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IMAGINACIAN Special user In Your Thots 558 Posts |
Back in the days, when I was fresh into magic, it was sort of a compulsive habit or fad to stuff my pockets with a variety of tricks - decks, packet tricks, TT's, threads, paddles, sponge balls, etc etc. Even used to have a waist pouch crammed with magic stuff. All as if someone is suddenly going to pull me in front an audience and ask me to perform for an hour. But thankfully as gradually focus shifted from props to performances, I settled into a minimalistic approach - minimizing props and maximizing entertainment. Then the shift to mentalism and a further minimalistic approach.
For the past many years, just been carrying very little stuff in my pockets for some impromptu mentalism. A few weeks back, put together a 'pocket set' which is playing rather well for me and wanted to share here and request for opinions n suggestions. The criteria - self contained, self-working, no sw***h, no id, no ct, no ind*x, no playing cards, no sleights, fully examinable, good variety, easy to do, engaging/entertaining. So I'm now carrying a business card case and a wallet, that's it. Business card case - this is telethought wallet - has a couple of blank business cards for doing p**ks using the wallet itself or AN or one of Jose Prager's excellent peeks (Acidus amazus, I think, as I named it). And 3-4 of my mentalist business cards for either Charles Gauci year of birth magic square or Christopher Taylor's Hotel routines. Wallet - a regular ungimmicked wallet - has a couple of my regular credit cards, some bills, my license. And 4 other cards. TAC of Steve Yachanin, Zodiak Gods & Pocket minds of Unknown mentalist, Dream weaver of Paul Carnazzo. Plus a couple of envelopes with index cards in them for another of Jose Prager's p**ks. For propless, I carry these in my head - gotta small brain so can't carry much. Sudo nimh's Eclipse, Brain Numerology by unknown Menalist, dfad (standard), Pateo f*rce and a couple of interesting riddles/puzzles Additionally I'm carrying 2 b**k tests right in my wallet/card case - I mean they are almost propless - just borrow any book (or dictionary). Marc Paul's AAA bt and Bob Cassidy's bt on his close up killers vid. And of course a pen. For stage and parlor, I always found myself extremely impressed by the performance styles and persona of Ross Johnson, Charles Gauci and recently Jan Forster. And trying to learn and adapt certain elements/components of their 'style', of course without loosing my own natural performing identity.
There is no better freedom than choice and no better choice than freedom.
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Colin johnson New user Mishawaka, IN 64 Posts |
That BT from Bob was killer to me. I've been looking at what can I minimally carry. I've wanted to pack light setup a 10-15 min set and hit the bars around here as everyone wants to chat and see something cool. I carry b*llo*s a lighter pens and Cassidy's Chronolauge. Working on some more things to add. Will be looking at a wallet to use for p**ks
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George Hunter Inner circle 2013 Posts |
I have been very happy with Organic Choice. The spectator chooses one of ten items on a grocery list. You know which they chose. I bought it from Penguin. It is well taught on the website.
George |
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Ben Blau Inner circle 1475 Posts |
You could perform my routine, UNFAZED with business cards.
-Ben
Ben Blau
http://www.benblaumentalism.com |
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Ben Blau Inner circle 1475 Posts |
Here's a video, in case you're not familiar with it.
http://www.benblaumentalism.com/unfazed.html -Ben
Ben Blau
http://www.benblaumentalism.com |
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Robb Inner circle 1291 Posts |
I don't do a lot of closeup work, but I try to keep things minimal when I do. I have my trust RDR (it's a regular die, doesn't get much smaller than that!), my 3x5 Parapad AND a p**K/load wallet of my own construction, a set of "power word" cards that allow me to do a double mind reading effect SUPER easy (using a principle borrowed from Cinema Verite), a stack of double-blank billets... and my own creation, GOLDEN (currently under discussion in "Latest & Greatest" topic) which allows me to do psychometry, "living & dead" style test and an amazing remote viewing routine when the conditions are right. *Fairly* minimal, everything fits in my inner jacket pockets.
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252life Inner circle Ninth Circle, Hades 3243 Posts |
I tossed Blackmail into my wallet, never really convinced I'd use it.
I was wrong in a big way. It's actually become a common opener. My business card stock is lousy for taking lead, so I pop a blank card (that takes lead) in the envelope behind it. So, they get the prediction, and my (clean) card. From there I like to ask for my card back, write and table a playing card prediction, and do an equivoque. (Stolen from Josh Jay's Inferno) Side story, the first time I did Kolossal I absolutely screwed it up. Blackmail was the fastest save I could think of on the spot. I feel like it saved me, and I've been a fan ever since. Anyway, I also like to keep a few index cards on me for a Ran Pink-ish CT. Powerball 60. P*** wallet Will to Read KK Heirloom I'd like to hear what people carry every day...and never seem to use. I'm guilty of that. Didn't realize how bad it was getting until I switched wallets again. Yessssssh! Some of the stuff I cleared out was; Decisions about four coin envelopes.. Sanctum card kioku And Dream Weaver....which just went back in. Don't know what I was thinking retiring that Thanks to memory work though, a lot of what I carry around lately, takes up zero pocket space. 252OffTopic
Look for all the world like you're counting the brain cells in his cranium.
-Theodore Annemann |
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NeverMind Loyal user Right up there. On the stage. 279 Posts |
Just been carrying a deck of cards on me - for both magic and mentalism routines.
