talkmagic.co.uk

Hello everybody.

I have to put together a 15 minute routine as an audition to be a member of the local magic society.
I am sixteen years of age but I don't want to do a somewhat 'childish' act with all gimmicks and this and that because I'm mature and capable enough with my sleight of hand to do tricks with a normal deck (albeit stacked or whatever).

I wanted a nice, elegant routine and I thought of starting out with 'Dream of Aces' or Mcdonald's Aces as it's mostly known. I have patter and everything down, it's just a case of something to pair up with this trick as it doesn't quite fill out the time.

If you could give me suggestions for tricks that would go well/flow in or out of 'Dream of Aces/Mcdonald's Aces' it would be very much appreciated.

Thanks guys

I guess It all depends on what else you can do.

I would take a look through books such as expert card technique at routines such as the slap aces by Nate Leipzig and try updating it slightly.

Also take a look at Derren Browns three card routine. Plenty of material in there which can be used separately, it covers alot of my favourite effects all in one routine e.g. rub dub vanish, beautiful yet simple. (Again found in expert card technique)

Hope this has some kind of help!

Thanks for that Fabula, I will look in to Derren Brown's three card routine as it seems really fitting.

I came across 'Ultimate Wild Card' by Jean-Pierre Vallarino and it has a very similar handling to that of 'Dream of Aces' by Gary Ouellet that I am performing.

Here's a link in case any of you haven't seen the effect;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK_glJi8 ... r_embedded

What does everybody think?

"Variations" by Earl Nelson has really top notch card magic. I don't know what setup you're using for Dream of Aces, but you might be able to use Nelson's "Sleeve Aces" to produce the aces.

sleightlycrazy wrote:"Variations" by Earl Nelson has really top notch card magic. I don't know what setup you're using for Dream of Aces, but you might be able to use Nelson's "Sleeve Aces" to produce the aces.

You know, thats exactly what I do

I produce the aces - its not Earl or Giobbi's exact routine - before going into McDonalds Aces. I actually use the DFers for the effect. The use of these cards (and a regular As) allows for a slightly different set-up, and in my opinion can make it more deceptive. Its actually easier aswell, which is always a bonus

jim

Don't be afraid of gimmicks and packet tricks though. It's not all in the magic, it is mostly in the presentation and something simple or self working can give you time to concentrate on the prsentation.

you do know that they are looking for willingness, and a bit of knolwedge, rather than technical perfection.

since you dont say what you know already, ( which will be one of the questions they ask. What kind of magic do you do/like is always asked)
If you want to impress with your skills, I would think of doing something that doesn't involve cards.

go with coins, rope, mentalism, sponge balls.....anything other than another card trick.

showing an all rounder atittude to magic in general, is much better than showing your just a guy who knows a couple of card tricks.

Thats a good point Dale.

McCannMagic, it is usually possible to get a scoring sheet for things like this which can give you an idea of how you will be judged and what percentage of your overall score will go to things like presentation, originality, technical ability, personal appearance etc. You should ask if they have this as it could help with your choice of effects.

I am not a member of any magic clubs or anything, ive never felt the need, but i have seen copies of different scoring sheets. Each club/orginisation tend to give different percentages to different aspects.

jim

Thanks for the tips Dale and Jim, much appreciated

Don't try for anything new or fancy, or what you think will astound.

Be yourself, relax, enjoy and aim to entertain. Don't be afraid of gimmicks.

When I first 'auditioned' the effect that the magicians were most 'amazed' at was a haunted key and colour monte. why? because I am very confident in both and didn't have to worry. I was able to just go with the flow so to speak.

As already stated they are more interested in seeing a willingness. After all the magic club is there for you to improve, not to wow them from the get go.

And just because, Dream of Aces and McDonalds Aces are two different methods. The commonality between the two are that they are both Ace assemblies. You can really confuse a fellow magi by asking for help with your McDonalds aces when you actually need help with Dream Of Aces.

bmat wrote:And just because, Dream of Aces and McDonalds Aces are two different methods. The commonality between the two are that they are both Ace assemblies. You can really confuse a fellow magi by asking for help with your McDonalds aces when you actually need help with Dream Of Aces.

You're absoloutly right Brian, and it seems the OP was meaning Dream of Aces (i think ) Just for the record it was the classic McDonalds Aces I was refering to in my post.

Apoligies for any confusion

jim

Jim, just read your post, Any of the clubs I have participated in did not have a scoring sheet to get into the club. Usually there has to be some sort of initiation and seeing as its a magic club, magic is usually the way to go.

Really they just want to see your willingness so they don't have a lot of 'chairs' people that show up to the meetings but don't do anything just kind of waste space. And sometimes they want to see what level you are at so other magi know who they are dealing with, and how everyone can help each other.

Once in and entering club competitions then there are scoring sheets.

And of course, we are all human and everyone is going to judge everyone, and the performers are all going to be nervous, and those sitting around watching are going down memory lane and remembering their initiation night...and so it goes.

Ah, so the sheets I saw were for competitions. I remember a freind showing me a printed version of one some time ago, and i saw a few others on the net. For some reason i had it in my head they were for entry into the clubs

McCannMagic - my sincere apoligies, my post is incorrect.

jim

The magic circle publishes its score sheet.