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Kurundur New user Switzerland 54 Posts |
Hi everyone,
I'm interested in mentalism for three years now. I've read a lot about it (Corinda, Annemann, Banachek, Brook, Brown, ...), but I've never performed for real, except occasionally some standard effects for family and my magic buddy (pseudo memory stunts, thought of card, pseudo influence (and I've tried a bit real influence, which worked quite well on my magician friend ;D)...). In short, I'm a theory mentalist. But now I want to change. I want to become a real one So I thought I get my 'baptism of fire' with street walkaround mentalism. This shall serve two purposes: 1. I get experience in the field 2. It should have a therapeutic effect. I want to address my approach anxiety with this project. I've already asked my magic friend to support me (and to kick my derrière, if necessary ) And now I wonder, what's the best way to do it? Does anyone have some experience in this specific area? Which type of effects would you suggest? (e.g. Stigmata by Wayne Houchin/Banachek, I think it isn't that bad for the streets) Or better, what should I keep in mind when I'm structuring an effect for this setting? Can you give me any advice in how to approach strangers on the street and perform for them? Well, so much for now. I hope, I've made myself understandable. Sincerely, Kurundur
"“Who was the first guy that look at a cow and said," I think that I'll drink whatever comes out of those things when I squeeze them?”" - Calvin & Hobbes
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Chris K Inner circle 2544 Posts |
Hey Kurunder, where you at in Switzerland? My company is headquartered in Basel (my division is in California).
I'll send you a PM, respond with the kind of character/performer you are and we can try working it out. I've got a few more questions and I'll put those in the PM as well. I've also got a few effects of my own I have found to play pretty well and if they fit you, I'll share them with you. Lem |
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parmenion Inner circle Switzerland/Zürich 3988 Posts |
Lem, do you coming sometimes to Basel ?
“I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about.”
<BR>Oscar Wilde experimentaliste <br> <BR>Artist pickpocket Professional <BR> <BR>Looking for the best book test in French? send me a PM! |
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DN777 Veteran user 360 Posts |
Hey Kurundur,
There are generally 3 possibilities for the street performer. 1) Strolling from person to person 2) Setting up a small table and staying in one spot 3) Crowd building and performing surrounded When I get hired to do strolling magic I find that the ambient noise will greatly determine the type of effects I can do. Personally, I like to walk around with a big hat and a pendulum. Those 2 things are ways of drawing attention to myself and ways of displaying confidence and other alpha male traits. (Thank you Mystery) This is very important in my opinion. I act like the pendulum brought me to them. You will naturally feel less nervous once you feel that people are naturally interested - it doesn't feel forced like you are interrupting them. Confidence is the key, and there's a ton to be said about apparel, attitude and action. That's why I really like cold reading. When I approach a stranger, I do not ask them if they want to see something, I don't give them the opportunity to say no. Instead I tell them an "important message" from the universe - something I just picked up on as I passed by them and I knew they would want to know this because of the type of person they are, etc etc. It gives a reason for approaching them! In walk around situations there can be hundreds of tables to visit depending if it's a big banquet or a small get together. The bigger the event the less time you need to spend at each table. I would approach with some cold reading, then do metal bending since it's strong, visual and quick. If the venue is more quiet, I will do mind reading before getting into the metal bending. - Dan |
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MentalAlex New user 58 Posts |
Kurundur, personally, I would NEVER walk up to someone on the street randomly to perform mentalism. If it is the street you must have, you should try to build a crowd if at all possible.
