talkmagic.co.uk

I posted the following on another Forum with some interesting results and would like the thoughts of TM members please :-

I am wondering whether to apply for membership of the MC.
I have been studying magic for almost 30 yrs now and have been working as a pro for 8, and just recently I seem to have been asked more and more by clients "Are you a member of the Magic Circle". No one seems to care or even have heard of the other magic organisations (IBM etc)

I live a couple of hundred miles from London, so apart from the "Kudos" of being a member (adding logo to website etc) and being able to say yes when people ask (not that I have ever lost a booking by saying no), what would be the benefits of joining as a country member?

Is there anyone in a similar position to me who is a member and can persuade me of the benefits?

I also wonder just how many from TM are members?

One or two valid comments are in this thread - http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic25337.php - best of luck!

Thank you for that Mandrake, very interesting. I'm sorry for missing that thread, I could have just added to it.
I want to know if Dat got in, or has even had his interview yet.

I would recommend joining. I get to a few evenings a year, but the other member benefits make it well worth it.

I'm in the process of joining. My main reasons are for the very simple reason that I get asked all the time if I'm a member and to say yes is easier than to give my reasons why I've never thought it worth while in the past.

Hi Lownatic

By the sound of it, I'm in exactly the same situation as you are and I decied a while back to join.

I had my interview last night and all went well and I'll be auditioning in a couple of weeks time. Fromwhat I saw and experienced last night it's definately the way to go. I have no hesitation in recommending that you join.

You could say that if you're undecided about joining then you shouldn't.

I can really see the benefits of joining personally as at every gig I've ever done you get asked "Are you a member of the magic circle" and there is always a glimmer of excitement as they do so.

I think it also helps any bookings if it is mentioned on your website, business card etc. as it gives an added element of professionalism in the eyes of potential clients.
This is all presumption of course as I am not a member as I dont know any members or to put it better no members know me.

A tad elitist I reckon to assume that you need to know magicians personally to be a good magician oneself?

Definately, 100% worth joining!

Like anything else in life, you'll get out of it what you put in, but if you make the effort to go down there they have some fantastic lectures, a great library, you're surrounded by some top top names who are all willing to help. And there's a bar as well.. what more could you ask for!

If you know anyone who is already a member see if they'll take you down as a guest for an evening and get a feel for it!

Good luck whatever you decide to do

Carl

Thanks for all the advice guys.
I think an evening there as a guest is a good idea, I'll try that and see how it goes.

Hey dat good luck with the audition, I'm sure you will find it a breeze.

Thanks - I'll keep you all posted.

The audition is on 13th October but I won't hear until after the Council meeting which is at the end of the month.

Is there a set criteria for the audition? EG a check-list of standards that are expected to be seen, interspersed with a bit of artisitic flair? A bit like an ice skating routine?!

Or is it a case of "do your thing" and the panel/jury make of it what they will?

themagicwand wrote:Is there a set criteria for the audition? EG a check-list of standards that are expected to be seen, interspersed with a bit of artisitic flair? A bit like an ice skating routine?!

Or is it a case of "do your thing" and the panel/jury make of it what they will?

There is a set criteria, based on magical ability, technique, presentation, patter, prop management, misdirection, spectator management etc etc

You're given a copy of the marking card before the audition so you know what's expected of you and what you need to do to achieve a suitable grade!

The marking criteria as well as advice on performing is available for download on the magic circle web site.

If you look at the 'joining' section and follow the hyperlinks then you should find the guide.

I've just done my exam.. and it was quite nerve wracking!!!! I'm now awaiting the result..

naquada wrote:I've just done my exam.. and it was quite nerve wracking!!!! I'm now awaiting the result..

Good luck mate! How do you think it went?