Convention competion?

[Donald C.]

I hope some one can help me out I am going to be going to a convention in november where I would like to join in the close up contest. I have been to 2 other conventions where I got 2nd place in both. I liked the routine I had but I feel I need to " turn it up" if you know what I mean. Now obviously the routine I did was not good enough to get first I am not one to settle for 2nd place. So my question is can anyone help me create an awesome card routine [ I only do cards].
Some of the tricks I perform:
COLD dee christopher
Dr. Daleys last trick
different ace cutting routines
biddle trick
many different sandwich routines
I perform different color changes such as the erdnase change, snap change, spring change, ego change, color.
Invisible Palm
Punk'd Kevin Ho
Rocking roll aces
Crunk by Danil Madison
ACR
The Queens
5 speed
blueprint
hot shot
Triumph routine
I also have 3 years experience of performing.
If someone could please help me that would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Donald

 

[PTG]

[ I only do cards].

Well, that could very well be why you are only getting second place. Even if you are very good with cards, it isn't always about skill, it's about presentation. And if you are only using a deck of cards, doing tricks everybody has already seen, then even if it's perfect it'll still be an imitation...

Better an average original, than a flawless copy, right?


-PTG

(You guys can feel free to beat me into place if I'm out of line, it's just what I think at the mo'. Am I wrong???)

 

[ReservoirWings]

Better an average original, than a flawless copy, right?

Quoted for truth.


I agree with PTG, the fact that you only do cards may be part of the problem. And it seems like you have enough material, so I would say work on the presentation. I'm sure you're a good performer, but that won't get you first. You need to be a great performer.

In short - Just work on the presentation, not adding new material.
But that's just me.

 

[Donald C.]

The thing is I just dont like my routine I put together too much and I do not do a lot of rotuining cause I do street magic and I used to doing a few different tricks not routining them together though.

 

[Michael Kras]

Well, that could very well be why you are only getting second place. Even if you are very good with cards, it isn't always about skill, it's about presentation. And if you are only using a deck of cards, doing tricks everybody has already seen, then even if it's perfect it'll still be an imitation...

Better an average original, than a flawless copy, right?


-PTG

(You guys can feel free to beat me into place if I'm out of line, it's just what I think at the mo'. Am I wrong???)

Dead on man.... I also got second place a few months ago, with an act of all cards... but it was a totally original performance, very fun and very creative. The act must FLOW. I cannot be just a compilation of random card effect performed adequately. It all must have a reason, a logical premise, and entertainment value.

First time I competed was a big one... the Canadian Association of Magician's Close-up Competition in 2007. I did a random assortment of effects... a prediction effect, a cards to pocket routine, then cups and balls. Naturally, I did not win. The skill, finesse, and routine was there but... who the hell puts mentalism, cards to pocket, and cups in balls together in a single close-up competition routine? I totally didn't take that into account. I currently have a bunch of acts in development, all with themes and flowing premises.

 

[Donald C.]

I am starting to understand more but if you would not mind maybe helping me pick a few tricks that I listed above that would fit nicely together and then I could come up with an awesome routine. I know your saying cards wont win it but I am determined to make cards win it.

 

[Justin.Morris]

Hey, here's some pieces of a forum post of mine form another forum somewhat related.

-----
Most competitions, your routine must be 8 min or under. Depending where you are competing (convention vs. local magic club) your time may not be a big deal. Sometimes they cut you off at the time.

Remember it doesn't have to be a show. One or two effects with a few phases will score you better than 5 separate effects (even if they have a similar theme).

Here's a list of criteria from PCAM 2007
Judging Criteria

Appearance of person and act: 10 points
Smoothness of presentation: 10 points
Technical skill: 10 points
Originality of theme/presentation: 20 points
Entertainment value: 30 points
Mystery value: 20 points
-----

So I don't necessarily think that you will need an original effect, but you will need to present it with your own original presentation.

Now as far as going further with your routine, think about what is 'at stake' with your performance.
The more you can bring up the stakes of an effect, the better the routine. That is why it is always effective when the magician 'messes up' a few times before getting the trick right, and then continuing to exceed expectations.
Also when you involve someone in your routine, it also can raise the stakes. It becomes very important that the spectator succeeds. It can still be fun, but in the end, the spectator wins. (here's a great example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytqI9QXWvco)

Try to think of something unique that can be at stake, if you fail or succeed. Ryan Stock (the human guinea pig) does a card trick where if he fails he says he will put his finger in a mouse trap. After failing and begging for another chance, he raises the stakes for another chance, he says he will put his tongue in it. After failing again, he puts his tongue in it, then he lifts the trap up to reveal the card on the bottom of the trap. -obviously that works for his performance character, but you need to think of something that can raise the stakes.

