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dblatt25 New user 54 Posts |
My name is david, and I'm in my first year of college. I stopped doing magic for about 3 moths in my first semester because I didn't feel that anyone wanted to see it. and then one day we a bunch of us were out to dinner I did the coin matrix on the table and they were floored. after dinner I did an entire show in front of about 15 people in a packed dorm room, and I ended it by eating the cards and having their card folded in my mouth. they loved it! now I do magic all the time and I'm going to try out for the magic castle as a junior member this march. I have only about 3 weeks prep so I have to get on the ball. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions about how to really show the magic castle judges a good show (tricks, or routines or such). Anyway thanks!
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BrianCooper New user Los Angeles, CA 55 Posts |
Dblatt,
I auditioned and was accepted in the very first group of Juniors at the Castle in the 1970's. I'm sure things have changed (some of the people certainly have) but what I learned back then about their auditioning process probably still holds true today. I was told to create and perform a 5 minute close-up act. For me this was two effects with coins and cards. I would recommend you try very hard to do stuff that is original or that you have tailored to your personality. You should know your effects cold and be totally confident with them. Don't try and fool the judges with magician fooling effects (it would be hard to fool them anyway), but stick with killer effects for layman and concentrate on your presentation. During my audition I was asked about the history of magic and to asked to talk about who I liked as magicians and why. This might have completely changed now and I would hope someone with more recent information would also respond but this at least gives you an idea. One last comment is that based on your description of your work and the obvious enthusiasm you display I would expect that you would have a very good chance of being accepted. Good luck, Brian Cooper |
JohnLamberti Elite user Los Angeles, CA 420 Posts |
Is there anyone out there who has taken this audition recently? I'm interested to hear what your experience was like. This may be something I'm interested in down the road when I get good enough. Thanks
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scottasf Regular user san leandro, ca 157 Posts |
I auditioned in 1981.
My advice is to do the best 7 minutes of your best 20 minutes. I suppose the auditions are much more difficeult today as there have been new stars of magic and the membership committee has probibly become very jaded. Also, it would be benificial to have some historical knowledge of magic. Maybe you could tell them how many movies Dante appeared in. Maybe you could tell them which writer of the Mr. Ed Show was a magician. How about which writer for All In THe Family got the liquer licence for the castle. Answers. Dante appered in Bunco Squad and A Haunting We Will Go (with Laurel and Hardy) Mr. Ed was written by Lou Derman Snag Warris wrote for All in the Family and obtained the liquer license for the castle in the early 60's Magically Thine, Scott Alcalay
2008/2009 President Oakland Magic Circle
"Life would be so wonderful if we only knew what to do with it." - Greta Garbo |
Lee Darrow V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts |
I auditioned in about 1975. As I applied as a close up guy, I wound up in the close up room on a Friday afternoon, just after lunch.
Front row consisted of: Jules Lanier, John Scarne and Dai Vernon. I was all of about 23. Needless to say, I was very nervous, especially as I did Triumph during the audition (for a nice lady guest whose name was Diana... yes, the one who also does magic) and my chop cup routine in my 15 minute set. Afterwards, Jules Lanier and the Professor each approached me separately. Mr. Lanier said that I did very well, but it was a bit "racy" - which I was not aware of at all - but was fine. The Professor simply looked at me and said, "I believe you passed. Oh, and I like your handling of Triumph - none of that turning the packets over and over that everybody seems to be doing these days. Very direct, but you have to watch that right hand shade - you were a little unnatural there." I had to sit down and take about a week to slwo down my breathing and heart rate after that...! Lee Darrow, C.H.
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
thumbslinger Elite user This is a good number: 458 Posts |
I auditioned last year. A new format has reared its head. It caused some controversy among some members and others didn't seem to mind the change.
Those who were taking the magic class on Thursday were giving the opportunity to audition in front of their classmates. They each only had to perform one effect. The traditional audition happened on the first Monday of each month. A small group of 4-6 members from the membership committee would ask you a few questions for about 5-10 minutes and then you had to perform for about the same time, or until the committee asked you to stop. I was able to audition the 'old way' and was very excited about getting in. For me, it was much more nerve-wrecking and rewarding to know I was performing for and vying for the approval of established magicians and such rather than a couple of people and students. Nothing at all wrong with that, just my personal feelings. The 'one-trick auditions' as they were dubbed continued a second time and then got put on hold. But, I don't know the current status of that type of audition. Obviously, it would only happen if one were enrolled in the classes, but again. I'm not sure if they are doing that anymore. Either way, it's still an honor to become a regular/magician member.
Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed and Tommy Emmanuel are all you need to study to learn to play guitar.
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felixjr Loyal user 221 Posts |
I also auditioned last October and was mad that students in Magic 3 were able to pass the audition with one trick. I had taken Magic 1 and 2, but decided to learn on my own than take Magic 3. It took me many months to find the right tricks for me, but I finally did it, even though I screwed up one trick and thought I had blown it.
This was for Magician membership and if you want to apply to work one of the rooms, there is a whole other audition process that exists. Felixjr |
edh Inner circle 4698 Posts |
Does everyone who applies to work in one of the rooms have to audition? Obviously if you are a big name performer I would think you would not have to audition. But what about some not so big names, but still known to a certain extent? Is this kind of a clique within a clique thing?
Magic is a vanishing art.
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felixjr Loyal user 221 Posts |
Edh,
I have heard you need to provide a videotape of you performing your show in front of a group of real people. Each room requires you to audition for that specific room; ie. Close magic in the Close Up Room, Parlour magic in the Parlour Room and Stage Magic, well you can guess. I have no idea how long it takes after you provide your video, but I believe you would then have to perform an audition at the MC in that specific room. Again I have never done this, but I hope this gives you an idea of what is needed. Good Luck, Felixjr |
edh Inner circle 4698 Posts |
Thanks felixjr,
I wasn't implying that I wanted to audition. To me this is just a hobby that I enjoy. I was just curious as to the procedures for auditioning. And if who you are comes into play. Thanks for the info though.
Magic is a vanishing art.
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thumbslinger Elite user This is a good number: 458 Posts |
Ron Wilson books the paid magicians. Even a great video doesn't always mean one will work a room. But, it's the first step.
I haven't been in a few weeks and am going this weekend so I'll see if I can find out more on the current status of auditioning.
Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed and Tommy Emmanuel are all you need to study to learn to play guitar.
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