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THE BRITISH RING SHIELD COMPETITION
Anyone unfamiliar with the rules of the competition may think it is limited to illusionists, but this is not so. It is awarded to the act the panel of judges consider to have been the most ENTERTAINING MAGICALLY. Past winners of the Shield have utilised a wide range of magical approaches. Some have found success with a miscellany of magical effects, others with a comedy angle, or using solely manipulation, mentalism, or illusions.
Besides the top prize of £1000, for the runner up there is the Theo Speaker Cup plus a cheque for £500 and the Alastair Wand and a cheque for £250 for the act attaining third place. There are other prestigious awards to be won although they do not carry any monetary rewards. These are The Conventioneers Trophy for Originality in either effect or presentation, the Dittia Shield for Manipulation and the Tom Harris for Comedy.
To enter the Competition there is no entrance fee but there are a number of conditions that have to be fulfilled including the requirement that you are a fully paid up member of the British Ring and that you have a full registration for the Convention.
In past years several past Shield winners have gone on to make very successful careers in the world of entertainment. Win or lose the experience and benefit gained from performing on a fully equipped stage is both stimulating and a great confidence builder. Apply today for a stage competition application form from the organiser, entry is limited to 12 performers and closes after the first post on Monday 28th July 2008:
Shirley Ray
Sadler Hall Lodge, Church Lane
Adel, Leeds, LS16 8BU
Telephone: 0113 225 4816
E-mail: shirley@shirleyray.com
THE ZINA BENNETT CUP COMPETITION
Zina Bennett was a Detroit physician who was also a keen amateur magician and staunch follower of the British Ring. In 1958 he provided a trophy for ‘Micro-Magic’ as it was known in those days and this has become one of the Ring’s most popular events. It is also one of the UK’s most prestigious awards for skill in Close-up Magic having been won by such stars as Paul Daniels and Wayne Dobson.
The Competition is only open to Ring Members who have registered for the full Annual Convention usually held in September. There must be a minimum of five entrants for the Competition to take place and each is required to perform their act before four separate judges and audiences. The acts must be within the time limits of six to nine minutes otherwise points will be deducted.
The judges, who are recognised experienced magicians, are required to assess a performer’s ability as a Magical Entertainer using the criteria of Magical Content ; Presentation and Showmanship ; and Entertainment Value. Each criteria will be marked out of 20 points and the individual judge’s total points out of 60 will be accumulated by the Chairman of the Judges to arrive at the final results after the deduction of any time penalties.
The winner holds the Zina Bennett Cup until the next Convention plus a handsome replica cup and a cash prize of £1000 ; the Second placed competitor receives £500 whilst the Third placed competitor wins £250. The Rovi trophy may be awarded for the most entertaining and skillful act using cards.
Further details and Entrance Forms may be obtained from the Organiser, closing date 22nd July 2008:
Steve Evans
22 Old Fallings Lane, Wolverhampton, WV10 8BH
Mobile 07900 191958
stevemagicbloke@aol.com
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