|
|
afillius Regular user 199 Posts |
I am starting to look for local magic clubs and of course being in Los Angeles the first thing that popped into my mind was the Magic Castle. I visited there on a public day last Thanksgiving and I love the place. I know it has a resteraunt, bar, and a few stages, but my question is (other than meeting other magicians socially) what are the benefits of joining the Castle? And what are the requirements (if any) for membership? And I guess a bigger question is...should I look for other vlubs instead?
www.stsgroupinc.com
pro audio/video/lighting Great magic is about creating great images - Jay Sankey |
sunnydolan Veteran user Opelika, Alabama 342 Posts |
You can't just "join" the castle. You have to audition. If you make it in, it is argubally the best magic club in America, maybe the world. Many great magicians have come throught their junior program and became world famous, like Cyril. If you have the chance, I say go for it!!
An amatuer practices untill he gets it right, a professinal practices untill he can't get it wrong.
Don't wait for oppurtunity to knock, throw open the door, grab it by the throat and drag it inside kicking and screaming. Magically yours |
afillius Regular user 199 Posts |
That's good to know. I have a LONG way until I would be ready to audition for the Castle, but since I live about 10 minutes from it, when I am ready I amight as well try. But until I am ready I guess I'll look around to see what else is in my area.
www.stsgroupinc.com
pro audio/video/lighting Great magic is about creating great images - Jay Sankey |
MagiCanada Regular user Vancouver 140 Posts |
Afillius.
Have you tried looking for IBM clubs where you are? http://www.magician.org/LocalRings/california.htm Maybe that list will be helpful. |
thumbslinger Elite user This is a good number: 458 Posts |
Don't put yourself out too soon. I had only a passing interest in magic off and on for a few years. About one month before we moved here (LA) I suddenly got the bug.
I spent two solid months rehearsing three specific effects; a coin assembly I pieced together from two other routines, the classic rope trick and a version of Triumph called Myumph from the Oct. edition of Magic Magazine. Stan Gerson coached me and gave me the best advice I could have had at the time: Forget all other books, videos, gaffs, gimmicks and such and focus solely on practicing three solid effects. After I got in, then I could go pig-happy. I was nervous as heck. Only three were auditioning that Monday evening. There were five members of the board watching me. Len Reid was one of them! I of course didn't know him at the time. The important thing is to show a genuine interest and that you really are trying to learn the art of magic and not just interesting party tricks. I made it in and devoured the library (one of the true benefits of regular membership) and went to every lecture on Sunday (the other major benefit) for about three months straight before it wittled down to one visit a week! Check out Brent Geris' shop The Magic Apple in Studio City. It's on Tujunga and Ventura blvd. He holds lectures there with all the top names and there are always good magicians hanging around.
Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed and Tommy Emmanuel are all you need to study to learn to play guitar.
|
afillius Regular user 199 Posts |
Studio City! That's about 2 seconds from my house. I live in Van Nuys so that's perfect.
Thanks for the advice, I have many tricks I am working on, but I am really trying to perfect some IT stuff, and learn different palming techniques/sleights with coins and cards. I would think that for the audition they would want to see some non-gimmicked tricks. Something that takes some practice and dedication. I am thinking maybe 1 IT trick (I love it too much to not include it), one card trick, and maybe Garrett Thomas' "Ring Thing" What do you think?
www.stsgroupinc.com
pro audio/video/lighting Great magic is about creating great images - Jay Sankey |
afillius Regular user 199 Posts |
I went to the Magic Apple today and met Brent. Man, his shop was packed! He was a really great guy and took the time to talk to me about my experience level and choices of things to purchase. He even offered me some passes to the Magic Castle. Magic Apple is definately my new shop.
Thanks for the recommendation to go there.
www.stsgroupinc.com
pro audio/video/lighting Great magic is about creating great images - Jay Sankey |
Lee Darrow V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts |
When I was 24 or so, I auditioned for the Castle. Sitting in the front row of the close up room were: Jules Lanier, John Scarne and Dai Vernon. If you want to talk about being "on tenterhooks" for an audition, THAT one was probably the toughest, from a psychological standpoint, that I have ever done in my life, especially as I was doing Twisting the Aces and Triumph as a part of my set!
I passed and, according to both the Professor and to Mr Lanier, I did tolerably well and, later that night, Mr. Lanier introduced me to something called "Apache Coffee" or something like that. The rest of that evening is rather, well, hazy. Also, as a warning, do NOT play darts with that man. He is a demon, even if he IS a very nice fellow! Lee Darrow, C.H.
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » New to magic? » » Magic Clubs? Los Angeles (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |