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Darkwing Inner circle Nashville Tn 1850 Posts |
Recently I performed at a convention and competed in a stage competition. I did silk and card manipulation and a Tabary rope routine.
I felt very good about my performance. I got good scores from the judges, complements from several well-known magicians, a former international president and several seasoned local magicians on my act. Now here is the part that puzzled me; when I asked friends about the act, what they saw, and what could I improve, I got a number of surprises. Some told me I should drop the cards and do just silks and the rope routine, some said I looked nervous, some said should do a different silk opener (I did Vito Lupo's Silk Popper), etc. Now I am at a loss at what I should do. Should I listen to magic friends or others? Were the pros "just being nice"? I am really at a loss. What have been your experiences? Any suggestions? |
kregg Inner circle 1950 Posts |
Opinions are the cheapest commodities on earth.
Is the act you are referring to a competitive act or a commercial show? Like movies, not every moment has to be a plot point. Sometimes the moment (effect) is just a bridge to the next effect (a filler). However, if the moment is too long and you lose the audience, shorten it or cut it out. As for nerves,if you weren't nervous, you'd be dead. Yes, magician's are sometimes emperor's without clothes. Find a good director.
POOF!
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Jeff Jenson Veteran user Denver, Colorado 319 Posts |
I don't think you should worry too much. Just go with what you feel is right, video tape your routine and be your own judge. If you are having a hard time judging for yourself find another magician whose opinion you really value and go with that! That's how I came up with my routines.
Click here to view attached image.
Jeff Jenson
"Keep The Magic Alive" |
Leo B. Domapias Loyal user 297 Posts |
How well you fared with the judges is the best indicator of the quality of your performance. Get hold of the score sheet, and see which criteria you scored high and which ones you scored low, then work more on your weaknesses and improve your strengths. If the judging was fair, the score sheet should contain cold statistics that speak no-sugar-coated opinion of your performance.
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hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
Having judged several competitions over the years, I look for different things than a lot of judges. I do not look for a magician's act. That is something designed just for the magician.
I look for an act that is commercial, entertaining, and professional, in it's execution and presentation. I do not want to see someone who is doing manipulation for his own enjoyment. You must reach across the footlights and grab them somehow. Maybe it is an effect. Maybe it is a facial expression or look. But somehow you have to establish an emotional connection with them. If you took the Tabary rope routine and made it your own (as did Oscar Munoz with his presentation and patter), then you have something. I would hope that the judges were honest (maybe nice but more importantly honest). I would also hope that there was a feedback session with the judges with they could make suggestions they feel might strengthen your act. The operative phrase is "they feel". It doesn't mean they are correct. Any artistic presentation is subject to personal preferences and bias. You must weigh out what you feel may or may not be valid for you. Decide if this is an act just for magic conventions or part of larger show sequence you will use at a later time. Lance Burton used his dove routine as part of his larger dream of a full show. The best advice I ever heard was from Marvin Roy. He told a young as he gave him some tips to take it all in and sort it out. Then decide what he could or could not use. Marvin said if he had done everything he had been advised to do or not do, he would have never done Mr. Electric. Hope this helps. Be true to your goals and dreams.
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
magicreza Regular user USA 126 Posts |
It all depends on where you're performing and who you want to impress. Judges in a magic competition are looking for a different entertainment value than real world audiences.
Reza http://www.magicreza.com |
Excaliber New user 71 Posts |
If you are referring to the SEAM in Nashville I was there. And I thought your act looked good. A few flashes, but who doesn't when you are nervous? If this was you, my advice just loosen up a bit a little tense on stage. As far has contest go you can go from a hero at one convention to a zero at the next. You can't explain it; it just happens. Remember some comments come from jealousy or just ignorance.
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