This may seem like an odd question, but I just need to clarify things in my mind.

I understand what a 'close-up' mentalism show is. You hop from table to table or walk from group to group performing your stuff.

I understand a 'stage' mentalism show, people pay to come see you.

And I sort of understand a 'corporate' gig, your performing for a company at their Christmas due or something.

But what about parlour? Is it basically a stage show but there's no clearly defined 'stage', so to speak. You might just be performing on a platform in a town hall or some such.

Can any one help me define what each type of show is?

Thanks.

Alex.

Parlour defines the setting between stage and close-up. I figure, if you're performing for more than 5 or 6 people, you're doing parlour (since you're getting in the area where things can no longer be seen "close-up").

Best,

James.

Also, your audience may be drinking more watching a parlour show than a stage show. ;-)

A little off subject here, but every time I hear the word PARLOUR it reminds me of the movie BEETLEJUICE for some reason. Then I saw your picture, David---ha, ha and you actually resemble the husband a bit.

Hope you don't take offense to this, as it's not meant that way. I just got a laugh out of that.

No, I don't mind who I resemble.

Oh, yeah, he does a bit!

OK, thanks, James. That helps me understand a little better. Would 'close-up theater' be a good way to define a parlour show?

Maybe, if it helps you understand it better.

Parlour is kinda like doing a really small stage show without a stage. That's probably more accurate than saying it's a really big close-up set, since there are things you can do in a parlour setting that you can't do close-up. Likewise, there are things that you can kill with close-up that might not come across in a larger setting - the energy's just different.

If it's too confusing. Just forget all the classification. Generally, a pro should have material they can perform just about anywhere, at anytime.

Think of a party setting.

Thanks, procyonrising, that helped a lot. And your final comments couldn't be more true.

And your comment too, Shrink, very helpful.

So in general terms, close-up, you (the performer) are the focus of attention for a small group of 1,2,3 maybe 4 people at a table or standing in a small group like they do at receptions.

But Parlour, you are the focus of attention for a lager group of people, for example everyone at the party, except those who might be to drunk and/or looking for the dip to go with the bread stick they've been holding for half an hour. It's still close-up but you can get away with doing larger routines.

It's hard for me to define in words, but I think I understand. A good piece of advice would be to have material for either and mix and match depending on what you feel would suit the situation. Correct?

Which is easy enough as my style and mentalism in general doesn't require anything to over the top, props wise.

Thanks guys,

Alex.

Funny thing is that words such as Parlour, drawing room, etc., all those words that are not really used any more, always make me think of doing medium type effects back in the 1940's for people dressed in tuxedos and suits with the big black plastic rimmed glasses.

I love period mentalism, probably why I love Corinda and Anneman.

H.W

I thought parlour mentalism had to be done for old women who all had their hair in the spun up tall being "set" in a dryer.

Parlour around the Midwest refers to lots of "beauty parlour." Seems not parlours are being taken over by places like day spas and other stress relief types of places.

John e.

Often, when my wife is doing tarot for guests at a small psychic party, I will do 'parlor' mentalism in the living room or dining room, along with discussing paranormal subjects with them. It helps entertain them while they wait for readings.

Steve

I always thought parlour shows were done at people's homes. Living room magic, birthday parties and whatnot. I could be way off here.

Phil

They are. "Parlor" is an archaic, Victorian term (akin to a den or a family room; often used for private conversations or 'courting')

Steve