talkmagic.co.uk

So I had my audition at a magic society tonight, thought I'd write a brief report on it. It went quite well I suppose, in that all the tricks at least worked. I think I could have performed them smoother and more elegantly though, but I knew that I would be a bit nervous so kind of expected a few fumbles and things.

I started with 'Chicago Opener'. This worked fine, though I was a bit clumsy when I performed a false running cut which could have been better. DL was fine compared to how I usually do it when I practise (that doesn't make it brilliant or anything).

My second trick was 'Do As I Do' from RRTCM. This was again ok, but I very nearly messed it up as the key card I noted was the joker, of which there are obviously two. So I had to guage where my spectator cut and deduce which joker was the correct one, and fortunately there was only one of the jokers near the middle of the pack. So I was fairly lucky in some respects there (or unlucky to choose the joker).

My last trick was 'Good Luck Card' from RRTCM, but I thought a nice ending would be the card to the shoe sleight from Expert Card Technique. This trick again worked, and it is a nice trick, but I don't know whether I did it justice. I was a bit hesitant in using the overhand shuffle (injogging, etc.) and looking at my hands a bit too much as I wanted to make sure I didn't make a mistake. I could definitely improve on this point.

The reveal of the card in the shoe I was a bit disappointed with, I palmed the card quite smoothly on an off beat I thought but I fumbled when placing my hand in the shoe to peer inside. I'm pretty sure someone will have caught a flash of the card at some angle as well. Still, it got a few laughs and it was the right card, so I guess I should be pleased at that point.

So all in all it wasn't too bad, particularly as I have only really performed for family before. There were a lot of talented members performing afterwards, and you can't help comparing yourself to them and thinking your performance was poor in comparison. I suppose I should remember that I've only been doing magic for a year and a bit, whereas some of those guys were full time professionals. It's always nice to see better and more experienced magicians so that you have something to aim for.

So there it is. I don't know whether I've got in to the society or not yet, so I'll have to see. Whatever happens at least I gave it a go and I know what I have to improve on (pretty much everything lol).

cc100

You can't knock the Royal Road for solid material and although 'Do As I Do' is probably not one for magicians (great for laymen) as it is a blatant flaunt of using a key card.

It really doesn't matter if they caught a glimpse of the palm. Most of what you did is unlikely to fool them anyway. After watching magicians regularly, you see most sleights coming. It's more about them seeing that you have a good variation of skills and the keen to continue learning.

If they don't let you in, I'd be very surprised.

Sounds like it went pretty well! Better than my last performance anyway.

As for whether you got in or not, unless it was some kind of mega-elite society they are probably only looking to make sure you know what you're doing, getting it perfect enough to fool other magi probably isn't required. Even the greats mess up now and again (I remember seeing a really famous magician... I think it was Daryl himself, get called on a DL by a six year old on a TV show year ago).

Who was the audition for?

-Stacy

It was for the York Society of Magicians, I received an e-mail saying I've been accepted so that's good. I know that there's a lot of things I need to improve on and I know my performance wasn't brilliant, but I'm happy that I gave it a go.

Congrats! It's a nice feeling, isn't it.

Huge well done to you!!!!

I think it takes some guts to stand up in front of strangers, & do what you did cc.

Not sure if I could do it just yet.
You should be very proud of yourself mate Well done.

CArl.....

Big effort dude!

You've got more confidence than myself! The Chicago Opener by the way, is a great favourite of mine! Nice choice! It was the first trick which my DL came into action! Nice one!

Rob

Thank you so much for posting this! You have given me hope that I too might step up and do that in the fullness of time. I've been learning this for less than a year and have lots more work to do but this has really helped! I had felt it was a catch 22 - I wanted to join a local group to learn and improve but imagined I would need to be at quite an advanced level before they'd let me in! May I ask how many you performed to and what was the room set-up re angles etc. Thanks. Di

That's great to hear. I've read other people's experiences of performing before and I've found it really encouraging, so I'm really glad my experience might help other people too. I performed to around 12-15 people, the angle was pretty much straight on to the audience who were seated in rows. Hope this helps. Good luck with joining a society - it really does help to watch the more experienced members perform, and it's always nice to meet people with a similar interest.

cc100

Great read, and congratulations!

Sounds terrifying! Congrats for making it through the performance.