"I
have never seen a mentalist to compare with him." - Dai Vernon
"This
man is dangerous." -
Muhammad Ali
"The most original mind in magic." - Orson Welles
Volume
One - Parlor Mentalism
It's done under
what can be the most difficult conditions: performing for a medium
- sized audience with no formal stage setting to focus attention.
Sightlines are often poor, and people must be drawn into the
experience even if they can't see everything clearly. Too, you
may be working surrounded, so you'd better be sure there are
no angle problems. And, as it's likely to be a social occasion
filled with potential distractions, your material needs to be
compelling from the very first moment: intriguing presentations
that build to powerful conclusions. This video features a range
of commercial Parlor Mentalism. No pre-show work, no secret assistance;
this is practical material for the solo performer, using subtle
and unusual methods that are as fascinating as the effects they
produce. You'll learn:
- The Mockingbird
- A sampling from the fabled "Birds of Prey" series.
At its core, an inexplicable demonstration of playing card telepathy
- but you'll discover how audience participation and an unfolding
plot structure can transform an already strong effect into a
full - fledged routine.
- Autome - An
extraordinary book test using plain, ungimmicked props under
the fairest conditions. This is a remarkable routine in and of
itself, but it also introduces principles for which you'll find
a host of other uses.
- Divine Write
- (Previously Unrevealed): Mutual mentalism with built - in appeal.
The performer tries an imposing experiment in clairvoyance, working
simultaneously with a member of the audience. Despite the overwhelming
odds, the outcome is successful for both!
- Zenvelopes:
- A test of intuition using several participants and a number
of ESP symbol cards hidden inside opaque envelopes. These are
thoroughly mixed by the spectators, who then pair them off by
playing their hunches. When the contents are examined, all the
symbols have matched perfectly.
- Kurotsuke -
(Previously Unrevealed) An ancient game from the imperial court
of Japan is turned into a delightful routine of stand - up mentalism
that lets several people get involved. And, best of all, it can
be done entirely impromptu using only borrowed materials.
- The Mind's Eye
Deck - A pack of some 40 design cards is used. Each one is different,
and the deck is shuffled. While the performer's back is turned,
a spectator removes a card. Without turning around, the mentalist
starts describing the thought - of design, eventually drawing
it on a pad of paper. It's as straightforward as that.
Volume
Two - Close-Up Mentalism
Perhaps the most intimate form
of entertainment that can be presented in public. It requires
a delicate interplay in order to achieve a balance between the
charming and the disquieting. This is material designed for very
small groups, or even working one - on - one. This video features
a range of commercial Close - Up Mentalism. No pre - show work,
no secret assistance; this is practical material for the solo
performer, using subtle and unusual methods that are as fascinating
as the effects they produce. You'll learn:
- Shape - Up (Previously Unrevealed)
- One card has been removed from as ESP deck. A person is invited
to deal through the rest of the pack, turning cards face - up
one by one and stopping at any time. The stopped - at symbol
is the same as on the card that was previously set aside.
- Changeling - A pleasingly simple
routine using a handful of ordinary coins, in which the mentalist
successfully predicts precisely how many coins will be selected
by the spectator.
- Isolation - The participant
chooses which of several unprepared magazines will be used. That
is opened to a random page, from which a random word is noted
while the performer's head is turned away. In a convincing telepathic
display, the mentalist extracts the word from the person's mind
- Key To The Future - An amiable
variation on the classic "Seven Keys to Baldpate" effect
using an ungimmicked padlock and several keys, only one of which
can open the lock. This time it is the spectator whose psychic
abilities are tested. Will the working key be located - and will
the performer know the outcome in advance?
- Symbalance (Previously Unrevealed)
- A standard pack of ESP symbol cards is employed along with
two participants. The mentalist divines the first person's thought
- of design. He then discerns the second person's symbol with
an offbeat demonstration of "tactile intuition.";
- Positive Negative - A lesson
in spectator management in the form of an engaging bit of prognostic
pantomime with a baffling payoff. Better yet, it's completely
impromptu - you an do it with a moment's notice, using borrowed
items.
- The Hawk - Another impossible
card routine from the "Birds of Prey" series. Two spectators
select and replace cards while the performer's back is turned.
They also shuffle the deck. Nevertheless, the mentalist deals
through the face - down pack and stops on one selection, then
tops that by promptly naming the other.
Volume
Three - Stage Mentalism
Formal performance conditions:
a stage, a schedule, and the obligation to entertain an audience
of paying customers. What you need for this type of situation
is material that will allow you to connect with a large group;
routines that are efficiently structured for maximum impact so
that they'll generate interest, maintain a robust energy level,
and hold the spectators' attention from start to finish. Goal
Mine (Previously Unrevealed) - This is an ideal opener: a routine
of mental persuasion that serves to establish the performer's
credentials, gets several audience members involved, has a climax
that virtually guarantees laughter and applause - and all of
the props can fit in your breast pocket.
- Tossed - Out Tech (Previously
Unrevealed) - One of the most valuable techniques of mentalism
has also been one of the least understood - until now. This section
covers an effect that has been a feature item in Max Maven's
professional repertoire for over two decades. This is not a basic
"bare bones" description; it is an in - depth analysis;
knowledge developed through years of study, and honed during
thousands of performances. The information that is disclosed
here constitutes a virtual "post - graduate course"
in mentalism.
- Khan Artist (Previously Unrevealed)
- The performer forecasts how members of the audience will rearrange
a set of symbols. The props are so uncomplicated, so innocent
in appearance....it's no wonder that this deceptively simple
effect has hoodwinked some of the keenest minds in the business.
- Contimental - Could there be
more direct exhibition of mindreading? Consider this: A spectator
thinks of an international location; the mentalist reveals it.
The end. There's no advance work, nothing is written down, and
there are no props required. You can even perform this over the
elephone
- Psign - A prediction, quick
and to the point. A large board is displayed, back - out. A spectator
selects one of eight different designs, which proves to be the
very one printed on the front of the board. The participant can
stay seated in the audience - leaving the performer alone on
stage at the finish, to accept all of the applause.
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