| Go to page 1 ~ 2 (Next) |
|
|
tgplano
Elite user
Ted Gillam
453 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 8, 2012 7:55am
I'm looking for some "tricks" to include in my set that provide a little comic relief. I know of Cody Fisher's "Comedy Confabulation". It not only provides comedy but, actually is a mentalism effect. What other "tricks" are out there that serve the same function?
Thanks in advance, Ted
Mentalism for the Metroplex
http://www.tedgillammagic.com
|
phillsmiff
Special user
UK
638 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 8, 2012 8:05am
Almost any effect can be rebuilt to make the audience laugh, but if you are looking for a quick fix, then you should check out John Archer's stuff. When you look in a dictionary under Comedy Mentalism there is a small picture of him there*.
*It depends on the edition. The complete Oxford reference dictionary in the local library has a picture of David Berglas with a clown nose on, but I think it might be a misprint.
Phill
-+: http://bit.ly/creativesolutionsdeck :+-
The unique new approach to cards in mentalism, the Creative Solutions Deck.
|
Boo de Hoop
New user
Germany
77 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 8, 2012 9:08am
What about "Smart Ass"?
Sorry for my English! My German is a little bit better ;-)
|
David Thiel
Inner circle
Western Canada...where all that oil is
2583 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 8, 2012 9:51am
If you want out and out laughs with a medium sized kicker at the end, try Cereal Killer. It's very simple to do and has a minor "this may not work ALL the time" component -- but it gets laughs. Very lightweight...but it's cute.
David
When you gaze up at the sky in breathless wonder, you are probably one second away from walking into a tree.
www.magicpendulums.com
www.theseriouslyfunnymagicguy.com
www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com
|
Tony Razzano
Inner circle
South River, NJ
1557 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 8, 2012 10:08am
Celebrity Smart Ass is a very good comedy effect.
Best regards,
Tony Razzano, Past President, PEA
Be Kind to Each Other
|
Jon_Thompson
Inner circle
Darkest Cheshire
2098 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 8, 2012 10:28am
Educating Archer? John Archer's DVD?
BOOKS BY TOMO: Naked Mentalism HALF PRICE!
SUBVERSIVE CIRCUITS: Home of the Devil's Radio - EVP to go
BIZARRE BOXES - go equipped
Subversive Circuits eBay shop - supporting East Cheshire Hospice
|
docsteve
Inner circle
1694 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 8, 2012 11:12am
Archer every time.
Only problem is its so good, its hard not to just ape him...
Se7en Shades - buy it now
|
brucewilcox
New user
Unlikely to be taken seriously with only
90 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 8, 2012 11:59am
I'm not sure how well these would fit in an otherwise serious show, but you might want to check out routines by Dr. Sigmund Fraud (Terry Noseck). I have a book of his from the early '80s and while the specifics of some of the effects are rather dated I like his ideas. There's a takeoff of "7 Keys to Baldpate" where a spectator is forced at (toy) gunpoint to lock up his wallet in a box and then place all but one of the lock's keys into the box as well. Don't worry about the gun theme - everything's kept light, and there are lots of good (or bad, depending on your point of view) lines to keep things moving.
...in the Land of the Free, and the Home of the B'Wave.
|
mindhunter
Inner circle
Upstate NY
1664 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 8, 2012 3:58pm
There is a LOT of room to routine many Bank Nite type routines with some great comedic byplay.
Bryn
THE LOGAR SCROLLS eBook is now available.
Price is $45.
Available at Outlaw Effects:
http://www.outlaw-effects.com/store/the-arsenal/e-books/the-logar-scrolls.html
Or PayPal me at: cavscout19@hotmail.com
Contact me for LOGAR & SAFWAN PAPERS Combo Deal
|
mrmysticmike
Veteran user
Cleveland, Ohio
340 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 8, 2012 4:06pm
Another vote for Celebrity Smart Ass.
|
karlito
New user
60 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 8, 2012 7:33pm
Maybe any mentalism can be made comedic if you ask the audience to think of rude thoughts etc...
|
mastermindreader
V.I.P.
