Mentalism: STRONG OPENER?
Traceydavid Dipietro
I'm looking for a strong opener for my stage mentalism show. I've tried a
number of different things (Tossed out deck, Bank Nite, etc.) and none of
them KILL.
I want something that is fast, can be seen by are large number of people
(I perform at big corporate events) and something that doesn't require an
audience member to join me on stage.
Thank you very much for your time and suggestions.
Dave Dee
RCass54651
Dear Dave Dee-
If you have a stage mentalism show and you actually perform for corporate
events, you should already have the answer to your question.
Using an "bank night" as an opener does not exactly exhibit strong performing
skills.
I am one of the original founders of the PEA. I have never heard of you. You
have sent a previous message about your great success as a kid show performer.
You are thoroughly suspect.
Any mentalist who does not know the answer to the question you posted is
obviously not a mentalist.
Get a clue.
Best Regards-
Bob Cassidy
For those who believe, no explanation is necessary.
For those who don't, I couldn't care less.
Visit "The Master Mindreader" at
Wkcross
Strong words Mr. Cassidy. However, I have to say I agree with you. Anyone that
even considers starting a stage mentalism show w/ a card effect is barking up
the wrong tree. The only thing that I have to say in Mr. Dee's defense is that.
Just because you've never heard of someone does not mean they aren't good
entertainers. There was a time when no one ever heard of David Copperfield or
Lance Burton.
Mr. Cassidy wrote.....
.>I have never heard of you
William K. Cross
wkc...@aol.com
"After they eat....Do fish have to wait an hour before they go swimming?"
Kreskin6
you said:
>Anyone that even considers starting a stage mentalism show w/ a card effect is
barking up the wrong tree.<
Absolutely untrue. The idea that you can't open with a card effect has become a
cliche among magicians and even some mentalists. However, in the performance of
mentalism, the most important thing is your presentation of an effect. And you
could have a startling opener for a stage mentalism show using cards.
Christopher Caldwell
Wkcross
>The idea that you can't open with a card effect has become a
>cliche among magicians and even some mentalists.
I respect your opinion and your reputation Mr. Caldwell. However, I would have
to see this card effect opener for a full stage mentalism performance to be
convinced. I beleive an opening effect should be quick and an immense attention
grabber.
Thats hard to do w/ cards.
I welcome your feedback.
Kreskin6
Hi William,
Thought I'd send you a copy of the letter I sent to Dave who requested
information on openers. I appreciate your opinions.
With regards to card effects, I would be glad to discuss further with you how a
card effect can be used effectively as an opener. All the best wishes to you.
Dave,
There are many great openers for a mentalism show. Some of the best openers
involve the entire audience. These could include Psyhological Forces, perhaps a
quick story, etc. My opener is usually an interesting story about coincidences
and numbers. I then proceed with an effect like add a number or the medallion.
The most important thing to remember is that people are most fascinated with
people. In this first effect, the audience is going to pay lots of attention to
your speech patterns, your body language, etc. So although you may think a
really awesome effect to open with is important, my experience has been that
you should build to the awesome stuff. Win them over first with your charming
presence.
Find something that interests you--then your enthusiasm will be contagious.
Hope this helps you a bit. Good luck.
Christopher Caldwell
Michael Anthony
I open every single show with a card effect and I always will.
Michael Anthony http://www.michael-anthony.com
Kreskin6 wrote in message <19980222192...@ladder03.news.aol.com>...
>you said:
>
>>Anyone that even considers starting a stage mentalism show w/ a card
effect is
>barking up the wrong tree.<
>
>Absolutely untrue. The idea that you can't open with a card effect has
become a
RCass54651
I am starting to lose track of which side of this argument I am on.
For nearly twenty years now I have opened my program with one of three card
effects- The diary (which Collector's Workshop released as "Chronologue," Al
Korans "Five Star Miracle," or a modified one on one version fo the "Tossed Out
Deck."
The prerequisite for any opener is directness, speed, and impact.
The type of effect is secondary.
GalloPitch
In article <19980223183...@ladder03.news.aol.com>, rcass...@aol.com
(RCass54651) writes:
>The prerequisite for any opener is directness, speed, and impact.
That works for me! and if You're doing a "magic act", toss in visual. One last
thing, I usually start with using money...always an attention getter.
Mike