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Christopher Moro Special user 793 Posts |
This past Tuesday, I accidentally came upon the Strolling Showdown at the Magic Castle. It was quite a sight to see: a bunch of small tables set up in the Peller Theater and the W.C. Field's bar area, with a handful of judges seated at them, and a magician performing at each one and all at the same time. Anyone have any experiences to share? The energy was off the charts.
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VanishingInc Veteran user 322 Posts |
I've never competed but I have watched and it is really great seeing world class magic in a world class location!
-Kyle
We personally curate every product we sell because we put quality and service first.
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Mike Gilbert Veteran user Las Vegas, Nevada 376 Posts |
Sounds like magical speed dating!
-Mike Gilbert
"Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance."- Steven Pressfield |
Mr Salk Special user Tied to 568 Posts |
The recent Paul F. Tompkins standup special has a great Magic Castle bit.
Sounds like such an awesome crazy space.
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JosephKerr Elite user Los Angeles 417 Posts |
They do describe it as magic speed dating which is probably a good way to describe strolling magic in general.
The event is very high energy - I believe it was almost 2 dozen performers and the turn out was huge. Performers of all skill levels summoned their courage and spent the next ninety minutes performing their best material for an audience of their peers. It's a unique challenge performing for a crowd of magicians whom may already have seen, or have done, or possibly created the trick that you perform for them and to top it off they have a judging booklet in front of them and may take notes as you perform. I commend everyone especially those who are newer to magic and wanted to take the leap of getting flight time any way possible. I joined the Academy a few months ago and I competed at this most recent event. I was determined to win that 1st place pin. So I chose my material carefully, things to display my personality and skill level. The game plan was to fool the magicians and that the one's whom were not deceived would be impressed with the routining. I calculated my Magic Moment per Minute. Made sure to close with a call to action reminding them of my name and to vote for me. Prior to the start of the event I was familiarizing myself with the table layout and greeting the fellow competitors when one of the Castle Knights called me over to compliment me on my smile (I've practiced just beaming my smile in stressful situations - day job meetings, cramped subway cars, etc.) I was getting hyped and confident. I was going to kill it. We were advised to keep the performance length to around 4 minutes per table so I dropped the middle from my set and just did my opening and closing routines. At the end of the event we waited for the judges scores to be calculated and 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place are announced and I don't hear my name at all. Ugh! Definitely a disappointing moment but I'm glad to think that it speaks to the level of talent out here. So congratulations to them and to all of the people who performed. There were no losers that evening only a roomful of winners enjoying great magic. When I exited from the Inner Circle there was a DeLorean parked right there so that helped to assuage any disappointment that I had Upon reflection I realized that all you can do is your best in the moment and that any disappointment I had was only from the expectation that I set for myself. I was also reminded of one of the most powerful magic moments that anyone can experience. The Castle Knight that went out of his way to acknowledge me and give a sincere compliment. That's powerful stuff. It can calm someone who's in a stressful situation or it can just be a way to inject a great moment into someones day which is our goal. He shared a propless miracle that I will remember for a long time. I encourage anyone thinking about competing or attending the next event to mark it in your calendars, it's a great experience. But don't set any expectations...Cause I'm going to win next time
"Challenge Your Reality"
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Mike Gilbert Veteran user Las Vegas, Nevada 376 Posts |
That's an awesome story! Takes some nerves of steel to take something like that on, so I applaud you immensely!
-Mike Gilbert
"Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance."- Steven Pressfield |
Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
I entered once, enjoyed it, and although I didn't win, David Regal saw me perform and was impressed enough to write a Genii cover story on me.
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
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S2000magician Inner circle Yorba Linda, CA 3465 Posts |
I've competed there.
It was quite fun. |
MichaelJae Loyal user 281 Posts |
Anyone know how often they put this on?
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AndyMo805 New user San Luis Obispo, CA 43 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 2, 2019, MichaelJae wrote: They put it on 2 - 3x per year. I missed the last one, offsite at a nearby Hotel. Heard it was great. But I competed in the two before that. I just auditioned and became a member last January, I gave it my best, and would have been happy with a place... but my real goal was to get to know some members. Mission accomplished. The best part was after the showdown, walking around the Castle and having someone stop me with a question about an effect... or a compliment on a routine. If you are a member... I highly recommend it! |
aheller5 Regular user 188 Posts |
I am thinking about taking my 10 and 14 years olds to cali and wanted to go to magic castle. how do I get in and what are requirements?
TY all |
Dollarbill Inner circle Colorado 1005 Posts |
I believe you will have to find an active member and have them get you tix. You can also call the Castle direct to find out protocal. 👍
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obrienmagic Special user 752 Posts |
The Strolling showdown is SO MUCH FUN! If you are an AMA magician member I highly recommend you come check it out! You can either compete or judge it is up to you!
Visit my online store at http://www.obrienmagic.com/magic-shop
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Futureal Inner circle 1695 Posts |
Been to a few of these now, always a good night.
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MichaelJae Loyal user 281 Posts |
How long are you at a table performing?
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AndyMo805 New user San Luis Obispo, CA 43 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 26, 2019, MichaelJae wrote: Depends on how many tables there are. You don't want to miss one. Last time we had 1 1/2 hours... and 27 tables. Usually 3 min max will get you through all. |
AndyMo805 New user San Luis Obispo, CA 43 Posts |
For those of you chiming in here... the Next Strolling showdown is Tuesday March 31st.
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