Assembly 174 came into existence in 1980 to fill a need for Maine Magicians to have a vehicle that would enable them to meet socially and to exchange ideas.
Our membership consists of a variety of interests in the art of Magic. We welcome anyone that has a sincere interest in magic at all skill levels from beginner to professional. However we all share one thing in common. That is a love for Magic and a desire to elevate the Art of Magic in Maine. We welcome with open arms anyone that is able to demonstrate that they are in agreement with these ideals.
Through the generous donations of many of our members we have established what we call our “Magic Lending Library.” It consists of magic videotapes, magic magazines, magic books and magic apparatus. These range all the way from close-up effects & parlor effects to full stage illusions. Our library has an estimated value of three to four thousand dollars. Our members are allowed to borrow these items much as you would borrow a book from the public library.
Our assembly enjoys from three to six lectures per year given by world-renowned magicians.
Our primary meeting place is 134 Congress Street in Portland, Maine at six o'clock on the first Sunday of each month unless that date conflicts with a lecturers schedule or a holiday and requires a change of venue. We also meet in Rumford on special occations at 49 Franklin a former church owned by Scot Grassette. We have also met at Labbe's House of Magic in Westbrook, Woody's Highland Resort in Bridgeton, and have held our annual banquet in a variety of places.
PLACE CURSER OVER PICTURE TO STOP THE SCROLLING.
Guidelines for Etiquette
These guidelines are not intended to replace or supercede the Bylaws currently in place. The sole intention is improve our club, by strengthening the understanding among its members. Members shall respect the art of Magic and those who practice it, by adhering to these guidelines.
Part 1.
Public Respect
A. Magicians shall not banter, slander, or make any comment, unless positive in nature about any magician to the public. Any negative comments may inadvertently bring magic down for all of us. (If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all!) If you feel you have such a problem you should face the individual, or bring it to the club board of officers who will attempt to solve the problem diplomatically.
B. Magicians shall not publicly disrupt or disturb another magician in the midst of a performance.
C. Constructive criticism will be offered only when asked for, or agreed to, and only in a private setting. The club recognizes this form of communication as a tool to improve our presentations and is encouraged, particularly in the Works in Progress venue.
D. One of our goals is to encourage, support, and bring magic respect, in the eye of the public.
Part 2.
Clubroom Etiquette
A. Vulgar language will not be permitted in the clubroom. If a person has to question if a word is vulgar than it probably is, and should not be used. (Anything that is not allowed on public prime time TV should not be allowed at our meetings.)
B. If a lecturer has “blue" or mature material it should be known and advertised to give the membership fair warning of its content.
C. New members should be welcomed, and encouraged to participate actively, in club functions and projects. They should be respected for the fresh ideas and new outlook they bring to our club, as well as where they are in their magical capacity.
D. Potential members should be encouraged to join our group for the benefits they will receive, as well as the benefits our club will receive by their presence.
E. All members should treat each other with dignity and respect for the knowledge we can share with each other, and offer each other guidance to enhance and improve our trade.
Part 3
Rights to Effects
A. All magicians have the right to perform any tricks, and routines learned from books videos, magic dealers, or lectures, regardless of who else performs those effects.
B. Every effort will be made to stay away from neighbors effects unless you have been doing the effect all along, strive to be original.
C. Every effort will be made to not copy personal original presentations, routines, and grouping of combined effects.
D. Communicate with those who may be crossing the line
E. Work with other magicians to have different presentations for the same effect
Let's strengthen our bond with the Art of Magic by communicating and being considerate of others acts. Striving to diversify our effects can only mean a winning situation for the publics’ eye, and for the magicians who will stand out by being unique, original and creative.
Part 4
Territory
A. Member’s should never under-cut or aggressively seek another members established gig. This does not apply if the client hires many magic acts, i.e. Sunday River Black Diamond series, Fryburg Fair, New Years Portland, etc.
B. Member’s should never book those jobs that are known to have been another members, unless the client actively seeks their services.
C. It is encouraged that magicians living and performing in close proximity (same town) communicate and strive to perform individual and unique acts.
Communication is the key to unlocking any problems that may arise. If we all follow these guidelines it will help us become a tighter knit group and strengthen our club.
Rev. 3 1/11/05
