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RealityTwisterSFX New user 50 Posts |
Mentalism and Comedy...... hmm Thinking about it.. I was into comedy about 30 years about but lately I been into mentalism but its very hard finding a open mic for mentalism in AZ. I an thinking about adding some comedy to it some maybe I can get some open mics.. what do you think?
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Fedora Special user Arizona, usa 746 Posts |
Most open mics are at comedy clubs, most of the rest are
music oriented. if you want to do open mics, the quickest way to find out suitability is to call the hosts and ask them, most will probably want comedy related acts, but it's up to the host. |
Avocat Elite user 446 Posts |
Easier to sell to comedy clubs as just a comedy act that includes some mentalism as a gimmick
There's a lot of crossover potential, well established by numerous workers |
Chaz93 Inner circle Texas 1754 Posts |
I don't think this is a great idea. Mentalism is, in my opinion, cheapened when presented as comedy.
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RealityTwisterSFX New user 50 Posts |
Most of the open mics in AZ I am finding is for comedy only. I asked if I can do some Mentalism and was told no
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Chaz93 Inner circle Texas 1754 Posts |
That's probably for the best. It's hard to do mentalism justice in a comedy club. You may be able to get away with some mental magic, but not not mentalism.
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 31, 2022, RealityTwisterSFX wrote: This simply isn't true. You seem to be searching only comedy clubs. When I wrote my book "Getting Initial Performing Experience & Stage Time - A Guide To Getting Your First Performance Opportunities, Open Mic Nights And Initial Bookings For Beginning Performers" I've included resources for open mics around the world, including your area. Perhaps you are not looking in the right places. The book also gives you other places when you could perform for live audiences. The book is also currently being offered with the companion book "15 Tips For Successful Open Mic Performances." Both e-books not only show you where to find open mics and other performance opportunities, they cover tips, techniques, and strategies to get the most out of these performances and to plan your success. There are many types of open mics, some more favorable to mentalists, whereas others, such as comedy clubs, are not as open unless you are funny and the comedy this essential. All open mics are not created the same. |
Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
First of all, don't tell them that you are going to do mentalism. Tell them that you are going to do comedy. But make sure your mentalism is funny. Remember, this is an open mike. They are getting a product from you that should be paid for. Think about that.
Quote: On Aug 31, 2022, RealityTwisterSFX wrote:
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
MysticJohn New user 51 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 31, 2022, Bill Palmer wrote: Funny you would say that Bill, that's exactly what I did, I did not tell them didn't call myself a Mentalist either, lol It went so well I had the comedians high 5ing me when I came off stage. Just go on but make sure you are funny not trying to be funny. Pick the mentalism material you're going to employ carefully. Don't use props that are not organic. |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
Comedy club or not, most people do not typically know what a mentalist is anyway, so why be self-prohibitive in the opportunity? If you are doing mental magic tell them you're a magician. If you're truly funny say you're a comedian. Also people are less threatened and more understanding of a mind-reader than they are a "mentalist."
There are many areas within mentalism that allow for audience interplay and comedy. What won't likely go over is the over-serious and dark style of mentalist. |
Jerskin Inner circle 2497 Posts |
Max Maven used to headline comedy clubs
GrEg oTtO
MUNDUS VULT DECIPI |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
While you may be a bit humble, your mentalism that I've seen is fun and hilarious. I wish you do another DVD! Just watched Max last night on Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
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Chaz93 Inner circle Texas 1754 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 1, 2022, Mindpro wrote: I grew up watching Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and don't recall this episode. Do you by any chance know the season/episode? I'd love to see that. |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
Max played a hypnotist (not a mentalist) - The Great Mentos. The episode was titled Save The Last Trance For Me from 1995 from season 5. I hope that helps.
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gabelson Inner circle conscientious observer 2137 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 1, 2022, Jerskin wrote: He did indeed. As did Banachek, Gerry McCambridge and Ted Karmilovich. I'd say they did pretty well for themselves. |
gabelson Inner circle conscientious observer 2137 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 31, 2022, Chaz93 wrote: Yes and no. I've been a working comic for 40 years, and a working mentalist for 25. Sometimes I combine both, sometimes I perform one or the other, depending on the client's needs. IMO, what's essential, is to take the actual "process" of mind-reading seriously, to which you alluded. But there is certainly a place for comedy in mentalism that doesn't "cheapen" it, and in fact, makes it even more effective. As mentioned in the previous post, Gerry McCambridge headlined comedy clubs for years, (Gerry's got as quick a wit as any comic) and it didn't cheapen what he did or make the audience not take him seriously as a mentalist. 'Comic relief' made Shakespeare's tragedies even more tragic. It made numerous horror films, ("American Werewolf In London" comes to mind) a heck of a lot scarier. Bob Cassidy brought great humor to all of his effects. If used judiciously, comedy doesn't cheapen mentalism. It actually enhances it. |
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