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Alexxander Elite user Frankfurt, Germany 423 Posts |
The more I work on my character development, the more I realize that a lot of effects that I really like don't fit me (anymore).
I want to be perceived mainly as mind reader, with the added ability of influencing people's choices under certain circumstances. I don't perform with an psychology/body language angle. I really like synchronicity effects, memory demonstrations, super-human math skills, demonstrations of clairvoyance, playing card effects.... but I don't see myself performing them. Which is a good thing I suppose, because then my character and abilities are clearly defined and therefore more believable. ...It just hurts a little. It seems like I won't be needing anything except billets, IMR-related stuff and equi****e for the rest of my life. Anybody feeling me? What effects did you let go? |
mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
Alexxander-
That's exactly what I did with my own act years ago. I simply claim to send and receive thoughts. I HAVE been able, though, to successfully and congruently include my card memory demonstration, because I present it as an example of how I learned to master the visualization techniques that later became critical to my success at reading minds. |
DocBenWiz Special user Meridian, Idaho 992 Posts |
And a masterful and awesome emding to your act it is, Bob...! Luv it!
"Pay no attention to that strange man behind the curtain" (it's only "Doc Benjamin from the Amazing Wizardelia Wagon")
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mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
Thanks, Doc. But there are those who will maintain that it's not very powerful or entertaining because it uses "antiquated" methods.
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Sean Giles Inner circle Cambridge/ UK 3517 Posts |
...And there are people who believe that the earth is hollow and the moon is made of cheese. They don't make sense either.
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george1953 Inner circle Mallorca (Spain) 5943 Posts |
Quote:
On Mar 5, 2015, mastermindreader wrote: I would like to know what they think IS more powerful ! I would buy it immediately. The methods used don't matter, its the effect it has on your audience that matters and for me this routine simply looks unbelieveable. I think that there is no stronger way to end a show apart from Q&A maybe, or perhaps these old Q&A methods make it unsuitable as well. I am grateful that you have released this routine and will continue to use it, its a killer !!!
By failing to prepare, we are preparing to fail.
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Prometheus Special user Europe 524 Posts |
Not everything you do has to blow the audience away. The card memory is there to underline your statements and show that you are not a lier it's there to proof. It is entertaining too so I don't see any problems with it.
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Prometheus |
Tom Jorgenson Inner circle LOOSE ANGLES, CALIFORNIA 4451 Posts |
It's all in the Mitox. The other things you like...can't they be demonstrated as fascinating examples of the path you took to get to the point where you can....(whatever your act's premise is)?
If it's interesting to watch, it's interesting to watch. It doesn't matter that it isn't the same as your main 'talent'...it's still interesting to watch. It's just different than your main talent. But if you lay it out clearly, with a clean demarcation between the path to the goal and the Mental talent you have achieved, there's no reason it can't be played along with (or before) your main theme effects. It's when a Mentalist jumbles up all the different claims and functions that the talents become unbelievable and the claims become weaker. If the first part of your show is super-human memory, math skills and synchronicity as demonstrating that part of the brain you've developed, couldn't that part of the brain also be responsible for some newly emerging abilities that surprised even you? I'd say do the effects you like and are good at. Just make them fit logically and it's all good. It's all in the Mitox. A lie is a lie, and the bigger the Mitox, the bigger the magic.
We dance an invisible dance to music they cannot hear.
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clairvoyant Loyal user 272 Posts |
Sure, it will hurt a little, but your wallet will thank you in the long run as you'll be less tempted to buy every interesting sounding effect that comes along. You'll know a lot of it won't fit your persona.
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insight Inner circle 3095 Posts |
I feel this thread. Less is more. My set consists of only 4 effects, and I have mastered them all. I refine each performance, but I truly feel the impact is more when you are so intimately familiar with your effect. It increases confidence.
Regards, Mike |
mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
Quote:
On Mar 6, 2015, clairvoyant wrote: Just use all that money you'll save for the really important things- wardrobe, promotion, sound equipment, lights, professional videos, Cassidy consultations, women, fast cars, bail, etc. |
David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
Streamlining your act is like a writer editing his work. Writers have a rather unsettling expression that refers to this process. It's called "killing your children." It means that you take a hard look at what you've slaved to create, and whatever doesn't fit, whatever feels like self indulgent crap -- whatever doesn't advance the plot or strengthen the narrative gets "killed." Sometimes it hurts pretty deeply. But it's all part of the evolution a performer has to go through.
Congratulations and sympathy to you, Alexxander. David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
My books are here: www.magicpendulums.com www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com |
Godzilla Inner circle Tied & Untied Witches on 5316 Posts |
Been there & doing it now !
Gary
"If you watch Godzilla backwards, it's about a big ass lizard who helps rebuild a half burnt-down city, then moonwalks back into the ocean"
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Alexxander Elite user Frankfurt, Germany 423 Posts |
Thank you guys
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