Lotsa useful intersting suggestions here. Need to do a lot of catching up, I guess.
It is better to be trusted than liked.
Under promise. Over perform. |
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Magical Dimensions Inner circle 5001 Posts |
Nice thinking but you guys might also be missing the little things....
What I try to do is to be a story teller. Before I reach into aocket and bring something out as you guys already mention, what about the things thatnyoumare wearing? What about that strange finger ring that you hav on your finger? Where did it come from and better yet, why can this strange man do with it? Then there is the bracelet with an eye on it, then maybe a necklace that becomes a pendulum. Then how about starting a story and having things happen without going to your pockets? I think that you guys are missing a layer of performance that you never thought of....... Why would you want to be know as the guys that works out of his pockets when you could be that strange msyterious person? Ray |
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WitchDocChris Inner circle York, PA 2614 Posts |
On a daily basis I carry nothing specific to magic or mentalism. If I'm ever asked to do something casually, I generally do hypnosis based work anyway. Though I have just now set up something I like to do for an image projection routine in the little notebook I tend to carry around.
Christopher
Witch Doctor Psycho Seance book: https://tinyurl.com/y873bbr4 Boffo eBook: https://tinyurl.com/387sxkcd |
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252life Inner circle Ninth Circle, Hades 3243 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 26, 2016, Magical Dimensions wrote: With all due respect Ray, you assume to know a lot about "everybody" that's posted. You may very well be off by miles in the assumptions you're making. Again, said with respect. 252NoAssumptions
Look for all the world like you're counting the brain cells in his cranium.
-Theodore Annemann |
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Magical Dimensions Inner circle 5001 Posts |
Besides WitchDocChris, I assumed everyone was just into the effects and like performing straight out of the box, as they say. That is the impression that I got from reading this thread. Where, for me, the entertainment begins with my Hello or the handshake (interrupt). I guess that I was wrong since I have assumed too much about all the new guys on here. Sorry for that. It is refreshing to have other guys who can hold their own for at least 20 minutes and entertain with no trick wallets, cards or billets. To only rely on showmanship, Theatre, storytelling and personality to entertain people way before the trick wallet , playing cards or special printed cards are pulled from their pockets.
It is refreshing to know that others think the same way. ..... Or am I once again assuming? Ray |
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Tony Iacoviello Eternal Order 13151 Posts |
Sorry Ray, you must never assume.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfvTwv5o1Qs Could not resist. I'll be like me, you saw this when it aired. Tony |
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Mr. Woolery Inner circle Fairbanks, AK 2149 Posts |
I carry a pendulum, five beads, and a little rock. By knowing AN, I could use found materials, but I have not done so yet.
With the pendulum, I do readings. The beads are part of that. In the end, I want people to leave my company thinking about how amazing THEY are, not how amazing I am. I can make friends that way. I also read palms, so that is fun, too. I actually admire folks who can do the miracles from their wallets. The idea of being able and ready to entertain a small crowd at any time appeals to me. My own focus is on one person at a time. Not better, just what I'm comfy with. I really should push outside my comfort zone more and this topic may be a good catalyst for that. Thought provoking topic. Patrick |
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pacozaa Loyal user 273 Posts |
What is Bob Cassidy's BT?
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Doc Willie Regular user 160 Posts |
There is a discussion of how much magic one can carry in an Altoids tin at: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......start=40
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Senor Fabuloso Inner circle 1243 Posts |
I don't see the point? While knowing and having impromptu things like psyh !@#$e are important to any mentalist so long as what one has with them looks "normal" I don't see why our pockets can't be filled to the brim with gaffs and gimmicks.
No matter how many times you say the wrong thing, it will NEVER be right.
If I'm not responding to you? It's because you're a TROLL! |
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WitchDocChris Inner circle York, PA 2614 Posts |
Some folks don't like having super full pockets.
There's also the old quote, "A mentalist's value drops every time he picks up a prop." If you were able to read minds, why would you need a dozen different doodads and gizmos? Each little trinket risks pushing you into the realm of being considered a magician, not a mentalist. Which is fine, if you're a magician. Not so fine, if you're billing yourself as a mentalist.
Christopher
Witch Doctor Psycho Seance book: https://tinyurl.com/y873bbr4 Boffo eBook: https://tinyurl.com/387sxkcd |
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Senor Fabuloso Inner circle 1243 Posts |
Pens, pencils, wallet, keys, cell phone, watch, other jewelry, handkerchief, business cards and holder, jotter, cards of various kinds, credit, club, organizational. All these things are quite normal in the pockets and NONE would suggest magic. This list dosen't even count those things never seen by the spectators. As I have said before why not use all the tools at our disposal rather than limit ourselves?
No matter how many times you say the wrong thing, it will NEVER be right.
If I'm not responding to you? It's because you're a TROLL! |
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WitchDocChris Inner circle York, PA 2614 Posts |
I can't speak for anyone else, of course.
Personally, in my pockets/on my belt loop on a regular day are, at most: Wallet, phone, Chap Stick, Keys, Leatherman multi tool. I have yet to find a "pocket mentalism" product that is worth carrying regularly to me. Nothing I have seen is more powerful/valuable to me than what I can do with nothing prepared. That's my motivation, though - if you want to carry buckets of stuff, go for it.
Christopher
Witch Doctor Psycho Seance book: https://tinyurl.com/y873bbr4 Boffo eBook: https://tinyurl.com/387sxkcd |
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