“I just wanted to tell you I read Epically Mental yesterday…F’ing Brilliant! What a worker this is. That one little change (the *****) makes this effortless and deceptive. And there is SOOOOOO much room for customization. But, as good as that all was, the other information in the manuscript about presentation, timing, etc. was priceless. Well done! One of the best purchases I have made this year.“
Marc DeSouza
“Oh my word. This is one of those “but of COURSE!” hallmarks of genius. I’ve been doing 4th dimensional telepathy for 15+ years. I might cycle it out in favor of this to close things out …No spectators on stage, clear applause cue? That’s all the fixin’s of a closer…“
Jonathan W. Pritchard
“I have wanted to add Mental Epic to my show for a long time but didn’t want to lug around a tricked out board and I just couldn’t justify a routine with a force. This really solves all those problems and the routine structure is gonna be so much fun to play with!”
Jim Barron
“Just read EPICALLY MENTAL….. This is diabolically EVIL! This is one of those great structures that allows for REAL originality”
Joe Diamond, Mentalist and mentalist on Fool Us
Let’s look at the challenges of the traditional 3 phase prediction, Mental Epic
CHALLENGE #1 The heart of the method is the one-behind principle.
That’s not a principle that can survive on its own. Historically, one cover for it was the gaffed mental epic board. But the board brings on another problem, the problem of “What the heck is that thing?”
SOLUTION #1: Finding the right wingman method for the one-behind principle. The cover must not only lead away from method, it must bring clarity to the process. It’s a combination of the right subtleties and the right presentation.
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CHALLENGE #2 Properly presenting and pacing the minutes until the predictions are read.
Three questions are asked. (Example: Name an animal. Name a city. Name a person. Etcetera.) Three answers are given. Only after this several minute process are the predictions revealed.
A three phase prediction is not an Invisible Deck.
Invisible Deck = Name a card. Look! It’s reversed.
Three phase prediction = “Think of an animal.” Magician writes something. “What were you thinking of?” …TIMES THREE! Then, after several minutes — not seconds — the predictions start.
Those minutes, when presented properly, can be a fun interaction that audience enjoys OR those minutes can draaaaaaaaag.
SOLUTION #2: Experience-based solutions and advice that guides you to create your style of interaction.
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CHALLENGE #3 Earlier methods incorporated a force. Later methods removed the force, but frequently added (How shall I put his?) a hiccup in the process. It’s like a quick detour was crammed into the last step to accomodate the lack of force.
SOLUTION #3: Eliminate the force without cluttering the process.
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CHALLENGE #4 If you’re going to be predicting, say, a person, a city, and an animal, why would you have your predictions labeled 1, 2, and 3??
Seriously! This is such a pet peeve of mine and it needs to be a pet peeve of yours! What did Vernon say? “Confusion is not magic.” Labeling three topic based predictions “One, Two, Three” instead of the names of the topics is CONFUSION!
SOLUTION #4: The props and method used in the routine should allow for easy, quick, and inexpensive customization to the individual performer’s needs.
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CHALLENGE #5 The climax of the usual Mental Epic is three reveals in a row. It’s repetitive and usually in a way that does not build to a climax or applause cue.
Of course, this is only a concern if you like things like applause and repeat bookings.
SOLUTION #5: Epically Mental has just the right kicker that pops the applause — that cues it, without begging for it.
Epically Mental turns challenges into solutions and turns solutions into entertainment.
You show a stack of 6×9 envelopes. Foot Diseases of the 13th Century is written on the front and back of the envelope. “Interesting topic, but unfortunately very people are still around from the 13th century. Probably because of the diseases.”
Another envelope is shown. Famous Butter Sculptures is written on the front and back of another one. “Sure, this is a great topic if your from rural Wisconsin, but it’s lost on the cosmopolitian folk …of Milwaukee.”
A few other oddly comedic titles can be shown. “But in the interest of inclusivity, I’ve settled on these three topics: Animal, City, Person.” The three labeled envelopes are displayed.
You ask an audience member to think of something (“a kind of animal”). You write your prediction down, and place it inside an envelope clearly labeled “Animal.” The volunteer then tells the rest of the audience his animal choice.
You do the same thing with two more audience member and two more predictions, even throwing in an additional prediction as a “bonus.”
After each prediction is made it is set aside, making revisions of a failed predictions impossible.
The stack of clearly labeled prediction envelopes is picked up.
One at a time each prediction is revealed.
Each predicition is spot on correct.
At the end, the Bonus Prediction transforms into a natural cue to POP the applause.
Six+ minutes of hilarious, interactive, amazing time on stage.
Epically Mental is a big chunk of my show.
It’s the personality piece that just keeps on giving.
WHAT YOU GET:
✔️A detailed illustrated ebook sharing the preparation, method, and a guide to creating the script for your performing character. We’ll talk about several presentational options. And as far as a preparations, I’m pretty sure a second grader with a little supervision could do this small bit of arts and crafts. (If you’ve successfully put a stamp on an envelope, you got this!)
✔️The graphics to print and label your envelopes. This is a much better approach than buying pre-printed envelopes. Like all paper products, envelopes need occasional replaement. Having the files on your computer allows you to easily print years of backups without having to make a new purchase.
✔️Want to downsize this to close-up? Easy peasy.
✔️Most importantly, while you’ll learn a very effective method, the book goes deep into what makes this trick actually play for a paying audience. How to shift from the build-up to the BOOM!
ONLY $69
Email with password protected link will be sent within hours (often minutes!) of purchase.