What's on Your Mind?
David answers your questions on mentalism.
"Is there anything supernatural or occult in these shows?"
Absolutely not. These performances, close-up or on stage, won't offend anyone. There are no supernatural claims being made, nothing "spooky" is presented. It's a straightforward presentation of "mind reading as entertainment."
" Do you really read minds?"
People are going to believe what they believe no matter what I say. Some think it's all tricks...others completely believe it's real. My main concern is that people have a good time. So here's the truth: "I am a mentalist. I don't claim any supernatural or special powers. I've simply learned to use abilities every person possesses to create mysteries for your entertainment."
"What do you see as the biggest draws in a mentalism show?"
Mentalism is about people. It's about the things the memories they treasure...the things they care about. People (me included) are fascinated with other people. I'll often hear from the organizers of these events how interesting it was to learn things about their co-workers or fellow members. (Wouldn't you love to know what's number one on your boss' bucket list?)
Second: The whole idea of mind reading and mentalism is something people may have seen on television. But seeing it live is something very different. There's a dynamic at a live show that can't be described, an energy. It's different when the mind being read is yours...or someone you know.
"Is this entertainment 'Corporate friendly?'"
Absolutely. Corporate and convention entertainment are a very big part of what I do. I don't perform any off color material and no one ever gets embarrassed on my stage.
"What audiences is this form of entertainment best suited to?"
Mentalism is suited to any size of audience, because it's so very adaptable. It plays beautifully to small groups because it becomes a wonderfully shared experience. Large audiences enjoy mentalism because it's the perfect blending of surprise and...well...magic. I also really enjoy working "close-up" with audiences. You can see these emotions passing over their faces. I love all of it.
Regardless of whether or not it's a small or a large audience, my show really is about the journey. I don't want people to feel like they're sitting in the dark, watching a show. I want them to feel like they're a part of everything that's happening...because they are.
Do you accept every show?
No. I want ALL of my clients to be delighted. And what I do isn't suited for everyone. There are a lot of considerations. Groups that are big drinkers are not good candidates for my mentalism show, for example. I look at each show on an individual basis. If I accept the booking, then I'm satisfied I'm a good match for the group.
What are your stage requirements?
I need a floor mike on a stand which is hooked into the house system...and I need between six and eight chairs onstage. I bring my own headset. That's it.
What does it feel like to read a mind?
Ultimately, I think of it more as a thought transfer process...from your mind to mine.
Think of a radio. If the tuner's just a little off the station, you get a far off tinny sound and you can't quite make out the words. Or worse -- you just get static. That's the best description I can give. I have to attune my mind to yours. Sometimes it works perfectly...and sometimes it's simply not going to happen. That's what makes doing this so very interesting.
It often takes a while to get the thought. The word or picture comes to me in bits and pieces. Think of watching someone walk toward you in thick fog. At first you just see a shape. As they get closer, you can tell if it's a man or a woman. Closer? You can tell if they're young or old....fat or thin. And when they are right in front of you, you can see them clearly. That's what it's like...or the best description I can give anyway.
Do you have a question that wasn't answered? Email David Thiel here.
"Is there anything supernatural or occult in these shows?"
Absolutely not. These performances, close-up or on stage, won't offend anyone. There are no supernatural claims being made, nothing "spooky" is presented. It's a straightforward presentation of "mind reading as entertainment."
" Do you really read minds?"
People are going to believe what they believe no matter what I say. Some think it's all tricks...others completely believe it's real. My main concern is that people have a good time. So here's the truth: "I am a mentalist. I don't claim any supernatural or special powers. I've simply learned to use abilities every person possesses to create mysteries for your entertainment."
"What do you see as the biggest draws in a mentalism show?"
Mentalism is about people. It's about the things the memories they treasure...the things they care about. People (me included) are fascinated with other people. I'll often hear from the organizers of these events how interesting it was to learn things about their co-workers or fellow members. (Wouldn't you love to know what's number one on your boss' bucket list?)
Second: The whole idea of mind reading and mentalism is something people may have seen on television. But seeing it live is something very different. There's a dynamic at a live show that can't be described, an energy. It's different when the mind being read is yours...or someone you know.
"Is this entertainment 'Corporate friendly?'"
Absolutely. Corporate and convention entertainment are a very big part of what I do. I don't perform any off color material and no one ever gets embarrassed on my stage.
"What audiences is this form of entertainment best suited to?"
Mentalism is suited to any size of audience, because it's so very adaptable. It plays beautifully to small groups because it becomes a wonderfully shared experience. Large audiences enjoy mentalism because it's the perfect blending of surprise and...well...magic. I also really enjoy working "close-up" with audiences. You can see these emotions passing over their faces. I love all of it.
Regardless of whether or not it's a small or a large audience, my show really is about the journey. I don't want people to feel like they're sitting in the dark, watching a show. I want them to feel like they're a part of everything that's happening...because they are.
Do you accept every show?
No. I want ALL of my clients to be delighted. And what I do isn't suited for everyone. There are a lot of considerations. Groups that are big drinkers are not good candidates for my mentalism show, for example. I look at each show on an individual basis. If I accept the booking, then I'm satisfied I'm a good match for the group.
What are your stage requirements?
I need a floor mike on a stand which is hooked into the house system...and I need between six and eight chairs onstage. I bring my own headset. That's it.
What does it feel like to read a mind?
Ultimately, I think of it more as a thought transfer process...from your mind to mine.
Think of a radio. If the tuner's just a little off the station, you get a far off tinny sound and you can't quite make out the words. Or worse -- you just get static. That's the best description I can give. I have to attune my mind to yours. Sometimes it works perfectly...and sometimes it's simply not going to happen. That's what makes doing this so very interesting.
It often takes a while to get the thought. The word or picture comes to me in bits and pieces. Think of watching someone walk toward you in thick fog. At first you just see a shape. As they get closer, you can tell if it's a man or a woman. Closer? You can tell if they're young or old....fat or thin. And when they are right in front of you, you can see them clearly. That's what it's like...or the best description I can give anyway.
Do you have a question that wasn't answered? Email David Thiel here.