I'm sorry, but even as a magician myself, if some weird dude walked up to me on the street and asked if I "wanted to see something cool", I would say no and be anxious to get away from him. Unless of course he had a video crew, which is how the guys on tv can get away with walking up to random people on the street. Who doesn't want to be on TV? What I would personally recommend to develop your abilities, is to check out your area for comedy or poetry open mics. This will give you REAL stage time in front of REAL people in a theatrical context, and depending on your material, one will fit your style more than the other. Be careful, at comedy open mics, you WILL get heckled if you suck. Not at poetry open mics, but there, they can be art snobs, and WILL end your set if you're not doing what they consider "art". If you need to work on approach anxiety, go to a bar and practice on cute girls. They are difficult to approach, and can be BRUTAL when it comes to telling you how good you are. Which is good. It will teach you how to not fear. If you can convince a random cute girl at a bar that you are awesome, convincing just about anyone else of that is a piece of cake. |
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Jamie D Inner circle Ontario, Canada 2292 Posts |
Ted Lesley also has some great effects/ideas in his book paramiracles.
Daren
Twitter @darjames
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DN777 Veteran user 360 Posts |
Sometimes you are in the street but you are not busking, ie fairs, street festivals, etc. (You've been paid to be there) In that situation you do indeed have to go up to strangers in the street. For any busking you should be drawing a crowd to maximize your earnings.
- Dan |
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bobser Inner circle 4178 Posts |
Get a friend to film you approaching people. People in the street relax if they believe some kind of film is being made. Even if ot's only one small hand-held camera.
Bob Burns is the creator of The Swan.
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DT3 Inner circle Hill Valley 1920 Posts |
Ask MDantes. He makes a living doing superb strolling mentalism.
A nice guy and an amazingly talented performer he is. D |
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jameme Regular user Mexico 193 Posts |
I agree with bobser
is easier to get people to ¨help you¨ out if you are with a friend using a camera |
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MentalAlex New user 58 Posts |
"Sometimes you are in the street but you are not busking, ie fairs, street festivals, etc. (You've been paid to be there)"
Of course, but then you are not just walking up to random people out of all context on the street. You have a reason to be there. I have no beef with strolling magic or mentalism when you are supposed to be there. |
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Chris K Inner circle 2544 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-06-12 12:59, parmenion wrote: Only once so far. So much fun and so different yet the same as San Fran (meant in the GOOD way). |
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Roki Special user London 749 Posts |
I have found it quite easy to approach people in Bars and street . I often want to try out something to see how it goes down . Curiously it was a friend who is a well respected gamer who showed me how to do it well . Not of the mystery school but more the natural style. So its more the style of being relaxed and engaging rather than impressive / intimidating.
1 " Hi Guys , don't wish to disturb your conversation but we are magicians and we are out trying out some new things for our show . We wondered if youd like to see some magic and help us out. " Very relaxed , respectful , and true ! very rarely had a No to this and even then it was a polite one. 2. " Ok nowadays more and more magicians are getiing into the Derren Brown and Mind side of magic ...." (DB as Im in London UK. ) I start off with a brainwave deck as a straight "you read my thoughts ". This is a nice bridge as cards are very familiar and comfortable and yet its a mental effect. I have not found that the relaxed opening has done anything to diminish the impact of the effect. If anything it makes them more suprised by the magic moment .It then provides a bridge to more pure mentalism . and I personally might keep the option for going into magic if I feel they are in that mood. 3 Its a great way to anonymously stretch yourself in many ways and rapidly see the range of reactions . Try groups of guys , hot girls (love it ), mixed , also quiet and lively crowds. 4. As gamers might know Warm up helps . Start with a few approaches you feel comfortable with and get warmed up . Also if you are seen having fun , with a few groups then even the "supermodels" will open up to you ! (social proof theory) 5. Oh yeah . Its very important that you give the impression you are doing this for your own fun and interest and not out to make people impressed by you. my Gamer friend made me mess up tricks and just luagh it off , in order to break that fear. People luaghed too and were just as impressed by following effects . If they have been drinking a lot I suspect they prefer it ! |
