gymguy203 wrote:i appreciate your honesty. I do mainly kid shows and some adult shows from time to time. My style of working is buying a trick and perfecting it then i would add it to my show. I dont really think this is a good style anymore. I have finished 13 steps and am currently reading practical mental magic. I do have to say that i didnt really get anything out of 13 steps. A majority of the book is around a billet principal and i dont really like billets at all. So thats why i was curious. In doing stage magic, i leave the people thinking and knowing that what they see is a trick. I really want to start doing things that leave the people thinking that there is no way that what they saw was possible. That why i was so interested in the box and dream illusion.......if you could point me in the right direction...that would be great..
-Thanks-
My friend, I really think you need to stick with traditional magic; especially if you don't billets and, it would seem, the art of learning. Mentalism is rife with the demand of being a near perpetual student. Billet work is one of the most important tools within our arsenal and though much of what you find in Annemann and Corinda is a bit "dated" the principles and routines are still most valid and I can assure you, they still blow away magicians as much as they do the laity... just look at the thread here on SWITCHCRAFT by Elliot Bresler and you'll get a taste as to how powerful those little slips of paper can be. But, if you follow the reading list noted in that article I gave you the link to, you will find Bob Cassidy's dissertation on the Baker Billet Switch and how he delivers a 10-minute mini-reading that is both, deceptive and mind-blowing to the sitter (I know, I've used it for years when doing parties).
Another thing to understand is that Billets are the backbone to one of Mentalism's top "acts" i.e. the Q&A routine. Hands down, most professionals of the Psychic Entertainment industry will tell you that the Q&A is the most important and valuable bit in their program; many doing little other than a Q&A act. (and if this peaks your curiosity, check out the John Riggs' "Fortune Teller" series, it's priceless when it comes to said routine.)
Mentalism is NOT for everyone and contrary to the opinions of some, it's not "just tricks", there's a ton more to it than that, especially if you want to be amongst the exceptions vs. the common rule when it comes to what that means.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with finding some sound Mental Magic to toss into your existing acts but unless you are honestly prepared to invest considerable time and focus towards it, Mentalism may not be "your thing"... at least, not for now. Things change as we mature, so give yourself time.
