Contest F. A. Q.
Will there be a microphone and music system available for me?
The performers in The Stage Contest will be provided with a microphone and a player for MP3/MP4/CD-formatted prerecorded music and sounds. If a contestant wishes to use a format other than MP3/MP4/CD for music or sound effects, the contestant must provide the player and connecting cables. The facilities and equipment provided for The Stage Contest are covered in The Contest Rules and Procedures under paragraph III. C. 5.
No sound system will be available for performers in The Close-up Contest. You must bring your own sound equipment. The facilities and equipment provided for The Close-up Contest are covered in The Contest Rules and Procedures under paragraphs III. A. 4., and III. B. 3. The Contest Committee will not provide equipment or services that are not specifically addressed in The Contest Rules and Procedures.
Do I have to send you a video recording of my act?
No. The I.B.M. does not currently use video submissions to screen contestants.
Can I get a copy of the Judges' score sheet?
We do not distribute the Judges' score sheet. We're not trying to be secretive. We make very late changes to the forms and/or the scoring system from time to time, occasionally only a few days before The Contests. Sometimes the changes are due to newly discovered errors or typos, other times the changes are due to suggestions or improvements.
There are no surprises on the scoring forms. The Judges rate each contestant in areas such as initial impression, skill, uniqueness, entertainment, and overall impression. Some areas such as skill, and overall impression are weighted more heavily than other areas like costuming or entrance.
We don't want you, as a contestant, to craft your act as though the Judges' score sheets contain some hidden, secret formula to success in The Contests. We don't want you to waste time trying to satisfy the categories. If you want to win, be the most entertaining magic act. Be magical, be entertaining, and be unique!
