How much of your act is based on solid material and how much is based on psychological and risky effects?

Houdinbleeding,

I am new to this area and after extensive research have just stepped into performing. I have concentrated on the psychological and risky effects as you describe, and although I have had a few 'misses', which are probably due to my inexperience, the 'hits' that I have are astounding.

I have used some of the classics as well, but have yet to try a N**l w***er. I think if you try the risky approach it makes them more in awe, even if it goes wrong sometimes.

Around 50% of my act is based on suggestion, which I guess is what you mean by risky.

I actually think it makes relatively little difference to the spectator, but it means I can do some effects without recourse to props.

For example: why use Hypno-heat when you can do it with suggestion (every performance, works every time)?

If you are interested, I suggest (no pun) you examine the works of Kenton Knepper & Luke Jermay among others.

Doug

My best reactions come from "risky" effects. The more I can "believe" in and "flow" with what I am doing, the easier it is for me to deal with whatever happens between the participants and me. Then, the degree of risk that I perceive diminishes greatly. A way usually comes to me that allows most situations to work out OK.

Because the rewards are greater, I find myself moving more and more in this direction and away from formal props and pre-determined formulas. The way I see it, risky / psychological techniques allow more of the magic to occur inside the minds of the participants. This means that they are more deeply involved in what is happening, and that can only lead to greater impact.

I have found Knepper and Jermay of great help along these lines as Doug mentioned above. In addition, I think that Osterlind's ebook, "Making Magic Real" is also of great value along these lines. And, Doug, it does my heart good to hear what you are doing with Hypno-heat (or should I say, without Hypno-heat). Ha!
Nicholas

Thank you.

Actually it grew out of a conversation I had with Luke awhile ago so I can't take all the credit.

Doug

Typically, about 75% sure-fire and the rest I'm willing to take chances with things that do not always work 100%.

About 50-50 for me... Unless I'm trying to get a booking, then I'll go with something that kills.

The great thing is, a lot of what I do can blend into something else. For instance, if I fail with a psychological force, I pick it up with a short cold reading ("Interesting choice; are you a deeply creative person? People who choose ____ usually are..."). And so forth.

Hypnosis, however, is something I never take chances on. I'm constantly checking for suggestibility so, when the time comes, I know exactly who to pick for a hypnosis demonstration.