Hi All,

I was wondering if using a "purchased" routine for a competition is okay? When I bought the item, was performing rights for contests included? I'm planning to do "Kate & Edith" and the contest I'm entering isn't a magic contest. I really need help from the real professionals, so please only respond if you have real facts!

Thanks!

Hi magicman, I don't see any reason you can't use a "purchased" routine in a competition, although originality is consider by judges in magic. I suggest you find out what do judges look for in the contest you are entering. Originality plays a big part in the scores in most contests.
Hasta la vista...
Mago Mai

To the best of my knowledge most of the performers do the effects they have bought. Seldom they invent their own effects. Nevertheless, I do agree with Mago Mai. Originality is very important to get extra points. I am planning to enter the FISM competition with my own routine for this purpose.

I agree, originality is huge as most judges have seen it all (or so they feel anyway)

If its a major competition, you will not win with Stan Kate and Edith. If its a local event where the judges could be anyone, the contest will probably go to the most entertaining or the person who manages to get through his act while being heard and not messing up too badly. The routine is a good one, don't get me wrong, but most major and even larger regional contest try to get informed judges and try to foster creativity by not handing out trophies to off the shelf bought acts.

Good luck.

If you're really that worried, try emailing the creator. Although most professional magicians are very talented (obviously) I can honestly say I've never met one that wasn't incredibly nice. It's worth a shot, worst case scenario they just say "no." Even then, I agree with everyone above who says you would probably have a better chance of winning if you tried to maybe even alter it a little bit.
In fact, that option might let you kill 2 birds with one stone. (more orignal; exempt from copywrite infringement.)
Good luck and god bless.

In competitions, such as S.A.M., ties are broken by originality. I have competed before and know for a fact that the professional judges base their decisions highly on originality, especially in the stage contest.
Kyle

Put your own little twist into it

In addition to everything said above.
You should use family oriented type magic in a competition. Especially if the public is attending.
Stan, Kate and Edith does not fit that at all.