THE 6th ANNUAL CHICAGO MAGIC COMPETITION AT NAVY PIER 2009

A dozen magicans from throughout the Chicago area, spanning a wide range of ages, club affiliations, and professional experience. Gathered at one of Chicago's most popular attractions before an audience of 100+. Each with one goal in mind: to show off their best eight minutes.

This is the 6th Annual Chicago Magic Competition, a city tradition since, well, about six years ago. Created and presented by SAM3, the event is designed to promote healthy competition, educate the public about Chicago's magical history, and -- unlike most magic competitions that focus on technique that only other magicians can appreciate -- place emphasis on each performer's ability to entertain a real audience!

What's in it for the performers?
* Special commemorative tee shirts
* Enthusiastic applause from an audience of 100+ at one of the most popular attractions in Chicago
* Hand-calligraphed Certificates of Appreciation created specifically for the occasion
* Helpful feedback from entertainment professionals, including representatives from Lifeline Theater, Court Theatre, and Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

First, Second, Third, and People's Choice Award Winners also received:
* Exquisite artisan-crafted magic wands from Fortress Wand Works.
* Chicago magic gift packages that include a pair of tickets to Magic Chicago , The Magic Cabaret, and Supernatural Chicago.

Our judging panel
Non-magicians may not know what makes magic work, but they certainly know when it’s entertaining. So in the Chicago Magic Competition, the entire audience decides which magician receives the People’s Choice Award. For determining First Place, Second Place, and Third Place awards, the competition also relies upon the expertise of a panel drawn largely from Chicago’s professional theater community. This year’s panel included Laura Dieli of Court Theatre, Bob Mason of Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Dorothy Milne of Lifeline Theatre. Rounding out the panel is professional magician Danny Orleans, who was the First Place winner of the 1st Annual Chicago Magic Competition.

Meet the performers (and see some photos!)
Get your Limited-Edition Tee Shirt!