I just read the "Q&A act 2000" routine by Bob Cassidy, and I think it's a wonderful way to present this type of effect. It's actually a combinasion of a very convincing Q&A routine and the 3 envelope test (4th dimensional telepathy).

Just wanted to know if M. Cassidy still presents this effect the way it is written. As an after thought, dose the 4th dimensional telepathy (that is a very strong routine) in the middle of a Q&A routine lose its strenght.

Anyways, very interesting plot.
Thanks M. Cassidy (and happy birhtday by the way)

cheers
Pourang

Actually, I rarely do any Q and A routine exactly the same way twice. But I do follow the basic structure outlined in the book. And, no, the 4dt isn't weakened at all because, if you think about it, the audience perceives it to be three separate and distinct special tests interspersed throughout the Q and A. The entire sequence ends with the picture duplication thus giving a definite and powerful conclusion - something that most Q and A acts lack.

Good thoughts,

Bob

I hope you do not mind me asking. I am working on a small routine for a Q+A, I have not read Bob's yet, even though I do wish too, but I do not feel maybe I am at that level yet.I am working on one from Luke Jermay as it seemed a fairly good intodution into Q+A and as I develop and get better I can look further into it.
My one Question is this, what really do you think is the smallest amount of people you need watching to be able to preform Q+A?
Thanks for any help

Tim

PS, Actually I have two questions, after praticing at home loads of times reading through my own made script... how do I pratice for real? do I just go for it? I have just been booked for my biggest date to date in an upstairs of a pub. They have beeen doing comedey and music, and have asked me to do orginise a mentalist night there (with a few others)its not for 6 weeks but this could be an ideal oppotuinty for me to do this!

Tim,

With any Q+A act, all you are essentially doing is reading a lot of people's thoughts (billets/envelopes etc.) at once - the psychological advantage you have in the traditional everyone-writes-questions format is that the entire audience should feel involved.

So... minimum number is really "one", maximum will depend primarily on time slot. I'd say you'd need at least five to make the exercise worth doing. A proper act will depend on the size of the audience and your slot, but it's a good ten-fifteen minute piece at least.

In terms of practising, there are plenty of Q+A methods that could be adapted to walkaround or in the magic bar - I'm not sure what Luke Jermay's routine involves, but there are plenty of methods out there to choose from. Given your own background, Bob Cassidy's "Scorpio's message" technique may be a very useful addition.

The main thing is working out how you're going to end - Q+A acts need a strong finish, and you can't just hope for something to fall into your lap.

For techniques like "Dynamite Mentalism", you'll need larger audiences - I haven't experimented to see how small you can get away with here.

Thanks M. Cassidy. I appreciate your answer.

Tim, mentalism is not like close up effects, you can not practice it in front of a mirror!!!!!! you have to practice it in your head again and again! and then go for it , I DID , if you are confident and beleive in what you do it will work and with experience you gain confidence. As in all magic or mentalism effects you never get the same reaction from your audience.


Good luck
Cheers
Pourang

Tim,
personally, I would practice by doing. LIT suggests a minimum of 5 and I would preface this with a question.

how is your delivery of the information?

this is were I feel most performers fail. work on your delivery with 1 person till it is strong then add in another person. keep developing your delivery and engaging the participants. and as you get more skilled/ comfortable add in more people.

also, if your asking questions for a Q&A your not ready to do this on stage, so hold off doing this till your comfortable with the delivering of information.

it is in your benefit and the other performers to not bring new material to a new gig, if the gig flops because of a poor show the owners might not give mentalism another go.

so stick with your tried and true for now.

Actually, I don't think Tim's delivery will be an issue (I've seen him perform, and I'm confident he can deliver a decent Q&A act). It's the dramatic structure and technique that may need support, if anything.

Ahh cheers for that and yep structure can be my weakness as I so often ( in most areas of my life!!) just sorta 'wing it' and ad lib it as it goes!

May I know where can I buy Bob Cassidy Q&A 2000 ?

I Google but no luck

Thank you
...

Try again!
Maybe you'll be luckier;-)

I think this is what's being referred to -

http://www.lybrary.com/21st-century-p-17......rs_id=41

Or is sarcasm obligatory when someone requests advice?

I was just going to suggest the same link. Q&A 2000 was later updated to 21st Century Q&A. You might also want to check the section on Jazz Mentalism in "The Artful Mentalism of Bob Cassidy," which also deals with mixing methods and effects in a Q&A routine.

Best-

Bob

Hei its Parmenion, I wouldnt be so surprise with his sarcasm that is oh so witty

And Thank you to uncle Bob and Krakhead for the direction


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