|
|
Go to page 1~2 [Next] | ||||||||||
tedari New user 23 Posts |
Hi all,
I want to perform a mentalism show in my local area. I am thinking of doing a lightbulb effect (demonstration of psychic power) plus a drawing duplication, then a psychic reading for a few people in the audience. First question: for the psychic reading routine would you recommend a Q and A, or some kind of billet switch routine like Osterlind does really well in his Easy to Master Mental Miracles series? Second question: what other effects, or routines would you recommend for my first show? I don't want to do too many, but would rather had a good solid performance based around some simple effects. I read the book called The Garden of Strange, and I really liked the simple effects that are dressed up with beautful and sometmes creepy presentation. I am a big fan of Derren Brown and the way he makes everything seem theatrical. Any tips for creating my own little blueprint for my first few shows would be appreciated. Many thanks, Tedari |
|||||||||
tedari New user 23 Posts |
Subscribing to post
|
|||||||||
Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
Quote:
On Feb 5, 2017, tedari wrote: Why? |
|||||||||
tedari New user 23 Posts |
What do you mean why?
|
|||||||||
Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
Because you are new here we know nothing about you, your age, background, skills, experience, etc., so my first question is why have you decided on those effects. What reason or congruency is there for this?
You're likely a newer or beginner performer, from the Europe/UK (not from the U.S.), probably younger, and it is very likely you have minimal performing experience and an understanding of the depth and significance of thee effects, especially when combined. It is hard, difficult and rare for a newer mental performer to consider Q&A, at least initially. I, as I'm sure others, are asking the same questions. To help you, we must first understand you, your current level, position and needs. That's my reasons for asking. |
|||||||||
tedari New user 23 Posts |
Hi. Thanks. My current level is that I'm interested in Mentalism and mind magic. The illusion of psychic power and I spend a lot of my time watching thee shows and purchasing dvds and books but don't really have the experience in front of live audiences yet. Would like to start as soon as possible though. As for why these particular effects: I've seen both of them performed live and I was blown away by the power and the audience reaction.
|
|||||||||
Alwow Special user Los Angeles 544 Posts |
Tedari - we can tell you are still at the beginning of this journey. It sounds to me that you haven't read enough of the classics, fundamental and foundational books in our art to help you prepare and understand how to answer your own questions. There's tons of information that can be found here on this forum but, simply put... you're not ready. Remember, you have to crawl before you walk. There's no rush.
Good luck
"Everything I show you is the truth... And the truth is the loveliest of lies"
|
|||||||||
Philemon Vanderbeck Inner circle Seattle, WA 4694 Posts |
Stick with one major claim at first. What is it that you do as a mentalist in just one word? All of your effects need to be based on that one ability.
Professor Philemon Vanderbeck
That Creepy Magician "I use my sixth sense to create the illusion of possessing the other five." |
|||||||||
Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
Quote:
On Feb 5, 2017, tedari wrote: You must also understand "context" first. You also will likely find what you like and appeals to you may not be your best performance materials, unless of course you just want to perform for yourself. Entertainment is to and for others...and in a content. |
|||||||||
tedari New user 23 Posts |
When you say one major claim do you mean 'I'm a psychic' or 'I'm a mind reader'?
For classic books I only know of Corinda. I'll find a thread on the forum as I imagine someone has listed all the classics. I think you're right about the context. I haven't even tried these effects yet and maybe they don't suit my style. Whatever that is. What kind of effects should I start with then? Simple self working ones? |
|||||||||
John Raff M Loyal user Republic of Ireland 233 Posts |
Hi tedari. Nice to meet you.
I think you need to learn to walk before you run. Mentalism isn't the kind of thing you can just read some books and then just jump straight into a full mentalism show. It takes time, experience, practice and understanding to be able to get to that level. You mention you are a fan of Derren Brown. You have good taste sir. Did you know he was performing magic professionally for 10 years before he began performing only mentalism? Whilst I'm not saying it will take you 10 years to get where you want to go I do hope this is an indication as to the amount of time it takes to develop technique, character, confidence etc. Read this: http://www.lybrary.com/the-thirtynine-st......-10.html Study carefully and practice. You need to be able to perform to a few people before you can perform to an audience of a large size. Basically what I'm saying is: Take your time. Take advice and don't be offended by people who may come across harsher than I. You asked for help and people are giving it. Enjoy |
|||||||||
Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
Also. I'll give you a tip not covered in what you're reading and that is learning about "magician's thinking," which you must have some magic experience (we still know little about you) since this thinking is evident here, and also the foundational differences between mentalism and magic. These two should likely you busy for a couple of years to get you started.
|
|||||||||
tedari New user 23 Posts |
That book looks like a great starting point. I'll grab a copy of that. Thanks John.
