Also, whatever you do for the audition you will be expected to do bigger and better each time after that if you progress. They only this season started to truly embrace magic, but there is no way they are ready for mentalism yet, unless it plays VERY big.

There are several here who have also been asked in the past to audition or even be part of the show ("ringer") with the promise of initial advancement, that still saw the big picture and said "no"! My advice is to think strongly of the bigger picture. There is no point in doing a fantastic, mindblowing one time initial performance if you can not take it to the next level each time. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

I'm aware that a well-known Las Vegas mentalist is also being courted too. I hear he too is calling on his famous creator friends and some great minds of mentalism to even see if is something possible to consider.

Iain yes that is me...my style.

And Mindpro, I'm thinking the same thing as the mentalist you're talking about. But I will still perform for the producers so I can put that on my website

Lunatik...I said I'm not interested in winning. The balloon animals would be too amazing and would surely make me win the season

It is a foolish move, the judges will not be impressed,they want big. mentalism is not big, if you do it good luck but I think it is a bad move.

Dress in drag, flounce around the stage (think illusionist), sing a song (singing other than songs don't work well), come up with some sob story, tell them that your dream of dreams is to play in Vegas. That should do it.

It's not a matter of BIG. Mentalism can certainly be big. (See David Berglas, or Derren Brown's Finale for his Enigma show!).

It's a matter of fast. In my opinion (and apparently many others here agree) you can't establish the rapport needed for truly great mentalism in a 90 second spot which has been edited together by people who don't understand mentalism.

To do the audition just to put it on your resume would imply that auditioning for such a show holds some sort of cache or importance. Have you seen the people that audition for that show by the tens of thousands each year?

I certainly wouldn't do it, but to each his own, I suppose.

- entity

David is 100% on the mark. There is simply not enough time to win over the audience. Look at Michael Grasso. He killed with his fast-paced illusions, but the minute he tried to slip in non-illusions (for want of a better word), the judges buried him. He did go on, but didn't make it. Kevin James from a few seasons ago is another example. As David asked, "What is the upside…" I really don't think that a promo piece saying that you "just tried out" for AGT helps in any way. People remember. Who wants to be remembered as one of the losers?

I seriously thought of offering a few fast-paced mental effects that meet the time constraints, but I really can't see the benefit of encouraging something that the vast majority think is suicide. Best of luck in your decision.

I wouldn't say anything about "trying out" for AGT. It would be more along the lines of "performed at a private session for Americas Got Talent producers"....sounds a lot better.

And I have not seen Derren's Enigma show but I heard it was amazing, especially the ending.

I agree. It does sound better. But you are bound to run into a, "What exactly does that mean?" I've checked out your webpage and I'm really impressed. That being said, your rising level of corporate clients are more savvy than the average person or group you were marketing to earlier in your career. They are more used to wordplay. But… if you're really determined, go for it. I wish you all the best. I'll be eager to see how you do and hoping to see a strong finish.

That tactic reminds me of guys who put "performed at such-and-such casino in Las Vegas" and the only thing they did was do a card trick for their friends in the lobby.

The main problem with these shows, certainly in the UK is that it has almost become the thing to put down the magician.. Also these shows are designed for TV, ie not all great performers get through and not all bad acts are eliminated.

If you are really really good, you may get through to the televised rounds but equally if you are really bad the same applies. I remember watching the US version and laughed as Kevin James was obviously coaxed into saying 'Getting through to the next round and potentially performing in Vegas would be a dream come true.'

He already has, the same as The Pendragons.. Another down side is that if they decide to use you in a negative way and make you look bad which they can do it'll be all over Youtube..

I had the mass email audition invite over here and avoided it like the plague, in the UK it's about dancers, singers and cute kids. I'm none of those things, actually I can dance a little..

Another element that seems to fail is the spoken word, I don't know why but the minute an act has to interact with an audience on these shows the baying public want to shout them off. Give them music and flashing lights and they seem to be happy..

Regardless I wish you luck whatever you decide..

MS

First, private session means nothing to the public, it will just make them think the fix is in. Do what you want though.

Hey, Benji, I am not saying there is anything wrong with your site but when I look up the address it is showing as a dangerous site with the high potential of containing security problems or viruses. Again it is likely a weird issue with some content and not a problem at all but you may want to find out why it is triggering that response.

I wonder if your web site really needs you auditioning to then in the end not make it on. Would that really make you look any better?

As it is, your site is really nice and quite complete.

Also, What would Joel say? I know he is a friend of yours.

Your desire of getting a quick plug may look incongruent to your overall image in the end.

Just a thought.

-Scott M

"performed at a private session for Americas Got Talent producers"....so you will lie..hmm there is nothing private about it.

The "One Minute Manager" yes. The "90 Second Mentalist", definitely no.

Apart from that, performing in front of one arrogant judge who seems to delight in "buzzing" people would be demeaning at best. Remember that Piers Morgan made his name as editor of two of Britain's more infamous tabloids. Some of his caustic comments on your 90 seconds could come back to haunt you for much longer than that.

Just say no.

Gerry

Roshamboooooo!!!!!

Hey magicsanta a few people have told me that about my site but I have no idea how to fix it. Send me a pm if you know.

I know that a lot more goes on behind the scenes that the viewer sees. I wonder if that would provide you with an opportunity for some p**-s***? Jim might be able to confirm.

I say go for it. You have nothing to lose but your dignity, and if you want to be famous you'll have to lose that sooner or later

It's not about winning the contest on AGT. It's about being prepared and doing a GREAT 90 seconds and be seen by MILLIONS of people.

Those 90 seconds of FREE advertising are priceless. Of course if you are kept around for many episodes it's like winning a gigantic marketing lotto.

A few months ago I had a call from South Africa's Got Talent producers inviting me to audition for season 2. At first I also said no - I am fully aware that the show is about singing, dancing and flashy stuff. Then I reconsidered... if it goes ok, you get free television publicity that would normally cost thousands.

I got through to round 2, performed in front of the judges, but didn't make it through any further. (I did a metal-bending routine, which is about as visual as you can get with mentalism). All three judges gave me great feedback, I wasn't buzzed, but they told me that its not the kind of act that would work in the show.

I agree with what most guys here said. The show is not made for mentalists. You can't interact with the audience or judges much (definitely you are not able to p**-s***). I was also very worried about how they would edit my performance - if it makes good TV they will be more than willing to make you look like a clown.

My bit was on TV this past Thursday. It was cut down to about 20 seconds only, and it wasn't too bad actually But just be aware that you do run the risk of going down in a blaze of glory and millions of people will see it. However, if you are comfortable with your routine, don't hesitate to go for it. I enjoyed the experience, had some TV exposure, and learned some valuable lessons.

Naaah, Marc is Lying,....He is cute and I've seen him Dance and Sing at the same time while performing Card at Any Number

....