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Do you have to explain what mentalism is?
- Thread starter Ocelotl
- Start date
This implies that you are using genuine skills. ie: That psychics lie but you're being honest about the methods you're using.
Are you?
If not, I suggest rewording it. Or being comfortable with the dishonesty.
Personally, the only time I explain anything about what I do is during my fair/solo busking shows - and that's only because otherwise people will be expecting comedy magic. If I'm doing a parlor/stage show, they have the flyers/promotional material to tell them what to expect. If I'm doing strolling performances, I just say I'm an entertainer hired by the event, usually.
Your original post states frustration that people are calling what you do magic tricks. I think that would be better addressed through the script used for each routine, rather than trying to do a blanket disclaimer (which will, in all honesty, probably be ignored for the most part - people form their own opinions usually). I suspect it's something about the way you're presenting each piece that makes people think of magic tricks.
I think it is just because "magic trick" is just what is in their vocabulary. I know I am doing mentalism proper because they really do think I am in their heads. You make some good points though about altering your presentation based on the venue, busking, strolling, stage etc
That's the second time you've said that - what does it mean to you when you say that?
Mentalism proper is not just a set of tricks, performed in succession, with methods, done mechanically the same way with the same script each time. Mentalism is a holistic skill set that is much more free flow, and demands a more strategic approach than tactical. Theven way I go about accomplishing an effect might be different from person to person, or something might happen while performing one effect that I can go off on a tangent with. I hope that makes sense as I am having a hard time articulating exactly what I mean. Center tear for example... in mental magic they might think somehow you were able to peek the word but are really good at not getting caught. In Mentalism, the tearing of the paper isn't really important to the effect at all.