Hi, I might be performing in a magic competition in a few weeks. I'm not sure (I have to wait to find out for sure if I can sign up). There will be people of all ages and the routine has to be 8-10 minutes. I think I am going to do a silent act with music in the background. So far my act starts with a card manipulation routine.

Shoot four cards in air and catch in a bucket.

Shoot one card behind back and catch in bucket, then shoot another card in front of self and catch in hat, then behind back, in front of self, and behind back again.

Go into diminishing cards routine (As taught in Jeff McBrides AOCM 3).

When putting away last cards, palm 4 and do four card squeeze production.

When putting last card in bucket, shoot card into air and catch in bucket.

So far I am happy with this routine (although the diminishing cards routine I don't think is very convincing, though it is very flourishy and can look impressive). The problem is that this routine only lasts about 2 minutes, and I need 8-10. Any advice or suggestions. Thanks.

BTW: I'm not 100% sure whether or not I will be competing in the act, but I need to prepare as soon as possible in any case.

So far it sounds pretty insane! I would add a hummingbird card routine to boost it up. Another good manipulation is the boomerang card. Good Luck!