I'm starting to get restless.

The more material I learn, the more restless I get.

The only way to cure this is to be performing.

Bob Cassidy is right when he says that mentalism, unlike magic, is something that cannot be practised alone.

Having said all of this, the worst thing you can do is to push your mentalism on others, and make them watch something you're working on.

And hanging out with other magicians is fun, but they don't appreciate your stuff as much as lay people do.

So, do you guys get anxious or restless when there's no one around to perform for?

Respect,

granterg

This is normal, itching to perform...

I say offer free shows at Old Folks Homes, Hospitals, Schools and Orphanages.

Yes, I do.

I am tempted to say "get a life !"

Sometimes our performance and creativity works better if we can step back, do other things and then come back with a fresh mind. We can sometimes be so much 'into' our hobby or career that we fail to see the bigger picture. We become the geek.

[P.S. this is a general observation, not aimed at anyone on this thread]

I get restless when I don't have enough gigs to pay the bills. Once the bills are covered I am happy with how much or how little I am performing. So no for me. Don't get restless.

Hi,

Absolutely!

I believe that the answer lies in making work.

I send out flyers to women's organizations offering talks. While there I mention Psychic Home Parites. That produces a cycle of work.

Several times a year I'll rent a performance space, do some advertising and word of mouth and do a stage show.

The stage show produces leads for other gigs and readings.

Define what your market is and promote yourself. There are dozens of ways of making work. If you don't want to do stage work, work something out with a local coffee shop or bar to do close up.

If performing is a hobby and not how you pay the bills, approach high schools, colleges and fraternal organizations. Some will be thrilled to put on a free show. Plus, it will get your name out there.

Anyway, that's what think...

Best wishes,

Scott

If I get restless, well. Yes. It goes both ways - there is an urge to study methods and techniques and there is an urge to practice them.

I come up with my own ideas and immediately have to note it down and try to make it happen. Usually those ideas comes in the worst moment as well; when almost falling asleep and/or doing something that need full on attention.

I usually say;

"The best salary is the baffled faces."

I love performing.

- John.

I understand the restlessness. There is nothing more depressing than an empty embalming gurney.