Oakland Magic Circle Close-Up Competition Rules
Time & Place: June 2nd,2026 Tuesday at the Sound Room, 3022 Broadway Avenue, Oakland 94611 at 7pm (Please plan to arrive no later than 6:30pm; 6pm if you want to buy dinner).
Free parking on the street after 6pm parking or in the Sprouts parking lot until 10pm (please move your car before 10pm) or in the Grocery Outlet parking lot next door.
PRIZES
First Place: $200 and a Trophy
Second Place: $150 and a Certificate
Third Place: $100 and a Certificate
General Contest Rules: This is a Close-up magic competition, so only close-up magic will be allowed.
Close-up Magic is defined as Magic that is performed in an intimate setting involving the spectators at a close range creating a personalized interaction or connection. Often, but not exclusively, common objects such as coins, cards, keys or other everyday items are used to create small scale illusions. The key words are close range/proximity and that the magician is very close to the audience performing the magic.
A small table and mat will be provided, but the competitor does not need to use it.
For the purposes of this competition, all competitors will be performing 4 times for 4 different groups inside the Sound Room venue.
In contrast, Stage Magic is defined as performed on a raised platform at a distance from the audience.
The use of fire of any sort in the performance is not allowed. Smoke/vapor is allowed if not coming from fire.
Acts should be respectful of the audience and not include “blue material.”
Time Limit
Performances should last a maximum of 5 minutes with a one-minute grace period, totaling no longer than 6 minutes. A vote will be deducted for each minute over 6 minutes, and the act will be disqualified if it is 9 minutes or longer.
Measurement of performance time will begin and end with the first words or actions taken to perform the effect. An OMC Board Member will be at each table to time each contestant
The audience will be given a judging sheet in which they will score the performances.
Competitors must be a current member and in good standing of the Oakland Magic Circle.
Entry Procedure:
Please send an email expressing your interest in competing no later than Tuesday
May 27, 2025 at 12 noon, to Greg Lum at Sharkbite341@gmail.com
Please put in the subject line “OMC Close-up Competition.”
Include in the email your first and last name, your telephone number, a couple of sentences about yourself and what kind of magic you will be performing.
By registering for the contest, you agree to have your act filmed and by Oakland Magic Circle for membership viewing only.
OMC will delay the video being made available to members if you are competing with the same act at an upcoming Convention.