Magic Castle Act

[Toby]

Hi guys,

As some of you know I'm a professional restaurant and close up magician (professional as in I make a living out of it). However, I got an opportunity to apply for Magic Castle, and as you know, they require a 15 minute show. I've only been to Magic Castle once, and I've only seen one show, by some Japanese guy who's English was less than basic. So I don't have much to go on by being there only once.
What are some of the rules, guidelines and suggestions that I should go by for making my demo video? What is a big no no, and what is recommended?
Thank you!

 

[RickEverhart]

Hey Toby,
I've helped my mentor with his Castle act and the number one thing is your time constraints. I would time yourself / your act over and over again, however time it with some audience interaction as well. Even if you have to invite a few people to your home to act as an audience to give you that interaction during your effects. You CAN'T run over your time or they get upset. Why do they get upset? Because everything is run on a tight schedule so that people can come from dinner straight to the line and be ushered into the close up room. When the act is over they single file walk right out and head right into another line to view a different show perhaps over in the Parlor room or stage area. Seating is limited so if your show runs over and then makes someone late getting to their next show...there is a chance that they could actually miss their next show because seating filled up. Then they have to kill and hour or more to wait on the next possible show, thus making their friends and family who may not want to wait mad and upset. They will want to leave and you will want to stay to view more magic.

Obviously appearance is a big deal as well. If it were me I'd be in a tuxedo or matching suit with my sports coat on but that's just me.
If you have a "character" such as Sylvester the Jester, then by all means be in your costume for you character.

I'm sure other members here who actually perform can tell you more. I'm not meeting with my mentor for a few more days so if you have any specific questions that member on here cannot find the answer for, PM them to me or post them up on the board and I'll get answers for you.

Also, I know that you can pay like $100 and have them film your act that way you have it for future gigs or demo reels.

 

[Toby]

Hey Toby,
I've helped my mentor with his Castle act and the number one thing is your time constraints. I would time yourself / your act over and over again, however time it with some audience interaction as well. Even if you have to invite a few people to your home to act as an audience to give you that interaction during your effects. You CAN'T run over your time or they get upset. Why do they get upset? Because everything is run on a tight schedule so that people can come from dinner straight to the line and be ushered into the close up room. When the act is over they single file walk right out and head right into another line to view a different show perhaps over in the Parlor room or stage area. Seating is limited so if your show runs over and then makes someone late getting to their next show...there is a chance that they could actually miss their next show because seating filled up. Then they have to kill and hour or more to wait on the next possible show, thus making their friends and family who may not want to wait mad and upset. They will want to leave and you will want to stay to view more magic.

Obviously appearance is a big deal as well. If it were me I'd be in a tuxedo or matching suit with my sports coat on but that's just me.
If you have a "character" such as Sylvester the Jester, then by all means be in your costume for you character.

I'm sure other members here who actually perform can tell you more. I'm not meeting with my mentor for a few more days so if you have any specific questions that member on here cannot find the answer for, PM them to me or post them up on the board and I'll get answers for you.

Also, I know that you can pay like $100 and have them film your act that way you have it for future gigs or demo reels.

Thanks Rick, that helped a lot. As far as I know, I need two videos, one is 3-4 minutes long, like a preview of my show, and the other one is 14 minutes, which should showcase my entire show. Is that what you guys had to deal with also?
And any input your mentor can give me is greatly appreciated.
Thank you!

 

[RickEverhart]

We did not have to send them any footage at all because he has been performing there for over 20 year or so. I'm sure there was some sort of audition or video he had to send in back in the 80's or 90's...ha ha.

 

[Toby]

We did not have to send them any footage at all because he has been performing there for over 20 year or so. I'm sure there was some sort of audition or video he had to send in back in the 80's or 90's...ha ha.

Oh lol never mind But yeah, ask him for any advice.

 

[Craig Browning]

Unless they've really cracked down on things, an audition routine doesn't have to be overly slick. Watch your time, yes but as a whole the membership audition is there to prove that you have actually read more than one book or (by today's standards) learned everything off Youtube. . . they want to see dedication and working knowledge.

Best of luck!

 

[Toby]

Unless they've really cracked down on things, an audition routine doesn't have to be overly slick. Watch your time, yes but as a whole the membership audition is there to prove that you have actually read more than one book or (by today's standards) learned everything off Youtube. . . they want to see dedication and working knowledge.

Best of luck!

Thanks for the boost of confidence, I can definitely prove that. Thanks Craig.