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Kurundur New user Switzerland 54 Posts |
Thank you all
If you have any other suggestions or personal experiences feel free to write here or pm me. Just keep 'em coming @Lemniscate: I'm from Central Switzerland, about 2 hours away from Basel. That is far for swiss dimensions I pm'd you. @parmenion: I pm'd you, too. @Daniel Normandeau: Although a pendulum and a big hat isn't my style, you reminded me of an experience, when I walked around barefoot for about 1.5 years, it got a lot of attention (but actually I didn't want it at that time, but it was fun). Such abnormal things can indeed help to draw attention,now I have to work out what works for me. Thanks you @MentalAlex: Quote:
I'm sorry, but even as a magician myself, if some weird dude walked up to me on the street and asked if I "wanted to see something cool", I would say no and be anxious to get away from him. I would probably react in a similar way, depending on my mood. But isn't that exactly the point? You probably wouldn't ask 'Do you want to see something cool?', that leaves too much uncertainty about you for the person who is asked. That's why I asked for tips on how to approach people on the street. In this situation you have to make almost instant rapport with your participant. That makes the streets perfect for learning to do so, doesn't it? Thanks for your contribution @Daren James: I'll look into that. @bobser & jameme: I might use this idea for the start, thanks. @Don Theo III: I'll ask him, thanks. Btw. aren't you an actor? What would you advise someone who wants to go to drama school? @Roki: Sounds interesting. It was always my personal feeling that to be relaxed and engaging when with other people is the better way, than it can be far more subtle. I like that. A friend of mine is kind of a gamer and more from the impressive/intimidating angle. I always wondered why he has chosen this path, because otherwise he is more of an relaxed guy. And just out of curiosity: who's your respected gamer friend you've mentioned? Thank you for your leads. And again, all contributions are welcomed. Thank you. Sincerely, Kurundur
"“Who was the first guy that look at a cow and said," I think that I'll drink whatever comes out of those things when I squeeze them?”" - Calvin & Hobbes
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E.C. Valdemar Veteran user Orange County, CA 301 Posts |
Hey Kurundur.
I actually did write a thread w/ what I found to be a great way to approach people on the streets. You can read it here: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=92 I've done a lot ov street mentalism. Have a bunch ov videos on Youtube ov me performing on the streets. I really hope it helps. ~Robert EC
Rob-ing you of your thoughts www.themindofrobert.weebly.com
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Jim-Callahan V.I.P. 5018 Posts |
Street walkaround mentalism = Crap in my opinion.
C'mon why drag this stuff down to the level of magic. J ack H.o.A-X
“I can make Satan’s devils dance like fine gentlemen across the stage of reality”.
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E.C. Valdemar Veteran user Orange County, CA 301 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-06-13 18:44, Jim-Callahan wrote: Paul Harris and David Blaine saw the charactor ov the Street Magician as a Urban Shaman. That persona is one ov the reasons why even today all these years later I still hear people say that Blaine is the best magician they've ever seen. Robert EC
Rob-ing you of your thoughts www.themindofrobert.weebly.com
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Silvertongue Inner circle One day I will die leaving behind 2426 Posts |
I think the best advice has been given using skills and knowledge from the PUA community. Look into social circle gaming and how to increase the amount of people in your life. Invites to partys, bbq's, weddings etc etc will start rolling in.
Good luck mate and let us know when and where you begin.
For as long as space exists,
And living beings remain in cyclic existence, For that long, may I too remain, to dispel the sufferings of the world. -Shantideva Engaging in the Conduct of a Bodhisattva |
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Jim-Callahan V.I.P. 5018 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-06-13 18:59, E.C. Valdemar wrote: Yep it was a good TV bit. You took the bait and that proves it. J ack H.o.A-x
“I can make Satan’s devils dance like fine gentlemen across the stage of reality”.
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E.C. Valdemar Veteran user Orange County, CA 301 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-06-13 20:55, Jim-Callahan wrote: Yeah I took the bait. It's all bait! Everything we do as entertainers, business people, magicians & mentalist is bait for someone or something. Robert EC
Rob-ing you of your thoughts www.themindofrobert.weebly.com
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