Seattle, WA
6066 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 8, 2012 8:04pm
Making mentalism comedic and adding humor to a mentalism act are two entirely different things.
|
rhettbryson
Loyal user
Greenville, SC
245 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 8, 2012 8:37pm
Robert Nelson wrote what I seem to remember was a three volume set of books on "Comedy Mentalism." I know that they can be located on various dealer's online sites. Although a bit dated, they might offer some useful material.
Rhett Bryson
http://eweb.furman.edu/%7Erbryson/magic.html
|
tgplano
Elite user
Ted Gillam
453 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 9, 2012 8:41am
Mastermindreader, I agree. What I'm trying to do is add something light to my set. I start out with something light. Then I do some serious "mindreading". I'd like to add another light effect to change the pace and then go into my closer.
Thanks all for the suggestions. I'll look at the "Educating Archer" items. I have "Smart Ass", not "Celebrity Smart Ass" and shall look at "Cereal Killer".
However, it still seems as if there are very few "comedy" effects out there. I'm no comedian which is why I am looking for routines with the humor built in.
Thanks all, Ted
Mentalism for the Metroplex
http://www.tedgillammagic.com
|
Amirá
Inner circle
World of Ideas
2932 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 9, 2012 8:55am
Hey Ted
Any effect can be "lightened" to a place in which you can feel that isn't to serious mentalism and gives you laughs while you do the apparent miracles.
I know that you enjoy Technicolor Prediction. That effect gives you a lot of natural moments of laughs. Other effects can be "comical" if you add some jokes and gag lines such as different card effects,mindreading and even psychokinesis ( as Patrick Kuffs does it).
Larry Becker has several "Mental Magic" pieces ( not to serious Mentalism) that has funny premises.
But for me is far more important to be entertaining rather comical. Sure, I use this technique to my performance, but for me my primal goal is be focuses in the creation of mystery. Also in my opinion too much jokes and comical attention can be dangerous to the performance of powerful mentalism.
I cant recommend any of my own material that is "funny" perse, but any creative performer can take any piece and create "Comedy Mentalism"
Best
Pablo
Performer and Author
Are you looking for practical,simple and effective Mentalism?
AmirasIdeas.com: Interesting themes and ideas for performers
AmirasIdeas.com Lulu Store
Latest: Ideas Vol 2: Tips,Finesses and Techniques for your performances
|
mykephillips
Special user
Myke Phillips
558 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 9, 2012 9:11am
I have a friend who is a performer and a very good one at that.
he has recently turned to using a lot of gags in his act. Which to be honest, the audience seem to be having a great time laughing.
I often hear them come up to him after his show and say, "your really funny, we loved it".
Nothing wrong with that, that's a nice compliment but not one I aim to get.
I think that gags stratigically pepered throughout your act is a must "for me anyway" but don't over do it if you want to appear to be mysterious.
If I didn't want to appear to be mysterious, I would have become a Magician.
Kindest Regards
Myke Phillips
iUnlockYourMind
HandzOFF
|
Shrubsole
Inner circle
Kent, England
2177 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 9, 2012 11:40am
"I'm no comedian which is why I am looking for routines with the humor built in."
That is a very good thing to know and understand as sadly some people don't. Then they try and be a comedian doing mentalism/magic with painful results.
One of the funniest acts I've seen is Mel Mellers, but that is an excellent example of the fact that Mel Mellers is the comedy and unless you are him, don't go there.
So the aim most of us non-comedians aim for is in injecting naturally occurring humour into our acts and as you are trying to do, lighten the mood a bit. Self-deprecating humour is a great way to cut the ice and come across as a nice guy and win people over.
|
mastermindreader
V.I.P.
Seattle, WA
6066 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 9, 2012 11:44am
Shrubsole-
It is beginning to frighten me that I seem to agree with almost everything you've been posting lately. 
Your observations about the use of humor are dead on.
