|
|
KingStardog Inner circle 2134 Posts |
Hi Whit,
You have offered up great advice here in the Café, a couple of times about you experiences working the streets in the sixties and seventies during the "mentalism rennaisance" and I was hoping that you may have an experience or two that come to mind that you would be willing to share. What was it like to perform during that time when everyone believed?
...think not that all wisdom is in your school. You may have studied other paths,but, it is important to remember that no matter who you are or where you come from, there is always more to learn.
|
Whit Haydn V.I.P. 5449 Posts |
I used a theme of ESP in some of my busking work in the sixties and seventies. Most of it was done "tongue in cheek," not as serious mentalism, but it enabled me to hook into the interest at the time.
The two main routines that made money for me are described in detail in my book "Street Magic." These are the "Impromptu Card Code/The Routine for the Blind," and "The ESP Survey." I found that when the weather in New York City got too cold for street performing, I was forced into inside busking--performing for tips in bars and restaurants. At that time, close-up magic was not familiar to most people, and I found it hard to go up to tables and offer "Would you like to see some magic?" Instead, I developed a routine in which I would approach a table looking like a college student from NYU, and I would tell them I was doing "a project" or "an experiment" involving extra-sensory perception, and needed a few minutes of their time--if they were interested. I then proceeded with a series of mentalism effects that became more and more amazing, and finally hit them with a request for "a little monetary help with my research..." This was a very successful ploy for me, and received different kinds of reactions. Most people enjoyed the whole thing as some kind of humorous and harmless scam, while a few bought it hook, line, and sinker as legitimate ESP despite my many mild disclaimers and humorous approach. The "ESP Survey" was more of a scam, but also lighthearted. When the police began cracking down on my performances in the West Village because the crowds were blocking the sidewalks, I began standing on the street corner like I was taking a survey of passersby. I would ask "Excuse me, do you believe in ESP?" and apparently take notes of the answers on a stack of blank business cards. When anyone stopped to ask what I was doing, I would say, "Experiments in ESP." I would write something down on a card, hold it up in front of them, and demand, "Name any three-digit number." I immediately handed them the card with their number written on it, and ask "Do you have any change you can spare for my research?" This usually was worth a five or a ten. Aaron Fischer and Adam Grace have recently experimented with this idea on the LA streets for fun, and have told me it still works great. |
KingStardog Inner circle 2134 Posts |
Thanks Whit,
I ordered the book a few minutes ago. Was happy to find it still available. Mike
...think not that all wisdom is in your school. You may have studied other paths,but, it is important to remember that no matter who you are or where you come from, there is always more to learn.
|
Whit Haydn V.I.P. 5449 Posts |
All of my works are available from dealers, if you can find them. You can always get them from:
http://www.schoolforscoundrels.com |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The September 2003 entrée: Whit Haydn » » Mentalism in the 60s..... » » TOPIC IS LOCKED (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |