talkmagic.co.uk

Hey guys.

Basically, I'm a student about to go to uni. I was looking for a job and silly as it may sound I found a job application to become an Seasonal elf that assists in like a Santa's grotto within a shopping centre. My role also involves entertaining the crowd, so I thought to build some confidence I would perform some magic down the line.

I received an email, to book an audition which would involve team based activities, a test and a 1 - 3 minute performance. That's something I am very nervous with, as I wouldn't mind showing tricks in the event itself, but I do shake in a formal setting.

Basically I was thinking of just letting it go, but I would be actually doing something I enjoy and getting paid for it. That's if I get it. But my routine only involves close up magic and quite an urban style.

- I was thinking of starting with a simple introduction,
- Then doing the self tying shoelace as it starts to look like it's annoying me.
- Possibly jump into ACR, if my hands are not shaking too much.
- Card to mouth if the attention is good. Or might leave it at there.

This is just my idea if I go for the audition.

Something short like that. Maybe, that's if I have the confidence.

Did they say they want their elves to do magic?

Lawrence wrote:Did they say they want their elves to do magic?

They asked for a skill, I put Magic and Acting as I do both. Yes, they said I would need to entertain the crowd.

Can you not just find some elf-working tricks?

HA!.....did you........did you catch that?..........yes. Anyway. Self-working tricks will help you if you feel like you're going to be a bit nervous.

Fair play. Just needed to be sure.

Maybe some green and red d'lites would be quite festive?

perhaps some candy cane productions? Take some Ogawa stuff and apply it to candy canes!

And elf doing an ACR just seems wierd to me; keep in character!

Edit: actually, did they say yes to magic specifically? maybe juggling would be better?

Lawrence wrote:Fair play. Just needed to be sure.

Maybe some green and red d'lites would be quite festive?

perhaps some candy cane productions? Take some Ogawa stuff and apply it to candy canes!

And elf doing an ACR just seems wierd to me; keep in character!

Edit: actually, did they say yes to magic specifically? maybe juggling would be better?

Im just thinking about the shopping centre and the actual audition room, if it's dark enough for d lites. But could give that a shot if I ask them to turn down the lights possibly.

I cannot juggle sadly. But will have a look at the candy canes Cheers pal.

EDIT: Possibly sponge magic?

Whatever you do, you must audition!!

If you get nervous in a formal setting, this will give you more experience. And with any luck, you'll get the gig and then think of the experience and lessons you'll learn. Do it, do it, do it!

Don't ever let opportunities like this pass you by. Exciting things come out of 'Yes, I go for it' moments and nothing is gained by letting them pass you by.

The fact you put magic on your application form and they want to see you, they want to see magic! Good luck!

There are hundreds of "Christmas" themed things you can perform, D'Lites, Spongeballs, pretty much anything! Personally I'd avoid cards, but that's just me.
Balloon hats might also be appropriate, and you have between now and then to learn.
Slush powder.
Your hands will not shake after the first 200 times, which in this setting is about a day
Bruce

My girlfriend had an audition tor a job at tgi fridays, they just want to see that you're outgoing enough to deal with the public.

She learnt a comedy balloon modelling routine the day before from nothing, and they loved it...

As long as you come across confident you'll do ok...

Zombie ball! "This is one of Santa's baubles that we made a little wrong. It's a little too big for most Christmas trees as you can see. However there's a funny thing about this, erm, huge bauble. Because it's larger than normal, it is absolutely packed with Christmas magic! Don't believe me? Let me show you..."

If it really is just a test of confidence with strangers (and I think kartoffelngeist is probably right), then it won't matter hugely what you do. Do whatever you are best at and with which you are most comfortable.

However, why not get hold of some Christmas-themed cards? Cards4magic stocks some Norman Rockwell Christmas playing cards that might be perfect. You can do a joke about them being Christmas cards (do not expect a spot on the next episode of 8 Out of 10 Cats on the basis of this, though), and while I don't know what the images are, you might be able to come up with a story for your ACR that fits. Maybe Santa visits Hogwarts and keeps ending up on the roof, no matter how many times he goes down the chimney.

Even if the faces of the cards are regular ones, you could choose one of the Kings to represent Santa Claus.

While I love the suggestions for more directly Christmassy tricks on this thread (especially the giant bauble), I think you should probably stick to what you know, but maybe make that more suitable to the audition.

You are going to entertain kids. Leave the ACR at home. Leave the card to mouth at home. In fact, leave the cards at home.

A simple TT vanish will entertain them far more. That's what the audition board will be looking for. Keep it light, lots of simple gags.

MikeMagician wrote:Im just thinking about the shopping centre and the actual audition room, if it's dark enough for d lites. But could give that a shot if I ask them to turn down the lights possibly.

Tip: it does not have to be dark to use d'lites

dont do card to mouth. Nothing says happy christmas less, than an elf vomiting out a playing card over your kiddywink.

you will not get the gig based on your "skill" anyways. as a long term santa, i can tell you that the only thing that will win you the job, is personality.
so.. watch elf. get the buddy vibe, ( not too much though)
reak christmas. ooze festive spirit, be the elf you have always wanted to meet.......

and pull chocolate coins out of kids ears.. maybe a silk too... nothing else. Thats all they want. After all,they have not come to see you, its the big man they are after.

All great advice guys. Really appreciate the feedback