talkmagic.co.uk

how did the audition go?

Well had my audtion/exam. I have NO idea what to think though. Many people in the audience said it went well and all you have to do is not mess up any moves and use original patter (done) others were saying the way I wobbled as I stood would count against me, or that my patter was too sciency. Regardless it's now in the lap of the Gods, and one thing is certain, you can't complain about the warm welcome or the treatment by the members of the society, which was most excellent

Sounds like you went well, good luck!

Thank you Lady of Mystery, but I'm swinging from pretty confident to "no chance". Some people didn't like the presentation style. I don't know if the examiners don't care if they like the style or not and just respect the fact I did everything in a new and different way, or does it have to be something that they personally enjoy. The negative feedback I got was fair criticism and rather nicely came with tips on how to improve. It's always nice when people help[ with solving a problem they point out with your magic.

Oh, I shouldn't worry. Most of the Magic Circle members are quite useless themselves but they got in somehow. I expect the examiners are pretty useless too, although I have no idea who they are. I can assure you that you will pass no matter how dreadful you were. I would love to know how many people they turn away. I bet it is miniscule.

They do want your subscription money after all. As long as you show some vague interest in magic you should be OK. Not that I am a cynical type of course.

Mark if nothing else you've made me laugh One guy who i REALLY respect told me it took him 3 goes though, so maybe they've just dropped thier standards latly OR more likely you just have super hi fantastic stands of magic, which is no bad thing

dean.allen.jones wrote:Many people in the audience said it went well and all you have to do is not mess up any moves and use original patter (done) others were saying the way I wobbled as I stood would count against me, or that my patter was too sciency.

I didn't see the audition, but my guess is that the former group of people have got closer to the true picture than the latter. The negative comments sound ultra picky to me, especially for an audition, where of course you are going to be nervous.

Good luck.

Thanks Part Timer. I know I can study at home, but the idea of being able to read in the library then hit the club room to talk with wiser magical heads to ensure I fully grasp what I'm reading is something very important to me. If I don't get in I will keep trying, but getting in is something that could be really life changing for me.

Well after 2 months t5hey've still not got back in touch. My mate who auditioned at the same time as me e-mailed them 3 weeks ago to ask if there was a problem. He's been replied to finally. He didn't get in I'm guessing I'm not in either

It's a shame they haven't got back to you. I tend to take the Groucho Marx view that I wouldn't want to join a club that would have me as a member. I got into magic without the MC. I set up a business and created a website without them. I studied without them and sorted a routine without them. I got a restaurant residency without them and I'm now getting regular work without them. I don't see any reason to join them now. That's not to say I wouldn't benefit from it - I don't know? But after reading the experiences of some people, I don't feel the need to put myself through it.

Like many organisations that exist through being 'exclusive' they need to be careful that they don't exclude themselves out of existence.

K

thanks kev . It'sa good point. I've got gigs lined up for the next few months, repeat gigs at that so I must have been doing something right. Rejection never comes easily, that said a member has offered to sign me in whenever I want to go down. If I only wanted to join for the prestige then I'm a shallow idiot.If I wanted to join to hang around with magicians who are better than me and too improve my skill set, then I can still do that anyway.

Then you're definitely doing something right!! And if you're getting repeat business then there shouldn't be any question about how good you are. I suppose there is some kudos to being a member and you can put it on your website. Having said that, non magicians haven't the first clue about most magical effects, never mind the MC. Most people probably don't even know where it is. Being asked if youre a member of the MC is a knee jerk question that people ask you, like asking a taxi driver if he's been busy. You're not really interested in the answer but just trying to make polite conversation.

Having said that, it's nice to know you've been accepted by your peers and if you do get in then it's a personal achievement to be proud of. But judging by your bookings you've got plenty to be proud of whether they let you in or not. If you get knocked back just keep trying and I'm sure you'll make it - you can sign me in when you do!!!!

K

dean.allen.jones wrote:thanks kev . It'sa good point. I've got gigs lined up for the next few months, repeat gigs at that so I must have been doing something right. Rejection never comes easily, that said a member has offered to sign me in whenever I want to go down. If I only wanted to join for the prestige then I'm a shallow idiot.If I wanted to join to hang around with magicians who are better than me and too improve my skill set, then I can still do that anyway.

First off, if you want to hang around with magicians who are better than you, stay away from the magic clubs. Most don't actually perform, the ones that do are too busy performing. I belonged to the Vancouver Magic circle. We have some impressive members, Julianna Chen, Shawn Farquhar, Murray Sawchuck. And you know what? They would hang out with you apart from the club.

Second. You are having repeat gigs so if you are rejected and it is because of their standards then perhaps the standards need to be changed because you are already a working magician and obviously your customers are happy because they are booking you again.

I read a comment on this thread about not doing ACR because it is overdone. What a silly reason not to do it. Most laypeople have not seen a live magic performance and they love an ACR. Would Albert Goshman be rejected from a club because he performes sponge balls which are also 'over done'? No he would be rejected because he is dead. But that is another story.

I met the late Frank Garcia once at a magic convention. I was standing behind our booth demonstrating and I saw him and Sid Lorraine, (also dead now) talking and walking up to the booth. I freaked. There I was 16yrs old and Frank Garcia and Sid Lorraine are watching me. Talk about a case of nerves. After I was in the lobby and Mr. Garcia comes up to me and says, 'let me tell you something, never be afraid to perform in front of magicians. A good magician will help and encourage and do nothing to hinder or belittle you, we are a brotherhood. The magicians that do not support you are not worth the time or effort to worry about I don't even classify them as magicians"

I will never forget those words.

What a great quote from Frank Garcia

I have to agree that we are a brotherhood am enjoying my time in this hobby and have lurnt quite a few tricks that I have done on co-worker's, my other half and my in-laws and when it goes well I have a fire in my heart that have never felt before and the funny thing is when you do it to co-workers they are always looking at you with a look of worry and amazement like you are magical.