Mindpro: When you say magician's thinking, do you mean the kind of thinking that you develop as you start to practice? |
|||||||||
Dr Spektor Eternal Order Carcanis 10781 Posts |
Or, just do it and find out what works or not for you. Reading only goes so far. I take it the show you are doing is not high stakes? Is it a show for friends and a family? then go wild.
I believe some above just say you need a premise - the easiest premise is a Richard Osterlind one "aint that cool - I don't know how I do it - but it happens" kind of thing - speaking of which, pick up all his DVDs and you'll see structured shows and the thinking behind them a good way to move from books to vids. Good luck.
"They are lean and athirst!!!!"
|
|||||||||
tedari New user 23 Posts |
It's definitely not high stakes. I haven't even arranged one yet. I'm part of a public speaking club and would definitely like to use one of my slots to practice in front of a moderately large audience (up to 30 people). You see I'm ok speaking in front of a group of people, but I'm petrified of doing magic or mentalism as I have never done any before. I've just watched vids of great mentalists and tried a few tricks with my wife. I'm 33 by the way. I forgot to mention that earlier. I also live in England. Always had a fascination with magic, but just never performed myself.
|
|||||||||
jonnyboy Inner circle San Diego 1021 Posts |
This may not sound helpful, but if you really want to be part of the community of mentalists or magicians, please don't do a public performance like this until you are much more practiced and skilled. Why do I say this? Because it hurts the public perception of ALL mentaliists (or magicians) when someone without the necessary experience performs in public and does an understandably poor job. Unlike singers, for example, when someone hears a bad singer, they don't say that they don't like singing. Unfortunately, however, bad mentalism or magic experiences for an audience member leaves such a feeling in them. They get negative feelings and impressions about mentalism and magic in general.
There may be those here who say, go for it. But if you do, and expose a method, leaving an impression that mindreading isn't to be taken seriously, you have hurt the community to a large group of people who watched your performance, and maybe more as they tell their friends and social media contacts. It is far better to start slowly, by doing effects for yourself, then family, then friends. Then their friends who don't know you. This experience doesn't come out of a box, and you can't buy it. It takes time. Take your time, read some of the books, watch some of the DVDs, practice and then start slowly and small and build up. John |
|||||||||
Mike Ince Inner circle 2041 Posts |
You could do a lot worse than reading Cassidy's Fundamentals ebook (which is also the first book of ten bound in a hardback by the same title, i.e., The Artful Mentalism of Bob Cassidy Vol. 2: Fundamentals).
If I were a show doctor, the other book I'd prescribe is authored by director and PEA member Ken Weber. Maximum Entertainment was written for magicians and mentalists, and it will be one of your favorites. It's about infusing each moment with rapt attention, laughter, or astonishment. Because it speaks to principles of entertainment it never goes out of style. Ken's an engaging writer. Those resources can help you structure acts so that people are engaged within the first 30 seconds, you establish what you're about early on, and the show builds in intensity with surprises throughout. It takes time and hard work, but it's fun. Cassidy and a couple of guys named Weber are worth listening to. Welcome to the Café.
The secret of deception is in making the truth seem ridiculous.
|
|||||||||
jstreiff Special user 701 Posts |
From what tedari has written, it seems more appropriate to start with magic and avoid mentalism. Best to get performance experience first with magic since mentalism requires more of the performer. Perhaps in time mental magic will make sense. In this case, reading somewhat between the lines, it seems that magic is the best first step.
John
|
|||||||||
Raum Loyal user 227 Posts |
Quote:
On Feb 6, 2017, jstreiff wrote: I can not agree with this. Avoid magic. Start with readings and then mentalism. Or both at the same time. Or only mentalism. But always write a script and rehearse carefully.If you have firmly decided that you want to be a mentalist / mindreader, performing magic - waste of time. Performing, scripting and even rehearsing mentalism act very different from magic act. |
|||||||||
WitchDocChris Inner circle York, PA 2614 Posts |
For what's it worth, do what interests you most. But if you want to do mentalism, you need to learn the foundation skills first and that's not a simple matter. I personally cannot recommend taking acting lessons enough. Magicians can be quite successful with minimal theater skills, mentalists cannot. I personally think one of the main dividing factors between mentalism and magic is that mentalism is far more theater-skill based than magic is.
Christopher
Witch Doctor Psycho Seance book: https://tinyurl.com/y873bbr4 Boffo eBook: https://tinyurl.com/387sxkcd |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Penny for your thoughts » » Blueprint for mentalism show (4 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page 1~2 [Next] |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |