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crouch New user 5 Posts |
Hey guys, just a few questions from me. I've been studying magic for over a year, and have had a few paid gigs, and done a few for charity. I'm considering getting into mentalism, having watched devil's picturebook and seen a few friends perform mentalism tricks and getting outstanding reactions.
I have a few questions for people. I know this will be somewhere in this forum, but it doesn't hurt to repost. How did you get into mentalism and which books did you find most helpful to being with? I like to add a bit of humour to my performance, do you think there is scope for humour in mentalism? In your experience, do you need to create a completely serious atmosphere for an effect to be powerfully received? I am starting with a few easy self working mentalist tricks to see if my persona can pull off the desired result. (eg. I just bought and invisible deck, and I often use extreme mental force by derren brown). I think I might add a new post for my last question. Thanks in advance. |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Fulves Self working mental magic book. Also the klutz book of magic is a great book and has some wonderful magic and mentalism. Those are some good books for you in your situation. Read those first, then let us know where you stand.
Some mentalist are humorous. It all the depends on the individual. If you are gifted with that talent, you will know. If you are not naturally comical, try adding a few lines in your show from "Sleight of Mouth." "May the force be with you" Dynamike http://www.magictricks.com/magicbooks/me......ntbk.htm http://www.klutz.com/catalog/product/6101 |
phillsmiff Inner circle UK 1794 Posts |
Hi Crouch, interesting topic. In my experience, selling an audience on a mental effect can sometimes be an uphill battle compared to the visual pyrotechnics of traditional magic. The onus is on you to weave a presentation that really engages the audience. Derren makes it look easy, and it isn't always so.
People will probably tell you to get started with 13 Steps to Mentalism by Corinda. This is good advice, but try this: forget effects, tricks, magic, everything you know, and get yourself down to the library. Go to the section on the paranormal, and devour everything you can on psychics, everything about ghosts, everything about telepathy, psychokinesis, psychometry, automatic writing, metal bending... Read about everything that should be impossible but which people believe happens anyway. It is in these books, not the literature of magic, that the spirit of mentalism resides. Get yourself into a place where your mind is full of the possibilities, and then start using the techniques of magic to make those possibilities into your audience's reality. OK, that sounds really pretentious, but give it a try, I promise it will be worth it. Phill
The new Elysian Duets, marked cards featuring my unique Optical Marking System:
-+: https://phillsmithcreative.com/products/elysian-duets :+- |
the levitator Special user Spellbound Productions 546 Posts |
I disagree phillsmiff! It's not pretentious advice at all! In fact, I think it's fantastic advice!
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r1z08 Inner circle 1158 Posts |
Not only should you get some background on these things you wish to present, you should also consider taking acting lessons. If you are concerned with being able to create your persona, this will definitely help.
Also check out some of the great books out there on the subject of public speaking. Any kind of communications and interaction material you can get your hands on will do nothing but benefit you. |
crouch New user 5 Posts |
Thanks, nice advice everyone. I'll keep you updated in a few months time as to whether I'm going to keep with the mentalism
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Cornelius Loyal user Canada 213 Posts |
I have read negative responses concerning Fulves' "Self Working Mental Magic". Critics claim that an audience would have to be naive to "fall" for the effects in the book. However, these critics make an erroneous assumption: that an audience would "fall" for a true mental effect. As Fulves emphasizes, mental magic should be presented as the real deal: there is no "trickery" being emphasized. If you have strong performance skills, then you can't fail with Fulves' gem.
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John C Eternal Order I THINK therefore I wrote 12941 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-02-06 15:04, Dynamike wrote: I'm not sure this will help. John |
ted french Inner circle Columbus Ohio 1946 Posts |
If you were naturally comical than why would you need sleight of mouth. to be honest I have no idea what sleight of mouth is.
P3
practice practice perform. |
JohnCressman Special user Allentown, PA 903 Posts |
If you want a great DVD set to get you started, I can HIGHLY recommend Osterlind's DVD set Easy to Master Mental Miracles. It's a pricy investment, but WELL worth it.
As far as adding humor goes. Don't force it. Try to find the humor in the situation, instead of ADDING it to the situation. There are some comical mentalists out there, but in general, the mentalist persona does not lend itself well to comedians in my experience since you need the audience to take you seriously. |
Michael Bilkis Special user 728 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-02-06 16:01, phillsmiff wrote: I think that that is great advise. I'll also add some true books on shamanism and voodo. |
eSamuels Inner circle 3085 Posts |
Mentalism certainly doesn't have to be dry or serious, and bringing humor into a performance, provided it matches your natural personality and isn't forced, is very effective.
However, to my way of thinking, trying to be funny when it's not your thing, simply makes people uncomfortable and/or breaks the potential bond between you and the audience. An example of poor presentation is found in many of the campy 'scripted patter' instructions that accompany myriad magic tricks.....might work for making balloon animals (not to 'dis' balloon animal artists!) in the mall, but great Mentalism requires a more intimate verbal interaction....the ability to get inside a person's head - tough to do when you're firing off one-liners. Nothing cerebral or intimate about "Schtick." As long as the humor flows with the performance, and doesn't distance you from the audience (it's inclusive), it can make you more endearing. |
rickmagic1 Inner circle MIddle Tennessee area 1544 Posts |
If I may add my two cents...
People don't come to see a mentalist...they don't come to see a performer. You would hope that you create such a performing persona as to get people to come to see...YOU! Be yourself! There are tons of books that can help you learn great mentalism, but no one by yourself can help you be you. I would highly recommend Weber's book, Maximum Entertainment. This book is indespensible to anyone that does magic or mentalism. Rick
Richard Green
The Modern Conjurer Coming soon: Victorian Secrets: An Evening With The Spirits! |
Mick Ayres Special user Hilton Head Island 998 Posts |
Hi Crouch,
Get a copy of Henning Nelms 'Magic and Showmanship' and study it thoroughly. After 35 years, it remains one of the most dog-eared books on my shelf. It is published by Dover so it won't cost you much. Also, Edward Hutchison's book 'Mental Mysteries' is still available directly from him and is worth whatever he charges. Tons of practical, don't-make-these-mistakes advice is packed in those pages. From both of these books, you'll learn exactly what you are looking for...how to get your feet firmly planted on the path to solid presentations. Does comedy have a place in mentalism? Yes...as long as it is applied with wisdom. For some, less is more. For me, fun but baffling shows are what I am paid to deliver. Study. Practice. Script. Rehearse. Perform. If you can, join or volunteer with a local theatre group. Learn the art of stagecraft, how to move and how to communicate with your audience even if your part is a silent one. If you want to make a living on a stage, then get intimately familiar with that world and the people who reside in it. Otherwise, be content with dabbling. Hope this helps. I hope we share a stage someday. Best, Mick Ayres
THE FIVE OBLIGATIONS OF CONJURING: Study. Practice. Script. Rehearse. Perform. Drop one and you're done.
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Cornelius Loyal user Canada 213 Posts |
That's an excellent idea, rickmagic. "Maximum Entertainment" is a great book.
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Al Straker Grammar Host Australia 1129 Posts |
What Mick said, he walks the walk! Also look into any Eugene Burger books and DVD's as his motivation and teaching is about as good as it gets. Most magicians and mentalists would do well to examine the theatrics, sequencing, stagecraft, timing, etc of their act and also how their pre and post act client relations are going rather than simply focussing on the 'effects'.
Cheers, Al
Al Straker
Resident Mystery Entertainer at Multiple Venues Music & Mentalism Specialty Act 'Completely Mental' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyGhApqnG7I (Old clip, show has changed quite a bit since then!) Jazz & Contemporary Musician/Composer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnN3JNmeKns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU_zfOvpneA |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-04-23 16:07, ted french wrote: http://www.daytonamagic.com/Books/BK046.htm |
Vinzent New user ParÃs, France 98 Posts |
About Mentalism and humor, just two names: Max Maven and Derren Brown. Aren't they funny? If you are gifted with powers, or have studied for powers, it doesn't mean that you can't be humorous.
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tajkuri New user Finland 41 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-02-06 14:10, crouch wrote: I'm a new in mentalism, too. I got into mentalism by seeing Banachek live, and bought his Psychological Subtleties 2. I just got 13 steps to mentalism by Corinda. I recommend both. I would suggest not to go for only 100% tricks, little humbling here and there makes the show more interesting. Besides, most "99%" trcks are just great. But that's my opinion, only. Little jokes here and there when timed properly are good. I don't personally think humor-mentalism combo is most effective way to perform mentalism, but I heard there is a dvd from some guy, where he indeed mixes humor and mentalism really effectively. But your style is your style. |
Smoking Camel Inner circle UK 1039 Posts |
Crouchy, these guys will tell you whats what. matt.
I no longer smoke camel cigarettes.
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