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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Going for the 'Gold' » » Performing Original routines? or not? (0 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

Tam Vo
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I haven't competed before, so I know absolutely nothing about competitions. Anyway, for those who competed and/or placed, do you perform with just original material? or do you do other magician's routine/effect but alter them to your performance style, personality etc.
Payne
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Inner circle
Seattle
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I've always competed with original routines and or presentations. If it's a standard effect like the six card repeat I put a unique spin on it.

If you are going to enter a competition with a marketed effect make sure it's not a trendy one or something that has been overdone recently. The last thing you want is to be the fourth guy doing Tabaray's rope routine in a contest.

Also try to stay away from classics like the Linking Rings or the Professors Nightmare unless you've got a real interesting take on them. I've seen rooms full of magician's openly bristle when a set of rings were brought out.

But all on all it is my experience that you are better off in a contest doing original material instead of someone Else's routine
"America's Foremost Satirical Magician" -- Jeff McBride.
Bill Hegbli
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Eternal Order
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From what I have read about contest over the years, the above comments are correct for stage magic competition. When it comes to close-up magic, it is a little different. It is acceptable to pull out a Cups and Balls set demonstrating a new routine and climax. Card and coins are acceptable as well, with totally new routines and handling's.
Anatole
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If you read the reviews of magic contests in the magic journals (_Genii_, _Magic_, _Linking Ring_, _M.U.M._ and the magic magazines in other countries) you'll see write-ups of the contest acts, including descriptions of the winners' routines of course and sometimes constructive criticism from the reviewers.

Master Payne provides sound advice, especially his words about the importance of needing to have "a real interesting take" on the classics if you choose to present something like linking rings or cups and balls. Yes, the magicians might "bristle" if you bring out the cups and balls or the linking rings. But if your presentation includes some unique, original twist they have never seen before, you have at least a chance to mollify any potential jaded reaction.

Usually the judges have a scoring system with a certain number of points devoted to various aspects of performing. At FISM, for instance, these criteria are used in the judging:
· Technical Skill/Handling
· Showmanship/Presentation
· Entertainment value
· Artistic Impression/Routining
· Originality
· Magic Atmosphere

You can see that "originality" is important--but so are the other five criteria.

You can read the complete rules of FISM competition at
http://fism.org/web/championship-contests/contest-rules/

At most major magic contests, when you request an application to compete, you will receive not only the application form but the list of rules and guidelines.

Although Master Payne's advice to "stay away from classics" is good advice, remember what he also said about "unless you've got a real interesting take on them."

One of the big benefits of entering a magic contest is meeting the other contestants. It's also valuable to get feedback from people who watch your contest act and the comments you get from them on your performance.

One important piece of advice: Be very careful to keep your act within any time limit requirements! In some contests you might be automatically disqualified if your act exceeds the time limit.

----- Amado "Sonny" Narvaez
----- Sonny Narvaez
Tam Vo
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Thanks much all for your help! I'll will certainly be looking into it. thanks again
MikeTheKid
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Originality is a must !
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Magic is a performing art that entertains an audience by creating illusions of seemingly impossible....

www.mikeliumagic.com
Scotty Walsh
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Ireland
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I was wondering something along these lines, too.

Suppose I were to do something from the Tarbell course and follow the handling exactly as written, or suppose I were to include, say, Thurston's sequence with five cards, etc; would that constitute doing "part of somebody else's act" which is forbidden by the rules?

Does it matter that these guys are dead? Do you get any originality points for "digging up the old stuff?"
Anatole
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I missed Scotty's original post back in January. But since no one answered his question "suppose I were to include, say, Thurston's sequence with five cards, etc; would that constitute doing 'part of somebody else's act' which is forbidden by the rules..."--I'll take a stab at answering it.

I assume Scotty is referring to the Thurston vanish and recovery of four or five cards from the Thurston "Card Tricks" monograph. Does anyone know for sure whether that sequence was original with Thurston in the first place? Also, didn't Lance Burton include that sequence in his act that won the IBM Gold Medal? Lance did add a touch or two of his own to the move, but it was basically the sequence from the Thurston book. (If I'm wrong about the move Scotty is referring to, I hope he will clarify which move he meant.)

I think an important thing to consider is what percentage of an act may be "old stuff." A lot depends, too, on which magic organization is sponsoring the competition, because they each have their own set of rules with sometimes overlapping criteria.

As an aside, I recall that Marlo mentions the Thurston move in his _Card Fan Productions_ monograph. He relates that he was fooled at first when Bill Baird presented the sequence in his manipulation act because he thought Bill had done a perfect, undetectable acquitment.

----- Amado "Sonny" Narvaez
----- Sonny Narvaez
Anatole
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Also, if you take a look at the FISM rules/guidelines at
http://fism.org/web/championship-contests/contest-rules/
you will note that originality is one of six aspects:
Technical Skill
Showmanship
Entertainment
Artistic Impression/Routining
Originality
Magic Atmosphere

I do think, though, that originality would carry considerable weight in the judges' scoring of an act.

Finally, participating in a magic competition is a rewarding and educational experience that will likely be good exposure and publicity for you whether you win or not. You will meet and compete with some of the rising stars of magic, make some contacts that might lead to bookings at other magic conventions, and winning one looks good on your publicity material (whether it's FISM or a contest at your local magic club).

----- Sonny
----- Sonny Narvaez
MagicianTrent
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Competitions can be very frustrating to say the least. You will have some interesting learning experiences if choose to compete. Ammar has a wonderful essay in is book about magic competitions I like to read before every competition. Make sure whatever routine you compete with is as polished as you can possibly make it. The first major competition I ever placed in was with a completely original effect. When you do place it is an amazing feeling and like finding the golden egg. The best advise I ever got was to remember your only competing against yourself. Judged competitions can be biased and audience vote competitions can be a popularity contest. Keep that in mind and don't take the results personally, unless you win of course. Good luck, I have never entered a competition I was not willing to loose!
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