Here's one for you...usually in mentalism, most strive for everyday looking utilities and gimmicks...

but is there a line? does using something so normal and everyday under any circumstance just make you look a little...well...cheap?

I only ask cos I've just made myself some mini close up see through f*****g and sw****ing bags, using those polybags...they work a treat for what I want, but, hmm...dunno...

I tend to think that the the polybags are a bit cheap, especialy if they're not in pristine condition.

I'm actually not a fan of bags and mentalism at all. I think they are more suspicious than hats/cups/buckets/boxes which can all serve the same purpose of holding and mixing some objects.

Still, if I was using one, I'd probably make my own out of a nice fabric.

If you like cups and similar, have a look at eddie burkes beaker on his site...

I like cruddy looking stuff...I always find it weird when a coin guy does a routine with super shiny 100 year old coins...if you can do that...why not just use new regular, maybe even borrowed, coins.

Nathan

Only if you're wearing a cheap suit.

Nathan, I agree completely!! casual normal stuff has a down to earth 'real magic' feel about it!!

Take it easy guy's
Dazz

I think it is ok to have nice stuff as long as it LOOKS like something specs could buy from staples or walmart etc.

A futuristic looking clipboard as opposed to a standard brown clipboard bought for a few bucks that you see at many definately stands out as "propy". I always try to make sure the items I buy fit with what the market has readily available or what is standard in the eyes of specs.

Best,

Paul h.

I second that statement.

There are certain circumstances in which I would consider opting for a snazzier version but these are carefully thought through.

When I'm watching a performance, I expect the performer to use good quality equipment. If I went to watch a band and their guitars kept going out of tune, the PA was feeding back and the drum kit was falling over then I would consider this a poor performance regardless of the skill of the musicians. Your props are a reflection of you and your attitude towards your performance.


I personally try to use the best quality possible whilst staying well within most people's idea of "normal". When in doubt, I try to imagine myself watching someone use the prop and judge for myself whether I would be suspicious or not.

Yep, things can look out of place cheap or expensive... everyday or unusual.

There's no need to use cheap tat though in your performances. As I've mentioned before, I'm a pretty suave and sophisticated guy. I'm not gonna be caught using 2nd rate gear just because some members of the audience might be too tight to buy quality things themselves.

If you're in a performance setting - you should be using quality.

It is a juxtapotsition though - as mentalists we are taught to use innocuous stuff; yet at the same time...as a pro we might be expected to use higher end looking items in some instances...

when is a prop not a prop?...i'm not expecting a punchline...

Its not normal for a man in a suit to shop in wal mart. Your props are a reflection and mere extention of yourself. Just as I dress myself in clothes to perform, I extend this to the props I buy, what looks good, what doesn't/. Does this go with that etc. It's all an image. Does it fit you?

Do I look cheap? good god yes...

I've always gone by the normal is, as normal does way of thinking...i'll be road testing teh mini-bags soon, see how I go...

they're the polybags we all get our little effects in...those small see-thru ones with the self seal tops...