essential to review the rules, scoring system, obtain order of performing and other issues.
Music & microphones: 2 copies of music on cassette tape or cd with label of full name.
Prepare an act sheet:
Description of Magic/Effects/ Songs
If need microphone, let them know.
Lighting:Technical people will be at meeting
Judges will be aware of lighting conditions
Bring everything you need for act -
tables, etc. (Close-up contest provide draped table)
Penalties for exceeding time limits:
SAM - 10 minutes (overtime: -1 pt for 5 seconds)
Disqualify after 15 minutes
(Close-up- judges in 1 room) Prepare to perform multiple times in different rooms
IBM Close-Up
Each contestant is allowed two (2) minutes to set up the equipment necessary for their performance.
An announcer in each of the Close-up performance rooms will announce only the contestant's name and city of residence.
No "build-up" is permitted. This announcement will initiate the beginning of the performance, and the timing of the performance will begin immediately following the introduction of the contestant.
The time limit for the performance is eight (8) minutes. Each contestant is allowed one (1) minute to strike (remove equipment) at the completion of their performance. Points will be deducted if the time limit is exceeded.
IBM - Stage: There must be at least three (3) contestants in each
category in order for an award to be given in that category.
Pyrotechnic devices: Any fire/smoke devices must be limited. Some places must pay for permit.
Lots of waiting time
Awards: Regional/National: Trophy /money/ trip
Provide time for set-up and bring enough supplies to do repeated performances.
Consider the order of performance.
Don't change routine at last minute.
Add variety to magic ... must make sense and not random acts
Focus on act
Regional magic
Don't acknowledge mistakes ... keep going ...ex. Olympic gymnast
Always accept critiques with thank you.
SAM Judging:
Magical Nature: 0 - 10 pts.
Presentation: 0 - 10 pts. routining of act and professional manner of its delivery
Skill/Technique: 0 - 10 pts. Level of difficulty
Audience Appreciation: 0 - 10 pts. How entertaining
Presence: 0 - 5 pts. image/charisma projected
Originality: 0 - 5 pts. routining and the effects
Award of Honor: Gold: 90% of max score