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I'll be honest with you all: I wasn't sure how to ask this question. Having dug around a bit, I found nothing, so I thought I'd take my chances.

In a year I'll be transferring to a private Catholic university to continue my education (went back to school last year after putting it off long enough). My question is: Does anyone have experience in such an environment, and what can I get away with? This is a very conservative, religious college, so I'm fairly certain I can't use my usual occult/black magic theme. I most likely won't even be able to get away with psychic window-dressing, to be honest. As a non-traditional, I'll also have limited access to the grounds (as opposed to the people who will be living on campus), and I may get looked at as "uh.... old..." since I am in my late twenties and most of my fellow students will be in their late teens and early twenties.

I've had a few ideas, but they smack too much of occultism and other potential "no go" zones. I'm afraid that I have little else to go on at the moment as far as information goes, and yes, I know I have a year to work out the kinks, but I prefer to be prepared.

My question is this: Does anyone have any experience in such an environment? A follow-up question: Does anyone have any suggestions?

I have no direct experience of such a situation but it seems to me that going into a Catholic, and therefore presumably strictly administered, environment you're asking for trouble to even think about doing anything bordering on the occult or paranormal. Seminaries aren't the strict places we often assume them to be and I know from my contacts with Priests that there's a very dark sense of humour at times and most of the jokes shared there can be classed as mucky heading towards downright filthy but I doubt they'd be happy at anything like you're suggesting.

Can you rework your presentation so they're purely entertaining, possibly mentalist, rather than dark and iffy until you can gauge the likely reactions to your 'usual' stuff?

I grew up in a Catholic country, and I can assure you you will have no problems. Catholics are far more tolerant than the more dour Northern European breeds of Christian, or the red-neck American versions. They will enjoy your performances - as long as you are entertaining.

Firstly, thank you both for your swift and informative responses!

Mandrake: I actually was considering going mentalist if need be, using psychological window dressing instead of classical occultism, being more Jung than Crowley, if I may be so bold as to make that comparison. Still a shame, though, as I absolutely love pulling the Crowley/Lavey-esque "wicked sorcerer" theme. The faculty seemed very nice when I visited on University Day, but they also don't know what I get up to. Mentalism with psychology as the basis would be a sound idea, do you think? I've been kicking around a variant on cold reading that uses the creation of a psychological profile followed up by some "woo woo" probability analysis and needlessly complicated algebra. Thoughts?

TonyB: Bit of a mix at that university, honestly. International students, hard-line religious folks of mostly Christian stripes, and some American rednecks (speaking as an American redneck, of course ).

I probably should come clean and just admit that I'm kicking around the idea of following the advice of The Shiels Effect. Not sure if this makes a difference or not, that's why I'm being ridiculously paranoid about this whole business...

I think presenting them as psychological illusions is the way to go. After all, it's the truth!

Father Cyprian a Cappuchin (spelling?) monk was the president of the SAM. Seriously I don't think you are going to have a problem. Have fun, be respectful and it will be okay, (even the occult stuff).

Don't forget to let us know how it all turns out!

SpareJoker: Too true, Joker, too true. Already started re-working a few well-known and loved pieces with psychology as the base instead of my usual wicked warlock stuff. I get the feeling it'll be smarter for me to test the waters with this, then get a little stranger once things are a little more secure.

bmat: I had no idea that's actually pretty cool! The plan is to introduce weirdness gradually, while being as respectful (read also: smart and careful) as possible.

Mandrake: Naturally!

I hate the fact that I have to be so cautious.I probably should have mentioned that, in my area, there are two Catholic universities. Students have left the one due to how conservative it is in favor of the less-conservative one. I will be pulling this off in the very conservative university (it has an excellent academic reputation).

Sorry if I sound like a schmuck, I'm just stuck between a rock and a hard place.

On the one hand, I want to disclose as much as possible to reap the benefits of the collective experience of this forum... On the other hand, I have to keep my cards close to my chest on the slim chance that someone from the area finds this post and gives my plan away. We're online, after all, and anyone can find their way here and read this thread. Sorry if I've been running around in circles with my posts, but I'm afraid I feel a need to be a bit careful.

Not planning anything untoward, just trying to plan a few publicity stunts, make a name for myself and earn a better living.

I was a grad student at Georgetown University, which is a Jesuit institution. I did countless magic shows with a wide range of effects including mind reading and 'psychic' frames. Never had a problem. As ever you need to know your audience and prepare accordingly.

Great question though.

Cheers

Todd

cunning_man wrote:SpareJoker: Too true, Joker, too true. Already started re-working a few well-known and loved pieces with psychology as the base instead of my usual wicked warlock stuff. I get the feeling it'll be smarter for me to test the waters with this, then get a little stranger once things are a little more secure.

bmat: I had no idea that's actually pretty cool! The plan is to introduce weirdness gradually, while being as respectful (read also: smart and careful) as possible.

Mandrake: Naturally!

I hate the fact that I have to be so cautious.I probably should have mentioned that, in my area, there are two Catholic universities. Students have left the one due to how conservative it is in favor of the less-conservative one. I will be pulling this off in the very conservative university (it has an excellent academic reputation).

Sorry if I sound like a schmuck, I'm just stuck between a rock and a hard place.

On the one hand, I want to disclose as much as possible to reap the benefits of the collective experience of this forum... On the other hand, I have to keep my cards close to my chest on the slim chance that someone from the area finds this post and gives my plan away. We're online, after all, and anyone can find their way here and read this thread. Sorry if I've been running around in circles with my posts, but I'm afraid I feel a need to be a bit careful.

Not planning anything untoward, just trying to plan a few publicity stunts, make a name for myself and earn a better living.

I'm just glad to hear that somebody who is nervous about offending at a Catholic University is using the yiddish word 'schmuck'. If it were me I'd work it into the routine also 'putz' would be nice to add in there, but if they are really religious and study other religions they might actually know what it means, and you may not get invited back.

Ahh the joys of growing up in a Jewish household and a polish grandfather who taught us only the naughty words in Yiddish.