French Lick Resort Hosting Magic Showdown

For Immediate Release
August 20, 2009

Houdini Wannabees Listen Up; French Lick Hosting Magic Showdown

Auditions for adults and children to be held in Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Louisville; finals October 9-10 at the resort

FRENCH LICK, IN —Calling all magicians of all ages: whether your style is classic like Houdini and Copperfield or more edgy like street performers David Blaine and Criss Angel, French Lick is looking for your best bag of tricks. The contest will be open to junior performers (ages 8-17) and adults (18 and over.)

The magic showdown is scheduled for October 9 and 10 at French Lick Resort. On Friday night, October 9 eight junior competitors will have 10 minutes to impress the judges and vie for the $500 cash prize. ($250 will be awarded for second and $100 for third.) A “People’s Choice” winner will also be awarded $100. The show will begin at 7 p.m. and each pint sized performer will be given ten minutes to wow the crowd.

Performers 18 and over will compete in the adult category, scheduled for Saturday October 10 at 8 p.m. $3,000 will be awarded to the best magician with a prize of $2000 for second and $1000 for third. A “People’s Choice” award winner will also receive $1,000.

Talent scouts from the Southern Indiana resort will be traveling to Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Louisville to seek out the area’s best for the showdown in October. (Contestants must pass through one of these audition sites to qualify)

On Tuesday, September 8 auditions will be held from 4-8 p.m. at the Westin in Indianapolis. The casting call is open to performers of all ages, both novice and professional. No appointment is necessary but talent is asked to bring a headshot and resume.

Other audition sites include the Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront on September 9 and The Seelbach Hilton in Louisville on September 10. The casting call is open each day from 4 to 8 p.m.

From the casting call, eight magicians will be invited to perform live at French Lick Resort for the Magic Showdown. Guests will get a chance to get in on the fun and help choose the “People’s Choice” winner.

Tickets for the showdown are $25 per person (per show) or $40 for both shows. They are available for purchase at the resort’s Hoosier Sugar Company, or at the door.

Special hotel packages, including a pair of tickets for both shows, will be available at both French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel. Guests can book them online, or by calling our reservation specialists at 888.936.9360.

For help with planning your trip to French Lick Resort, please call our reservation specialists at 888.936.9360 or visit www.frenchlick.com.

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French Lick Resort is a $500 million historic restoration and casino development project that includes the West Baden Springs Hotel, French Lick Springs Hotel and the new French Lick Casino. This premier resort and casino destination in Southern Indiana features 689 guest rooms and suites; a 42,000-square-foot, single-level casino; 45 holes of golf, including the fully restored 1917-designed Donald Ross Course at French Lick and the new, 18-hole Pete Dye Course at French Lick two full-service spas with a combined 36 treatment rooms totaling 42,000 square feet; meeting and event space totaling 115,000 square feet and an array of dining and entertainment options.

Magic Showdown Contest Rules

Acts must pass the audition process to make it to the finals at French Lick Resort.
Auditions will be held in Louisville, Indianapolis and Cincinnati on the following dates and times. The judges will invite 8 acts in each the senior and junior categories to compete for the cash prizes on October 9th & 10th at French Lick Resort.

Acts must be 10 minutes or less. Acts over this limit will be disqualified.

Acts using “blue” material will be disqualified.

Unlike other magic contest, judges will be looking for entertainment value and showmanship, in addition to magic skills. Judges decisions are final. Cash prizes will be awarded the night of the competition.

No floor or aerial pyrotechnics permitted. Handheld items such as candles, matches or hand flashes will be allowed.

The senior contest, for performers 18 or older, will be held on October 10, 2009. The junior contest, scheduled for October 9, is open to performers ages 8-17.

During the audition, you must do the same act that you will perform in the finals.

The 16 acts invited to the finals at French Lick Resort will be furnished with accommodations (1 room) for the night of their individual competition.

Media Contacts

Dyan Welsh
Public Relations Manager
French Lick Resort
812.936.5926
dwelsh@frenchlick.com

Tessa Higgs
Public Relations Coordinator
French Lick Resort
812.936.5861
thiggs@frenchlick.com