I have to show someone "a couple of sleight of hand tricks".

Since it's down to a couple, I was thinking about opening with David Roth's Hanging Coins, then do Twisting The Aces. I feel they're both pretty solid, and it may be better to show cards and coins rather than one or the other. Or is it? Or the other way around?

It's my first magic audition, so any insights would be greatly appreciated.

I'd say do what you're comfortable with. Practice practice practice! Then rehearse rehearse rehearse!

What's the audition for, if I may ask?

No idea, just that they were looking for "basic sleight of hand" and to "show a couple of tricks".

There was a flyer at the magic shop asking for basic sleight of hand the email I got said to "be prepared to show a couple of sleight of hand tricks."

So I figured that meant no gaffs (in its strictest sense, I suppose).

You can use a gaff and it still be slight of hand. There are many coin routines that use gaffs and slight of hand.

Tricks with double backers use sleight of hand.

Sounds like you're all set! I'd say whichever you feel more comfortable (the coin or the cards) is what you should start with. I find it best to start with something that I am really comfortable with, then having success with that the other stuff flows nicer... that seems to work for me, YMMV.

PS. Applying for work at the local magic shop? lucky dog! wish I had a local magic shop.

Good luck with the audition - let us know how it goes!

Don't forget that it's the entertainment value that counts. If your best trick requires a gaff I'd still use it providing you can give an engaging presentation.

Mike

Thank you all for the input!

I guess I'll go with the two I was planning on. I think they're about the strongest ones I do, good and entertaining, and I'm not sure if there will be a table or anything - these I can do entirely in my hands. Since it is just two tricks, I figured it might play well to have everything examinable.

Froste, the flyer was at the magic shop (and it is totally cool to have a local place - I can't say enough good things about the staff at Browser's Den), but the audition is an open casting call for "basic" sleight of hand - I have to show the director a couple of tricks.

And thanks again for the advice and support. I'll certainly fill everyone in on how it goes. Until then, practice and rehearsal.

Be prepared for another two or three effects. You never know what is expected of you, or that extra two or three tricks can land you something good.

The director sees things differently and will always see things from his point of view.

Good advice sir, and I shall take it to heart. Thank you.

Went to the audition, and it was great. I expected to get beat up pretty good, but the exact opposite happened. Jay Sankey (who was auditioning) was beyond cool, a real class act.

He explained that he was looking for beginners and up for a couple ideas he's pitching, and he was nothing but complimentary. More than that, the guys waiting for their call times were cool as well. I've never walked out of an audition feeling so positive.

I was expecting something more like the music auditions I've been through, and it was like night and day. Honestly, I could hardly believe that there was no backstabbing, backhanded compliments, and no 'my **** is bigger than yours'. No condescending remarks, no 'run the guy down as soon as he's out of earshot', no negativity at all. What a welcome change!

I continue to be amazed at the magic community. The vibe is so positive, the people so cool and supportive, from this forum, to my local retailer, to the guys I met last Monday. It's one more reason to love magic - the people in it.

I'd say do SilverDream if you can use coins. If you don't know it its on ellusionist.

Great - I am glad for you