talkmagic.co.uk

I've often wondered what the benefits are of joining the magic circle. I feel that my ability is progressing quite nicely. I have tonnes of material that I need to read/buy/watch/absorb etc. Moreover, sites like TM offer quick access to a broad wealth of knowledge. Other than the kudos of saying you belong, is there anything else that I am missing out on. I'm already in plenty of clubs/societies so I think if I joined another one my wife may kill me. However, I'd willingly run the risk of death if I could have a pint/chat with other magicians on a regular basis. I have no fixed views because I don't know enough about it. All views welcome!

Ta

Kevmundo

Well Kevmundo: You have hit on one of the main advantages of joining The Magic Circle. As a member of the most prestigious if not THE most prestigious Magic Club in the world--if would give you great standing with potential bookers. BUT YOU MUST CONSIDER:

1. Are you of a high enough standard & experience to gain Membership?
2. Can you afford the Annual fees as well as the entrance/audition fees?
3. You are in Huntingdon/London--Other than No.1. it would only benefit you IF you can get to meetings reguarly.
Taking into account--distance from your home--car travel & parking expenses etc.
4. 'I have tons of material etc. Owning loads of books & magic stuff does not make you a magician--even a good one.
5. I am in lots of Clubs & Societies. Are these Magic ones? IF so get rid of them all but ONE. Then give your support & loyalty to that ONE.
If they are Magic Clubs then surely they have at least some EXPERIENCED members you can discuss Magic with and learn from?

Magicians' wives are pretty well ALL long suffering. Magic is such an obsessive passion with all magicians-- we sometimes--NO -many times--forget this.
If you want to mix with other magicians why not go to a few Conventions--NOT necessarily the Big Conventions FIRST.

FINALLY
1. How long have you been in Magic?
2. Approx. How many shows a year or even during 6 months--do you perform.

Answers to these 2 questions alone would help TM members to see how much help you need
AND can you explain please- 'I don'tknow enough about it? Magic? Performing? The MC?

Allen Tipton

Thanks for that Allen! Ive always had an interest in magic but I would say that I've been studying it seriously/obsessively for about four years now - doesn't sound like a long time I know!! Im lucky as I only work a three day week (a la 1970's) so I have plenty of time to indulge my obsession. I have only really performed for close friends etc but have decided recently that I feel ready to make the transition to perform in the real world. I have what I consider to be a good routine, although I'm always trying to look for new things. I have a booking at one of my clubs in February - freebie of course for about 150 people which will be excellent for me. I will hopefully be doing this with another more experienced magician so I can rely on him for that extra support.

I do feel confident performing in front of people, I'm ok with the fees and I work in london a lot so have no problem making meetings etc. do you think membership is something I should seriously think about? Am I at a stage where it would benefit me or would I just be out of my depth??

Ta

Kevmundo

For the Magic Circle--I would say--you are a long way off ready.
I think at this stage--you would be wasting your money--trying. Sorry.

There are other Clubs , if it has to be London-(as the London Society of Magicians--if they are still going.

You do NOT say anything about the Clubs you are in????

Keep asking--any queries.

Allen Tipton

Sorry! All the other clubs are non magical, social clubs associations etc. Thanks for the advice though. I'll give it a miss for a while!!

Kevmundo

Oh, I would join if I were you. You can't be any more useless than the majority of the members there. From my experience years ago I remember most of them being pretty atrocious. You will get a few good ones but not too many. You should join for the social aspect of it and may pick up a tip or two from the lecturers and the library. And some of the members may be of help to you despite the generally snobby and cliquey atmosphere I remember.

You can't lose anything. Just join them and although you will no doubt end up just as bad as the rest of them at least you will have company in mediocrity.

I'd suggest joining something more local first, if only because one of the entry requirements is to have known two other members for at least a year.

Having access to critical viewpoints on my performance was the main reason I joined my local group (South London Magic Soc).

fiftytwo wrote:I'd suggest joining something more local first, if only because one of the entry requirements is to have known two other members for at least a year.

Having access to critical viewpoints on my performance was the main reason I joined my local group (South London Magic Soc).

The nearest club/society to me appears to be the Pentangle Club which meets in Cambridge. There's not much on the website. Does anyone lurking in TM have any knowledge of this one? It looks pretty respectable!

k

According to their website at http://www.ipswichmagicalsociety.co.uk/ ... events.htm there was a meeting tonight and nothing listed after that. They work closely with the Ipswich Magical Society who are highly recommended so the Pentangle Club should be very much OK.

Mandrake wrote:According to their website at http://www.ipswichmagicalsociety.co.uk/ ... events.htm" target="_blank there was a meeting tonight and nothing listed after that. They work closely with the Ipswich Magical Society who are highly recommended so the Pentangle Club should be very much OK.

Thanks Mandrake! I've E-mailed the Secretary so hopefully I'll get a positive reply. Although trying to access these sorts of groups makes me feel like something of a school leaver in the job centre - you can't get a job without experience, but you can't get experience without doing the job!

If they're anything like the Ipswich bods, you'll be fine!

Mandrake wrote:If they're anything like the Ipswich bods, you'll be fine!

I do hope so!! I'll let you all know!

I have thought about applying to become a membre of the Magic Circle myself. I have a regular residency at a local pub restaurant so perform at least once every week. I regularly get asked how long I have been doing magic and "are you a member of the Magic Circle". Having looked at how you become a member i think I could probably get through the audition but the question I keep asking myself is what would I get out of it? I get bookings for parties, weddings etc without membership. Would I get more if I was a member? Possibly but I would need to up my publicity etc for it to have any effect

I live in Oxford and unfortunately there are no active magic clubs in the area, Reading is my closest option. And as I can't really make meetings there because of day job commitments I am unlikely to get to London for Magic Circle events. In some wasy I feel that not applying is an admission that I would not be good enough and that I would fail the audition. Is becoming a member a sort of qualification that says you are a proper magician? Does failure to belong mark you down as a magician.

It is an interesting debate I have with myself from time to time and one I can see no resolution to>

I think you're right. Every time I demonstrate an effect/show a trick the first question is normally, 'are you in the magic circle?' I think it just adds that air if legitimacy to the lay person, and indeed must have some practical benefits or it wouldn't exist.

I guess it's similar to being Corgi Registered. Everyone knows its important, but no-one really understands what it means!

Hope you'll forgive the analogy!

I guess it's similar to being Corgi Registered

At the risk of being pedantic, Corgi registrations are no longer valid, these days it's GasSafe - sorry!