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Mind illusionist Special user Australia 949 Posts |
Hi I am quite a young univerity aged performer and for the last 2 years I have switched over from performing visual magic. As most of my spectators are usually young adults (aged 18-25) do you think it is always neccessary to have a visual element in an effect?
I have performed book tests, cold reading, and other solid mind reading effects, but 90% of the time people always find the visual effects such as stigmata reveals. liquify reveals or frixion reveals more impressive than anything else. is this due to the age of my general audience do you think? Or is there something I lack in my presentation and style as a mentalist? regards, MI |
TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
This is a weird thing that I have noticed before. Audiences react with a gasp when you do something amazing and visual. But that doesn't necessarily mean that this is the stuff they like the most.
I remember doing a gig that included both very visual stuff, and more subtle mind-reading with plenty of cold reading. I got the gasps and cheers from the visual stuff - but strangers were coming up to me to ask about the other stuff, because that is what people were actually talking about. So you may have less of a problem than you think.
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Mind illusionist Special user Australia 949 Posts |
Thanks Tony, that makes a lot of sense. Yes I have gotten much different reactions when doing strong mind reading effects, no gasps or or WOWs but almost like a sense of awe has silenced the atmosphere. It is true though, that may or may not be what the audience likes the most.
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Amirá Inner circle MentalismCenter.com 5131 Posts |
In my experience Mind illusionist , yes, is far better to younger ages to work in a more visual level.
That doesn't means that you need to lose your credibility and character as performer. Im a serious performer that use jokes, but not a "comical mentalist" or something like that, so I maintain my persona but obviously adjusting always with the context. Using a precise and simple script to leave your character clear is always needed. You can use for example PKMB, Cards and Pendulums . That can be a lot of fun.
Pablo
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Mind illusionist Special user Australia 949 Posts |
Thanks for the advice Amira, yes I do try to use some humour in my performing, but I am no comedy mentalist either. I prefer not to mix playing card effects with mentalism, and I only do a few PKMB effects like coin bends. However most of my mentalism work is a lot less visual. I have just started learning pendulum work and will be performing some effects soon though.
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phillsmiff Inner circle UK 1794 Posts |
Might I suggest that you include a range of different effects, some of which include a strong visual element, such as a drawing dupe, and some of which tell the story purely verbally and in the imaginations of the audiences. Audiences vary, individuals vary, some youngsters enjoy the intellectual engagement of pure mentalism whilst some older people revel in the visual shock of physical magic. Reach out to different approaches as much as you can without compromising your performing character.
I personally love the very pure stuff, but I am aware that commercial considerations mean that I need to mix it up with real world audiences a bit. Even in a really cynical way, such as 'the booker is over there and I want a big visible reaction from this table instead of a slow burn so he can hear that they are enjoying it': I will try and present something in a more physical and visual way to coach a bigger response (yeah, I know, what a hack!). Having a range of approaches within your set will keep audiences on their feet and give you the agility to adapt to the occasion. Just my opinion of course! Phill
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Mind illusionist Special user Australia 949 Posts |
I will take into consideration what you have said. I suppose, like everything else it comes with experience performing. Knowing what your audience wants to see, and what they will be most entertained by. Thanks for your thoughts Phill!
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