Bob
|
David Thiel
Inner circle
Western Canada...where all that oil is
2583 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 9, 2012 12:46pm
When I started doing shows with even a tinge of mental magic I used an egg bag, which was waved wildly over my head to PRODUCE an egg with a prediction in it. I told my audiences that said egg was delivered overhead by an CIPC (Completely Invisible Psychic Chicken) because the egg appeared from inside a previously empty bag.
It got a great reaction. But it was some time before I started to realize the very real distinction between Mental Magic and actual mentalism. It's impossible to follow the CIPC with the Mother, for example with even a shred of credibility. The audience is expecting a joke and they are going to make one out of whatever you do. The notion of an invisible chicken popping by, complete with SFX to deposit a prediction in my egg bag, makes me smile. But it's not mentalism.
So, as other posters have said, more clearly than I could, comedy grows out of the circumstance. Not the prop.
David
When you gaze up at the sky in breathless wonder, you are probably one second away from walking into a tree.
www.magicpendulums.com
www.theseriouslyfunnymagicguy.com
www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com
|
Mindpro
Inner circle
3569 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 9, 2012 1:09pm
Quote:
|
On 2012-02-09 11:44, mastermindreader wrote:
Shrubsole-
It is beginning to frighten me that I seem to agree with almost everything you've been posting lately.
Your observations about the use of humor are dead on.
Bob
|
|
Wow, you took that exact same thought right out of my head (about his thoughts on comedy). I too found myself thinking the exact same thing, feeling the exact same thought - frightening, but true.
|
tgplano
Elite user
Ted Gillam
453 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 9, 2012 4:35pm
I thought this would open a can of worms.
Shrubsole, I do use self-deprecating humor in my act. In fact, my opening sentences are EXACTLY that. Here they are:
"I'm a mentalist. How many of you know what a mentalist is? How many of you have watched the TV show 'The Mentalist'? OK, then you know who Simon Baker is. Well, I'm just like Simon Baker only older, shorter, fatter and balder."
That get things off to a good start. This my line don't rip it off.
"Technicolor Prediction" has some comic moments that lead to a true mentalism climax. As does Cody Fisher's "Comedy Confabulation" and "Celebrity Smart Ass". That's the kind of thing I'm looking for. Yes, there are remarks, asides, comments which occur that are "funny" or "light" but the effects mentioned above use the comedy to build to a true mentalism climax. Again, that's what I'm looking for.
Hopefully that clarifies my thinking on this.
Mentalism for the Metroplex
http://www.tedgillammagic.com
|
David Thiel
Inner circle
Western Canada...where all that oil is
2583 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 9, 2012 7:11pm
That's a wonderful line, tg. Made me laugh out loud.
David
When you gaze up at the sky in breathless wonder, you are probably one second away from walking into a tree.
www.magicpendulums.com
www.theseriouslyfunnymagicguy.com
www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com
|
Cody S. Fisher
V.I.P.
Austin, Texas
969 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 9, 2012 9:35pm
Comedy Confabulation (especially if you use the suggested music cues) always play VERY well for me...not to mention that it is also a powerful 'prediction' effect. The only other 'mental' thing I do is my version of Tossed Out Deck. The presentation and build up are indeed funny...however the reveal is quite astonishing. I think it O.K. to add comedy to your mental act...just try not to let the comedy overshadow the 'moment' the 'effect' is taking place...
Cody S. Fisher
www.CodyFisher.com/store For DVD's, Lecture Notes, Unique Tricks, & Instant Downloads!
Cody's Comedy Confabulation / Silk-2-Egg / Killer Prediction / Tossed Out Deck / Restaurant Opener DVD / Counterfeit Money DVD
|
Shrubsole
Inner circle
Kent, England
2177 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 10, 2012 11:31am
Quote:
|
On 2012-02-09 13:09, Mindpro wrote:
Quote:
|
On 2012-02-09 11:44, mastermindreader wrote:
Shrubsole-
It is beginning to frighten me that I seem to agree with almost everything you've been posting lately.
