April 2026 Meeting: Contest!!!

Get ready for an evening of incredible magic! The 2026 S.A.M. Assembly 3 Magic Contest is Monday, April 6, at 6:30 PM at Magic Inc. (1838 W. Lawrence Ave, Chicago).
This exciting competition will feature talented compeers showcasing their best close-up or stand-up magic. 
The winner will be decided by audience popular vote, so come enjoy the magic and have your say in crowning the champion!
Contest acts should be at least 5 minutes, no more than 10 minutes. 
Sign up at the door!

S.A.M. 3 Magic Contest
​Close up & Stand Up 2026 Magic Contest Rules

1. The contest is open to all S.A.M. members in good standing whose dues are current for both national and local assembly levels.
   
2. The contest is open for stand up or close up magic. Each magician will be judged on their own merit and performance regardless of the type of magic. There will be no separate categories for these.
   
3. No Fire, Livestock or Stooges (prearranged assistants). 
   
4. A close up table with chairs will be provided if desired.
   
5. Each act will be at least five minutes and no more than 10 minutes. A time keeper will call out times once the five minute mark has been reached. Going over or under the time will deduct points as follows:
   
   1. After the scorecards have been tallied, the score will have one point deducted from the total for each minute or fraction under or over the five to ten minute contest limit per every three persons voting.
      
   
   
   

After all competing performances have been on stage, ballots will be collected and tallied to determine this year's SAM 3 magic contest winner.  Prizes in the form of a certificate will be awarded for first, second and third place as determined by the ballots submitted by the judging audience members. Ballots will be calculated with each judge ranking their personal favorites in order of best to last. A ballot will receive 3 points for first on the ballot, 2 points for second and 1 point for third. The performer with the highest score will be deemed the 2026 SAM 3 Magic Contest Winner and receive the traveling trophy along with their certificate (and bragging rights for the whole year). 
When judging, keep the following in mind

• APPEARANCE - Consider the performers dress, presence and handling of helpers. 
  
• PRESENTATION - Is the act well structured with relevant patter and transitions?
  
• ORIGINALITY - How creative is the performer's use of effects, methods and props? 
  
• TECHNICAL SKILL - Does the performer exhibit mastery of the sleights and techniques they used?
  
• AUDIENCE REACTION - Was their performance an enjoyable experience for the audience?
  

Above all, this is not a popularity contest. Please judge each performance for the merit it deserves. Not all of us are regular performers and contests like this allow us to get up in front of audiences that some of us don’t have the opportunity to perform for often. The contest is a great place to develop confidence and learn about ourselves and what we have the potential to achieve with our magic skills. 

Good Luck to everyone who braves the footlights and steps up to show us all what you are made of.
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As always, you can contact us at [email protected] with any questions.