Hi friends,

I am an officer in the U.S. Army who has just been nominated as Master of Ceremonies for our brigade social next month. I was told to be "entertaining."

As the MC, I will have a captive audience of more than 600 people. Today I was thinking to myself, "This would be a fantastic opportunity to perform an amazing demonstration of mentalisim." The catch is I've never performed mentalisim before, let alone performed for so many spectators. I am, however, an ambitious optimist.

The question is this: Do I dare perform an amazing demonstration of mentalisim for the first time in front of 600 people?

We only live once and I've been in situations that were more dire. If you were in my shoes, what is the one feat that you would perform? I just want to perform a single demonstration.

I know the temptation to reply sarcastically is nearly irresistible here, but please, serious responses only. I'm in a bit of a time crunch and if I am going to succeed, I will need to start practicing immediately.

Not a sarcastic reply, an honest one that may ultimately be unhelpful. I would perform the effect that I most enjoy performing and that I am most confident of performing and that would play well to a group of that size ideally without the need to bring volunteers forward. I do have specific effects in mind that I personally would use but the key parts here are "that you enjoy performing, and are adept enough and confident enough to perform". I would not want to learn a new effect for this purpose unless I had a very good lead time to refine it.

Mark

My background is bizarre magic performed for intimate gatherings. I'm definitely in unfamiliar territory by attempting this. These events are traditionally rather dry and I'm looking to change that perception. A great effect to break the ice and kick off the evening would really go a long way.

Do you have experience as an MC ?

Diving into mentalism for an upcoming show sounds kinda risky to me.

I was just hired (discussion in the tricky business section) to do a Mentalism show for an awards ceremony next month for 400 and then emcee the awards. This will be a first time emcee event for me - for similar reasons as you mention - to "spice" up the awards.

For me this won't necessarily be a walk in the park and I'm full time as a Mentalist.

If you don't do Mentalism regularly I personally think you might consider performing something you are already familiar with in magic. Mentalism isn't about the effects it's about the knowledge, acting, persona and much more. It sounds like you anticipated some critiques. Good luck!

If you've never been an emcee you might want to focus instead on a book to help you be a great emcee. I found this one to be excellent:

http://www.theeiinstitute.com/ei-institu......ian.html

Why not do some great bizarre magic ?

You just need a piece that will play big enough : séance inspired effects might be good...

First question, do you want peolples on stage with you ? (otherwise there are some great opener out there)
Second, what are you able to perform that could be put on a stage ? (you will be much better if you stay in you skillset)

I have a background in public relations, and I've MC'd events in the past. Fortunately, I have no problems entertaining people.

The issue with performing bizarre magic is that this is definitely not the venue. When I was deployed, I did a lot of card magic because it was light-hearted, portable and generally made folks happy. As a result, I earned a bit of a reputation and it would not seem out of the ordinary for me to do some magic for this crowd.

Bizarre magic is sort of contrary to the mood I'm seeking to create. But, as you all know, bizarre magic and mentalisim are close relatives of each other and it would not be too much of a stretch change my colors for an evening.

I was thinking that a mind reading effect or prediction would work well. I am seeking to obtain a new effect though because all of my current props either look ancient or evil.

If this is the first thing you are doing that night as emcee, you want to grab the audience in an entertaining way. Since you are not a mentalist, it must be simple. This is, by definition a 'major effect' as Bob Cassidy would say. With a large group that suggests a PF. Easy to do with little experience, grabs the attention of the group yet allows each audience member to focus on their own thoughts and observe the outcome as a group at the same time. Major issue is how to frame it for maximum effect.

Bypass the mentalism and instead use suggestion. Do magnetic fingers and immediately stick everyone to their seats. They won't forget this and it will definitely end in laughs all round.

If you need any help let me know.

Anthony

Perhaps this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6syJvJAnZQc

If you shop around there is an even larger version [11 x 7inches]

It is technically easy to do. When it is is presented properly...it can get a great reaction.

All the best.
Rich

PF or suggestion would indeed be a good fit for your situation

I retired from the Army many years ago and these type of events are meant to be as fun as possible. A few good jokes and simple magic might be the way to go. Theme it to the events that are current in your area/unit/Brigade.

Will there be uhhhhhhh Grog to drink for the unlucky few?

Fun and simple is the way to go as an MC. Nothing to deep and time consuming.




Ray

Whatever you do - the effect/theme etc. you choose must match the goals/objectives of the evening - I MC and speak a great deal - you must have a reason to do anything to it is relevant to the audience. IMHO

This is not a vanity project. You have been asked to entertain 600 men. So entertain them. Keep it simple, and experiment some other time would be my advice. Do simple direct fun magic. Perhaps throw some mental magic (not mentalism) such as the Invisible Deck. As an MC you will have very short periods in which to work. Nothing is worse than an MC who rambles for fifteen minutes through a boring presentation. So don't fall into that trap. This is a gig for inside your comfort zone.

I have a self working version of Beyond Banachek, where they all end up flipping the bird ... Would that work?

"He Who Dares, Wins" is the motto of the finest special forces team in the world.

Go for it.

Del and Rodney?

One effect comes to mind that is reasonably easy to learn, enjoyable, plays well-though it involves one spectator up front with you. Take a look at Shawn Farquhar's "Sheer Luck" comedy book test.

George

The creme de la menthe of comedy.

Try something by Mick Ayers. He has some marketed items and he also writes for MUM magazine. Perhaps one of his routines will work for you. Nothing too difficult , mostly material based on presentation. Good luck.