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Dr Spektor Eternal Order Carcanis 10781 Posts |
The key is looking up the source of the quote!
Making fantasy "real" is theatre - and all good magicians / mentalists better have some Thespian blood within them... oh oh - I detect this thread will begin a spiral into existenialistic discussion again - ow...
"They are lean and athirst!!!!"
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todsky Inner circle www.magicstore.ca 2354 Posts |
I have to agree that mentalists sometimes take themselves too seriously and start believing that they actually do possess unearthly powers. I prefer the Kreskin style: casual, unpretentious.
As for Dracula book test, as long as you have a good enough reason to use a gothic thriller for your test, it should allay any suspicion and unwanted searches, and again no one would google the words 'book test' anyhow.
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Slim King Eternal Order Orlando 18033 Posts |
I agree Bill....that's why I'll never be a Mentalist!
THE MAN THE SKEPTICS REFUSE TO TEST FOR ONE MILLION DOLLARS.. The Worlds Foremost Authority on Houdini's Life after Death.....
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Lord Of The Horses Inner circle 5406 Posts |
The source?
If we have to stay on the psychological wave: The source is some little, afraid, pseudo-skeptic individual with a Geller's p.e.n.i.s envy...
Then you'll rise right before my eyes, on wings that fill the sky, like a phoenix rising!
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Yellowjacket Regular user Wisconsin 159 Posts |
Slim King,
I am forced to take offence to you your offhanded comments. ONE: I do not tell me my audience I am faking it or it is just a joke, nor did I ever say that in my post. However, my primary focus in my show is not to make them believe that I have “powers”. TWO: Even if you do claim that you don’t have powers (as Banachek does in his show) it does not take away from having a good show. THREE: I did not say that Jim’s show is not good. I only stated that IF his main focus is to have the audience believe his powers are real and challenges them with the $25,000 guarantee then he has a much different agenda to attend to. It is evident that this is the case because in his post he mentioned someone searching the net to prove/disprove him. I have never had that problem, because my show is structured differently. I am not saying that one way is right or wrong but simply for those of us that do not have genuine powers, who cares is someone works that hard to discover that we did was a “trick”. I perform theater, not spiritualism. By the way I have performed the Dracula Book Test in my shows. I do not perform mentalism per se, but I do make my living performing magic and mental magic. I currently work on cruise ships and performing arts centers. I have played with the idea of a mentalism show and have done my homework. I am not inspired by the current trend in mentalism that seems to only focus on the performer. Look at me and how cool I am with this awesome power. There is no subtext or theme to the show other than the performer’s perceived abilities. I am not condemning those that take this road. There are successful shows that are only about look at my cool power. And in those shows it is imperative that the audience believe that you do have the power you claim. When I perform, I like to have a reason other than look at my really cool ability for my audience to respond to. Martin, I agree with you, unless you are using some phrase like, “I am now going to perform the Dracula Book Test”. I seriously doubt that any layman is going to be able to find the source of your deception. Dr. Specter, I find your character interesting as it seems to focus on a theatrical side. I have a question for you. I do not like magic to be exposed or easily discovered, but I do not lie awake at night worrying about it. I am curious, if someone in your audience did the homework and worked hard to find/figure out/discover one of your methods, is it really going to ruin your show. Would they not still enjoy it for the ride that your give them. But the way do you ever perform your show in a venue where one might be able to see it? YellowJacket |
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Philosophry Veteran user 321 Posts |
One thing that interested me about book tests is the mentalist's justification for bringing the book out on stage. And the 'problem' of someone googling "<book title> + mentalism" after a show. I got discussing this and other book test problems with a friend and we decided to have a go creating our own book test.
