I am working on my own version of a routine based on
“Coridna’s incredible slate test”. The details of exactly
what I will do will most likely change based on some
experiments I try.

But, slates just don’t seem so natural these days.
(I'm not using any spirits for this one)

I am considering using a dry eraser board, any comments
or thoughts about pros or cons to dry eraser boards would be helpful.
(Maybe this might just be a artist drawing pad, but I still have an intrest
in doing some experiments with a dry erase board).

I am being cautious as mentalism seems to need excellent patter and
caution in what “props” look like. (I am shying away from well made
looking props that can be bought and want something more casual looking.

I have had very good results with two simple mentalism pieces I
use in a 20 minute routine and cautiously moving forward with more mentalism.

I worked on the previous two pieces for over 3 months before my
first performance. (New and cautious, that’s me).

Chalk boards and the chalk dust they produce are bad for black suits; dry-eraser boards and the inky residue they produce are bad for white suits and shirts. Other than that, have fun experimenting and let us know the results.

Sound reading???

AJ

Slates are out but you could still use them as long as you don't use both, slates and dry eraser boards in the same show. I prefere to use the last...

Best,

Dr. Eamon

Dry erase boards do fine UNTIL... you are in a lighted area and they pick up glare from the lights...even if not infront of stage lights..but especally those! I have also used just artist pads w/ black marker... For me, I now prefer WHITE chalk on BLACK board....much much more visual impact. I know some say chalk boards are "passe"...but hey, they still sell them at Wal-Mart in 2007!

Hello all,

Thanks for comments so far, They are all helpful and I would have not
discover several of the possible problem areas so quickly.

These comments have caused me to do several experiments with a 11” x 17” artist pad and a dry erase board that I have here. I have not purchased a slate yet, but will do so. Then do some more preliminary testing. I am really focused on looking as professional and prepared as I can be. Even to the point of mixing and editing my own background music and script writing.

Spellbinder: I rented a modern looking “TUX” type of outfit for my previous performance (rented as I’m not sure about buying yet) and I’m glad I did
not have chalk in this particular show. I can envision the possible mess I could
have had on my hands.

(And jacket)

Dr. Eamon Thanks for comment, I agree it would draw attention/ look strange using both slates and dry eraser board in same show. Good rule to follow.

Mdspark. Based on your comment I tried a couple of quick tests and I can
see potential problems with glare using dry eraser board.
You’re also right I have found black boards at Staples and Wal-Mart.

Well, this thread answered my search about finding locations of slate, have to check Michael's & Wal-Mart.

On the Osterlind DVD's Richard looks to be using some sort of chalk holder which would help keep the hands clean.

What about using black photo cardboard and writing on it in either silver or white, so you don't have the trouble with the white glaring board and it looks more modern than slate plus you don't have to worry about white chalk stains on a black tux.