Fantastic Mentalism Advice

[Justin.Morris]

If you haven't already listened to Paul Draper's EMC video, it is a must watch. It is filled with so much great advice. One of the many things he said that I thought was very insightful was to "Stay away from just the pure study of mentalism, because the pure study of mentalism is not the future of mentalism."

Interesting. It very much applies to magicians as a whole as well.

Have you seen it? What stands out to you?

Watch it here: http://essentialmagicconference.com/videos/33

 

[D ICE R]

Interesting idea and I completley agree. I study mentalism a lot but I also think outside the box. Most of my effects in terms of presentation and to a lesser extent method come from life. I see synchonicity in life and try to replecate it in my effects.

If you take the two biggest mentalist of recent times they have completly gone against the convention in terms of presentation and method t the point where their way of performing is the accept norm for this day. They are Derren Brown and Uri Geller. Look at how mentalism was performed by most people before and after their rise to fame.

 

[praetoritevong]

I absolutely agree. I perform mentalism but in my performing career am first and foremost an actor. I've been acting for as long as I remember and I'm grateful to my experience when it comes to mentalism - I consider it my single greatest asset when performing.

 

[danwhite]

Great advice. I completely agree. I think for an artist in any genre to be relevant, he must be versed in as many subjects and topics as possible. Acting ability is something that is equally important as being able to master the sleights required.

 

[Justin.Morris]

I very much agree. In my degree, I majored in theatre, and it is unbelievable what a difference it makes. I use some of those skill in nearly every single interaction I have, in and out of magic.

I recently read Steve Cohen's book, "How to Win a Crowd", and it has lots of great tips on presenting yourself that one would learn from taking a lot of acting classes. I would recommend that book to anyone who has not taken much for acting classes.