Your observations about the use of humor are dead on.
Bob
|
|
Wow, you took that exact same thought right out of my head (about his thoughts on comedy). I too found myself thinking the exact same thing, feeling the exact same thought - frightening, but true.
|
|
Shrubsole would like to issue a heartfelt public apology over the content of his recent posts.
This was due to stress, lack of sleep and indigestion from putting far too much garlic in his spaghetti bolognese the other night.
|
RNK
Inner circle
1817 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 10, 2012 11:47am
You can always default to "The Deluxe Baby Gag"! Always gets great reactions!
RNK
|
Stephen Young
Inner circle
Thought Illusions
2780 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 10, 2012 12:19pm
Going on stage straight after one of Shrubsole's garlic rich "Spag bols" could provide some unexpected comedy moments.
steve
http://www.thoughtillusions.com/index.html
http://www.thoughtillusions.com/espy-onage.html
http://www.thoughtillusions.com/photopsyche.html
http://www.thoughtillusions.com/oap.html
|
innercirclewannabe
Special user
Ireland
845 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 10, 2012 4:08pm
The Bank Night routine is a perfect opener to mix in with some humour. Of course it is never advisable to "copy" another performer,but the presentation and scripting of the effect on Osterlind's MM Volume 1 is an excellent example of the effect done well with lots of humour & a great "break the ice" type opener.
Tá sé ach cleas má dhéanann tú sé cuma mhaith ar cheann.
|
brucewilcox
New user
Unlikely to be taken seriously with only
90 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 10, 2012 4:24pm
On the explanatory DVD that comes with the larger JOL wallets, Craig Dickson gives examples of how he does a Confabulation routine, opening things up to the audience for some outrageous suggestions, the more outrageous the better. I like this as it frees the performer from being responsible for all of the humor - all he/she needs to do is have a storyline ready to be filled in, and encourage the audience from there. Craig's obvious enjoyment of this routine comes through well on the DVD, and I can imagine that his audiences have a good time with it.
...in the Land of the Free, and the Home of the B'Wave.
|
John C
Inner circle
The AMAZING and COMMERCIAL Chair Test
6152 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 10, 2012 4:31pm
Quote:
|
On 2012-02-09 08:41, tgplano wrote:
Mastermindreader, I agree. What I'm trying to do is add something light to my set. I start out with something light. Then I do some serious "mindreading". I'd like to add another light effect to change the pace and then go into my closer.
Thanks all for the suggestions. I'll look at the "Educating Archer" items. I have "Smart Ass", not "Celebrity Smart Ass" and shall look at "Cereal Killer".
However, it still seems as if there are very few "comedy" effects out there. I'm no comedian which is why I am looking for routines with the humor built in.
Thanks all, Ted
|
|
If you can pull it off (I can) I forget the name actually and the manufacturer but you have a book of famous people and a bag of chips. I own it but forget the name. I just perform it.
John
The ULTIMATE Routine Series:
www.professionalmagicroutines.com
|
Mike Ince
Inner circle
1314 Posts
|
Posted: Feb 10, 2012 5:25pm
If you read Judy Carter's book, The Comedy Bible, you might find your inner comedian. Also read Comedy Writing Secrets. Before you resign saying you can't be a comedian please give it a try. Writing comedy is both art and science. If you lack in the art department, try science. If science doesn't cut it, hire a funny writer. You'll find these strong-smelling people in threadbare clothing holding cardboard signs somewhere in your city that say "Used to Write for Leno".
I performed for an audience of drunken mimes. They hurled invisible bottles at me.
|
| The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Penny for your thoughts » » Comedy Mentalism |
|
|
| Go to page 1 ~ 2 (Next) |
![[8]](/forums/images/digits/8.gif)
![[1]](/forums/images/digits/1.gif)
![[5]](/forums/images/digits/5.gif)
![[2]](/forums/images/digits/2.gif)
![[4]](/forums/images/digits/4.gif)
![[9]](/forums/images/digits/9.gif)