talkmagic.co.uk

Hi guys,
Im trying to put together a stage mentalim show at the moment( fir as little cost as possible) is there any effects you recommend.
Also I saw an effect on derren browns- "something wicked this way comes" show, where he revealed who had the odd ball ( the one black ball, when everyone else had white balls). Does anyone know what this trick is called, many thanks
Jared

The effect you describe MIGHT be Max Maven's Kurotsuke.

Or black balled.
The cost will not be effects.
It will be time and effort, for the performer and writer(s), and loads of cash from the producer(s).
T.

or Body Language! I use some of Paul Brook's effect for my stage show, one of my own and a few others.

A QUICK LECTURE:
Aside from the fact that you don't just run out a toss a "Mentalism Act" together as you would a Magic Act I believe you (like many) have missed a valuable (right in front of your face) reality when it comes to this craft -- if you own 13 Steps to Mentalism you have more than enough to make a career with some to spare.

A solid Mentalist don't buy things from Magic Shops other than maybe Imp Devices & the occasional Swami, we shop at Office Max & Staples, the typical full-evening show costing less than $30.00 when it comes to what we actually "need" vs. all the magic tricks we "want".

Just look at history and how Mentalism was structured prior to the 1960s and to some level even into our present when it comes to the veteran workers; for more than a few the act is mostly accomplished with Muscle Reading, Billets and Reading Skills. The only "addition" that has become a constant are the various ways of using Psychological Forces which I believe to be a wise move but only within some very confined limits (even Banachek warns against over-dependence on such things).

Yes, certain modes of presentation may focus on Memory as a theme over Clairvoyance & Telepathy or even some of the newer lies that are being claimed such as FACS and NLP adaptations. It still boils down to the fact that you don't need all the other trappings which means, if you honestly study and practice Mentalism the expense side of things is nil.


I'd strongly encourage you to stop looking at Mentalism as you do Magic; while kindred arts they are NOT one in the same thing. Put some time into learning what the differences actually are and why, for an example, noted legends of Mentalism frequently do one hour shows with less than a half-dozen actual effects (at least three notables I'm aware of are presently doing fewer than 4 total bits with one guy doing nothing but a Q&A program that's 2 hours in running time).

Mentalism isn't about "tricks" but rather showmanship.

Craig Browning wrote:A QUICK LECTURE:
-- if you own 13 Steps to Mentalism you have more than enough to make a career with some to spare.


Mentalism isn't about "tricks" but rather showmanship.

Amen!

Max Maven's "Nothing" DVD might be helpful.

Craig just about nailed it - except that I wouldn't spend $30 dollars on a show - more like $3. And that would get me through quite a few shows (as would Craig's $30).

I get a feeling the person that posted the question might read Craigs post above and feel a little put out -so just invade you do... Don't.

Craig, like many others on this site are talking absolute honest truth (why wouldn't they) and he has hit the nail on the head. Many magicians/hobby magicians at some point dabble in mentalism, I started my journey 3 years ago, and it takes a lot to make the mental (no pun intended) shift.

There will be no "new releases" on a weekly basis or monthly for that matter.... It has already been thought of. You will rarely satisfy your C.U.P.S.

But you'll get over it.

I adore mentalism. And I've found my new home but it took some getting used to.
Your greatest tool is your imagination and you will have to really develop your presentation style.
Don't aspire to be the next Derren, aspire to be the first you!

Read the mentalism sticky/reading list
Go get some blank postcards and a pencil or two
You're there
(insert research and practice in there somewhere)
Best of luck.

I should have posted this earlier -- http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/menta ... ht_767346_ -- it's a FREE PDF that will give you a general overview on Mentalism and includes a list of resources. You'll also find one of the companion books in my signature (on Cold Reading).

Jared may already be an experienced mentalist who is just looking for a few effects
If not though, while a normal magic set that focuses on mentalist-type themes might be nearer to what you're after, doing a real show of this sort is going to take a lot more time to practice performing and become comfortable with your character.

Thanks for the feedback, im new to mentalism completly, in fact im only 15 and have only done magic for 3 or 4 years, and i just wanted some advice and i think ive got it, so i will wait untill im older and see how the magic oes so i can always make the switch then, thanks.
Jared.

id say a russian roulette type idea, i know it may seem as a cheap bitta drama to some but...

iv ended my stage show with roulette with a prediction ending and it plays very well.

I guess it depends on your character? what kind of stuff were you thinking?

a Confab is always nice.

theres a nice confab/ seven keys to baldpate idea in barrie richardsons "Theater of the mind" that im trying to work into mine now.

gotta love John Archers dvds for a bitta comedic insperation.

im of the opinion (i guess being a magician who does a lil mentalism) that if your many a mentalist and you perhaps sprinkle a few tiny magic effects it can enhance the mentalism, by showing "look what at the amazing things i can do with these props, but now i am stripping them away, NAKED-ness" (not litterally ofcourse WELL UNLESS??)

But yes these are my little opinions.. or perhaps just the jibbered ramblings of a madman!!

take care and good luck with the show


(just reading now that your new to mentalism, hay mate any help give us a PM BARRIE richardsons books, the classic steps to mentalism, i love reading bout old routines and the old masters they are great for a bitta inspro!!)

Using my naked powers ( )I predict that a certain Mr. Thompson may make an appearance on this thread, before long, to point Sam in the direction of ftopic19434.php...

la la la ..... this is me running away now!!

why what will Mr Tompson say? iv never read his books thou iv heard good things!