Thanks mesmer! I have Maximum Entertainment I probably readed it more then twice with a notebook handy. I feel that the mentalism part is short in the book, I might consider buying strong magic by Darwin Ortiz, I heard that there was theory for mentalists.

The problem is where to start? I have small contacts to perform in bars, but I'm 17, I might be off path, but if I try to do mentalism with drunk people... Some effects are easy to understand and they are straightforwards. Much of my effect require audience participation, and some effect need to be well understood EX: I use a stacked deck. So if they don't do as I want...

It's a nice challenge, and probably a way to start, I had good offers in term of money too.

I want to go at the City house and give my name, if they ever do any event that would need an entertainer, they would have my name. I'm also trying to be as much versatile as I can, close-up... stage... walkaround etc.

I'm almost done writing my show, and my dream would be to loan a theater here at quebec and do a show.

Thanks for your help! You put me in hype to perform for money!
~Athos

I know some people will laugh at this advice, but I'll offer it nonetheless. In addition to the wise insights offered above, I will add this small piece...

We often receive tons of information from books about "character" and performance style, but rarely does anyone offer any tangible way to increase "rapport" techniques; which in my opinion is one of the most important tools of the mentalist. Rationale: If they like you, they will like what you do (with the assumption that you have actually put in the work necessary).

My advice:
Smile at every "barrista" at Starbucks. Ask what kind of day the person behind the counter at McDonalds is having. Say hello to people you don't know. Stretch yourself to learn how to make very normal conversations out of very "abnormal situations". In others words, practice making others feel good (and important) on an everyday basis. This "practice technique" is extremely helpful to be able to "win over" people and crouds at your performances.

As many have stated in print (Eugene Burger, for one) YOU are the show. Get to the performance early and turn it on. At a recent engagement, I arrived early and spoke with a few charming ladies and pulled the sheriff aside, saying "You'll be perfect for something I'd like to do later. Do you mind helping?". I told him "If they won't believe an officer of the law, they won't believe anyone". Immediately he smiled and we were off to a good start. I made a friend of one of the most respected persons there; not a bad ally!

My point is, daily actions of "personal" skills will bleed over into your performances and help you will the approval of your audiences. More importantly, they will BE FREE to enjoy it, because they like you and do not feel threatened by the potentially "frightening" ability you have. Speaking with genuine kindness will also help you to truly value others and add meaning to your life.


I hope you are having a great day

Sean

Amen to that Sean.....People Skill must be Sharpen so its Sharp enough to poke the Audience in the guts....Agree...the Show is "YOU"....so what's in it for them from Watching "YOU"............Hmmmmmmmm....something to think about....

I have never had a problem performing for drunks. With a quick wit, a cheeky smile, and a goth dress sense they seem to love it! lol. Think Noel Fielding meets chan canasta. lol
Pete

Mind, Myth and Magick

Strange Ceremonies

You are an Alchemist, ALEXANDRE

DT3

I would get everything by Banachek.

As suggested above from someone who beat me to the punch, read Mind, Myth and Magic by T.A. Waters. There is enough material in that one book to last you 25 performing lifetimes.

Realistically, you already have all you need to sculpt a very powerful mentalism arsenal. I think a great deal of time is spent looking for the "Latest and Greatest" when the greatest really is in the works of the past.

Find those gems, and make them your OWN. If your looking for inspiration for story based effects and themes, you might want to take a gander at Pantalogy by R. Shane. That book is basically geared towards Bizarre magic, but it has some nice themes that can be adapted to mentalism. Better yet, to serve as a catalyst for you to create your own story based routines.

S

Skulduggery by Luke Jermay is an excellent DVD.

Athos, there are other books out there too. But I think it is time for you to watch DVDs. Richard Osterlind's "Easy To Master Mental Miracles" and Banachek's "PSI Series" are excellent DVDs to start with. The DVDs will show you more dealing with how to perform besides showing more effects. You will learn different methods of presenting the effects. I'm not telling you to copy their performances. Use your own personality so will feel as much comfortable as the audience. Be yourself.

Hehe you brougth back an old thread,
I am up and running now!

thanks for all your kind comments and advices as well as Floyd Collins help!
Max.

Check Final Curtain by Borodin for some other material you may find effective.

I would second the Water's recommnedation (M,M,M)and to really get an education in the bizarre read The Compleat Invocation ... not so much for effects, though, there are some great ideas in there, but for the rich gothic texture and strong characterizations (You did say you liked bizarre magick).

Oscar