The requirements we set ourselves were: (1) There had to be a good reason for the book to be brought on stage. (2) The book must be totally gaffed and capable of multiple effects. (3) An expert in whatever the book is about should be able to read it cover to cover without becoming suspicious. (4) Interested people trying to find out more about the book should be able to search the internet and find plenty of evidence supporting the 'genuineness' of the book. (5) It must be easy to use. Suprisingly it was a great laugh writing the manuscript (which was why we started doing it). Currently the first draft is being reviewed by someone with a professional knowledge of the subject matter. He thinks he's reviewing a genuine book and has, as far as we know, never heard of book tests. |
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Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-08-12 14:25, fib wrote: I now know for sure I will never call it a "book test" again. Thanks for update. I know there are several threads about what we do and how we present it. I know sometimes I call it suggestion or otherwise. Personally, I never present myself as real or fake. When asked if Im psychic etc, I just give the same canned response, I'm here to entertain etc. One thing is for sure though. I hate getting busted. Just my take. Philosophry Looking forward to your release. The good thing about Dracula is it draws attention and they can read it prior to the performance.
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Bill Cushman Inner circle Florida 2876 Posts |
Gentleman,
First my apologies for posting the above on this thread. It is about the Dracula Book Test (we can call it that here can't we? ) and even though it was already beginning to spiral into an existential discussion (thank you Dr. Spektor for that wonderful turn of phrase) I shouldn't have posted anything to add to the spiral. The worst part is I posted the wrong quote, though not too different; it was supposed to be a definition of of "magician's guilt," from a semi "humorous" stance not of "mentalist" Check out a new thread on "Magician's Guilt" if you are interested in what should have been posted. Tony, tell Guido that Angelo and the gang says hi and can't wait to see him again. They hope he has healed well from their last encounter . Slim, I'm pretty amazed anyone agreed with this! I didn't know you didn't perform as a mentalist. Paolo, don't be so subtle, say what you mean ! The rest of you: thanks for having the good sense to get back on track. I'm far more interested to learn on this thread what experiences people are having with Drac, the pros and cons, etc. I hate when people do what I did to this thread and again my apologies. Before I post the correct quote on a new thread, let me just say that the one above does not define in any way 90% of the mentalists that I have the good pleasure to know and call friends. Like Yellowjacket said about the good Doctor Spektor and his thespian leanings, they have the ability to distinguish between playing it real and pretending to be real. And with that, off to a new thread. Good Thoughts, Bill |
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Dr Spektor Eternal Order Carcanis 10781 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-08-13 02:41, Yellowjacket wrote: My question is - by having a character at all, almost my definition, you must be doing something theatrical and within the performing arts! If you are going to have a character, it might as well be done right - just like perfecting a good shuffle technique - except the character is going to influene all your presentations! Since my premise and intro is pretty much out of the Twilight Zone - I'm a storyteller that from the get go is saying this is all about the imagination - and just something to stimulate thought. My character also is very friendly and wants to create a climate of discovery and discussion with the audience. That is it. If someone says HEY I KNOW HOW YOU DID THAT - my come back is along the lines of "maybe - maybe not - but it is too bad you don't like to dream of what it symbolizes... that is the point?" No one has done this to me so far - because 1) the premise is we are in it together and 2) I'm treating them with respect and kindess Back to the Dracula Book Test -> if I was to present it, it would be within the context of the above - if someone goes "duhhh dats a book test duhhhh...me learned it off me edumactaion from da internet" - I'd be coming back with "No, this is a tale about vampires and the supernatural... doesn't that interest you - it has interested people for 1000s of years?" I.e. I'm trying to build a nice safe space for people to "play" in a sense - that is all - and therefore I am happy at the beginning and end to remind people this was all about IMAGINATION - but that is my character's idiom "an artisan of the imagination" Lastly, most of my effects are basic - minimal tech skill required (although I do practice it to the Nth degree) - a thing I learned from the work's of Docc Hilford - almost any effect can be a killer if you have the right presentation for it in the right context.... so, no doubt, many people know the method - my job is to cloak it up and misdirect so intesnely through my presentation script that they have no clue. Back on track again to Dracula - the nice thing I am noticing about the current book tests coming out are they are getting thematic with "C'mon present me in my unique way! Whatarya blind!?!?".... e.g. Dracula, S.H.I.T. and my fav: the Homicide Series. Like, who in their right mind with an ounce of imagination is going to pass up contextualizing the Dracula effect with Bram Stokerian elements - or Sherlock with Sherlock facts - and Homicide - well, I've gone wild with my ol' Immortal Undead Sorcerer Jack the Ripper - but that is just my interests (go see the commonalities thread in the Spooky thread)... When I get through my latest batch of books, I'll be getting Dracula and Sherlock because they really fit my character's style! Don't present it as a booktest - present it as a minitheatre about Dracula or Sherlock... that is the key...and when you start thinking in that way - suddenly other effects in your repitoire start morphing a bit to augment and support it - Dracula could do hypnotic things - control animals, control the weather, cast no refelection... c'mon.. no one thought about having a cross end up burned on your flesh as you get into it ? Oh yeah - this is the Mentalist forum... Ciao!
