Rules for Stage Competition

1. The competition is open to all fully paid up, senior members of the BRADFORD MAGIC CIRCLE. Junior members may be invited to participate at the discretion of the organiser.
   
   
2. There will be two awards:-
   1. The Fred Snowden Cup will be awarded to the winner.
   2. The George Haigh trophy will be awarded to the best new entrant in the completion, provided that there are at least three new entrants. If there are less than three new entrants, then the trophy will be awarded to the runner-up. These will be held for a period of one year, or until the next competition if held less than one year apart. Other prizes may be awarded to the winner at the discretion of the organiser.
      
      
3. The aim of the competition is to provide an entertaining, routined act which furthers the art of magic. No restriction will be made on the effects or properties which may be used, except:
   1. that they be primarily intended for stage performance: and
   2. that, in the case of the person who won the competition the previous year, the act is substantially different to that with which they won the completion. The magical judge shall be the sole arbitrator on the first point and will be empowered to deduct marks as considered appropriate. The competition organiser will be the sole arbitrator on the second point. Non-magical acts will be disqualified.
      
      
4. The performance must not exceed 15 minutes. Warnings will be given on 12 and 15 minutes. A performer exceeding 15 minutes will have 5 marks deducted for each full (or part) minute. Where the performance exceeds 20 minutes, the competitor will be disqualified.
   
   
5. There will be 1 Magical and 2 Lay Judges.
   1. The magical judge will mark each competitor under three headings:-
      1. MAGICAL CONTENT - is there a high degree of magical content in the act? What is the strength of magical effect to the audience?
         Maximum 100 points.
      2. PRESENTATION - is the dress and style of the performer in keeping with the act? Is the act well routined?
         Maximum 50 points.
      3. TECHNIQUE AND SKILL - what is the general level of technique and ability used during the act?
         Maximum 50 points.
   2. The two Lay Judges will both mark each competitor on ENTERTAINMENT VALUE i.e. how much the Lay Judge was entertained by the competitor.
      Maximum 100 points.
      
      
6. A minimum number of four competitors are required for the competition to take place, with a maximum number of ten.
   
   
7. When all the competitors have performed, the scores will be collected and totalled. Winner and runner-up will be those competitors with the highest scores.
   
   
8. Any competitor shall be able to request to see their own scores from the competition organiser. These scores are for reference only and are not for discussion.
   
   
9. The results will be announced on the evening. Trophies will be awarded at the Annual Dinner.