One idea might be to borrow some money from the audience, roll it up and switch it for a flash paper bill, then say if you can't find the card, you will burn the bill (in sort of a friendly betting fashion), proceed to loose the card, do more of the routine, and light the bill and produce the card. Or have three people all give money and each pics a card. You find two cards, and they each get to their money back, the third is lost and burnt, and the card is produced. Then you could have the money appear in their wallet, or wherever.

I dunno, these are just some ideas off the top of my head.

Or perhaps, instead of ransoming money from the spectators, you could put up your own money. (ie. If I can't find your card then I will give you this $100
bill. ) Then burn it to produce the card (perhaps in an impossible location).

Anyhow, hope that helps, and all the best of luck to you!

j

 

[jprace]

What convention?

 

[Donald C.]

Daytona magic convention

 

[Eddie]

Honestly, your aresenal is like any other nooblet's arsenal.
The thing is more than 90% of your tricks are already butchered like hell around the internet. If you want to get that 1st place or "turn it up" I recommend getting some actual classic material(books please), practice decent presentation, and/or come up with some of your own. It doesn't have to be complex, but if you add in some good presentation that should boost it up.

 

[Donald C.]

Hey dont sit here and call me a noob because I have my own style of performing. You might think someone should learn from books but I think DVD's are better.

 

[Michael Kras]

Books are where the actual good stuff is. You have no idea what you're missing.

 

[Michael Kras]

Honestly, your aresenal is like any other nooblet's arsenal.
The thing is more than 90% of your tricks are already butchered like hell around the internet. If you want to get that 1st place or "turn it up" I recommend getting some actual classic material(books please), practice decent presentation, and/or come up with some of your own. It doesn't have to be complex, but if you add in some good presentation that should boost it up.

I actually agree, the list is very Ellusionisty, something hardcore punks do in the halls at school. Get a book like David Regal's Approaching Magic or The Magic of Michael Ammar.

 

[Donald C.]

I know books are good but for one I can not comphrehend well at all. I have a few books but for me it was a waist of money. I really want TOOC and am very glad there coming out with a DVD so that will be awesome. Like I said I do not apprectiate anyone calling me a noob so please do not. I am very far away from a noob.

 

[Michael Kras]

I wouldn't say "very far away from a noob" if I were you. For only three years in magic that is a huge huge claim. I'm sure you're not a noob but I'm willing to bet you're no Dai Vernon.

 

[Donald C.]

Obviously but I am no noob for sure. I have much experience in the field of performing magic.

 

[Sean_Raf]

I wouldn't say "very far away from a noob" if I were you. For only three years in magic that is a huge huge claim. I'm sure you're not a noob but I'm willing to bet you're no Dai Vernon.

Neither are you.

C'mon let's stop using this word noob and just help the guy. If you think he's a noob the only way he's ever gonna get out of it is if you help him, not make stupid condescending remarks at him.

Unfortunately I can't help you buddy, but I'm hoping these guys can grow up a bit and actually help you.

- Sean

 

[Donald C.]

Thank You, now can someone please help me.

 

[Michael Kras]

Neither are you.

C'mon let's stop using this word noob and just help the guy. If you think he's a noob the only way he's ever gonna get out of it is if you help him, not make stupid condescending remarks at him.

Unfortunately I can't help you buddy, but I'm hoping these guys can grow up a bit and actually help you.

- Sean

Sean, I did not mean to be condescending at all. Sorry if I came off that way. I think a lot of new magicians need a reality newflash. Some of them think far beyond what they are capable of. I was once like that, but was brought back to earth in the same way. I only wish it had been sooner (It was six years into my magic career when I snapped out of it)

 

[Eddie]

Hey dont sit here and call me a noob because I have my own style of performing. You might think someone should learn from books but I think DVD's are better.

Never called you a "noob." I said the tricks you have and perform are. Your effect list does not make you have your "own style of performing." With 3 years of experience, you should really expect better from someone.
I understand if you like DVDs better and that's your choice.

Well that was the best advice I can give you(my post before) so sorry if I can't give more.

Also, I do not like it when people make an excuse that they can't "comprehend" texts from reading. This tells me that you're not only lazy, but not educated enough. I would recommend to take your time more on school than magic if you really do have a hard time reading & understanding texts.

And people wonder why our generation in magic is going downhill.