Pardon this question that has problem been bounced around before but since I am considering entering into competition for the first time within the next year or so, I thought I'd ask: Does your routine need to consist of original material and presentation? Much of what I do close-up is original material, but I do not know how it would play in some of these "close-up" venues where you are performing close-up magic to hundreds of people as it says in most competitions' rules.

Also a second question is about competitions' policy on gimmicks/gaffs/trick decks. I'm not talking about a Svengali or Invisible, but what about a Forcing Deck or some such?

I appreciate your responses in advance.

Brian

Brian: I just got online to ask the same question. Is original material/routines what wins competitions, or can a great presentation with great technique on an old routine be a winner?
Your other question is also good one regarding gaffs. What about other "magic store items" incorporated in a routine, such as a gaffed wallet for a card to wallet?
I hope some of the veteran competitors reply to your post.

Larry

Hey I see its been awhile but I figured I'd bring this thread back to life. Actually someone very close to me competed in a magic competition a few years ago and won first place. He used sleight of hand but also threw in a force deck but the routine was structered very well and know one even noticed. Don't call attention to your gimmicks, act as if it is a "normal" object(aka the force deck). As for Invisible deck or such, make the routine orginal or have great presentation. I would say don't go word for word...add a twist to it. you want to impress the judges as well as the crowd. Remember, your not performing for laymen.

Michael

Why would you enter a contest with someone elses material? Would you enter a copy of someone elses painting in an art contest?

Sure, you can use someone else's effect but with your own heavy spin on it. For example, my competition act for 2009 consists of all Luke Jermay effects. However, I hjave put a drastic change in them.

Originality is almost always a point section on the evaluation form in competitions. Originality shines and exposes your creativity and potential.

Holy cow, did I start this thread? I can answer my own darn question now...

Lol

Yeah, originality does help, but presentation will win. I had a highly original act, comments reflected that, but presentation and audience appeal were weighted more. But, you can answer that question now

Let's face it: The jury normaly has seen hundereds of magic acts before the see you. So you have to be different. It can be a classic in magic but with a presentation nobody has ever seen before(see Gastons FISM-winning act as an addicted magician). Or you blew them away with a surprise. Something they did not expect at all. But it has to work too. Surprise alone certainly doesn't help.

Hello,
Can you share your answer to us please?
I'm willing to listen to them.
Thank you very much.
YuYen