"They are lean and athirst!!!!"
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ALEXANDRE Inner circle 3024 Posts |
I've had more opportunity to perform the Dracula Book Test:
I've done it as a casual memory experience, explaining that I've read the book so many times I know it extrememly well, and in fact am getting ready to read it again (excuse for having the new copy, though I AM actually reading the Dracula Book Test as a regular novel). And I've done it with more of a bizarre twist incorporating Dracula's abilities into it as well. The thing just works great and it's hands off too (like The S.H.I.T.) which I'm liking considering I use a couple of other book tests that I have to handle. I wonder what they'll do with The War of the Worlds title ... I like that book.
HERE'S A SECRET ...
http://www.lybrary.com/mystic-alexandre-m-354.html |
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Dr Spektor Eternal Order Carcanis 10781 Posts |
...I like Martians... yes I do!
They could also consider Tales of Mystery and the Imagination by Poe!
"They are lean and athirst!!!!"
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Anabelle Special user 951 Posts |
Are these other book tests going to be the same methods with different titles or are they going to be different book tests?
Anabelle |
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Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
I'm hoping (and suspect) the War of the Worlds will be the same as Dracula. I sure hope it does so I can use it for various daylight venues.
Dracula BT is now available from Penguin:(
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todsky Inner circle www.magicstore.ca 2354 Posts |
A Penguin with fangs. Penguin sucks! (Blood)
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Anabelle Special user 951 Posts |
I just got a copy of this book test and I love it. Very cool idea and since I'm always reading, it won't be weird for me to be carrying this around with me for a while. As far as penguin, I wouldn't worry about it, 99% of the people you decide to show this to will never know about it.
Anabelle |
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Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
Wait til you try it out Anabelle, great reactions with any cold reading at all.
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Anabelle Special user 951 Posts |
BTW Todsky, your picture is totally creepy.
Anabelle |
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Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
And he really looks like that also, saw him on the Sci Fi channel.
ClICK HERE for HOW TO MAKE TRANSITION FROM MAGICIAN TO MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER WORLD NEW BOOK!
Click here for NEW PROMO TRAILER! 90 seconds of pure laughs without a standing ovation! Click here for Magicians Austin Mentalist Performance https://www.facebook.com/AustinMagicians https://www.speakermatch.com/profile/gianicano/ Magicians Company Entertainers in Dallas, TX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8sHW_zVuSc https://about.me/motivationalpublicspeaker |
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todsky Inner circle www.magicstore.ca 2354 Posts |
Anabelle, may I suck your blood? Just a little bit?
Todsky's Magic Shop: over 15,000 tricks, books, DVD s and Card decks. www.magicstore.ca
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Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
Oh dear, getting a bit dark in here. Bela Lugosi in da house.
ClICK HERE for HOW TO MAKE TRANSITION FROM MAGICIAN TO MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER WORLD NEW BOOK!
Click here for NEW PROMO TRAILER! 90 seconds of pure laughs without a standing ovation! Click here for Magicians Austin Mentalist Performance https://www.facebook.com/AustinMagicians https://www.speakermatch.com/profile/gianicano/ Magicians Company Entertainers in Dallas, TX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8sHW_zVuSc https://about.me/motivationalpublicspeaker |
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