What's on Your Mind?
David answers your questions about 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?"
I don't believe it's possible to actually read a mind -- at least not in the way people think of it. To me a 'mentalist' is someone who uses techniques, methods and experienced 'intuition' to understand what someone is thinking."
"What do you see as the biggest draws in a mentalism show?"
"This show 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 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 colour 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."
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 show. 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."
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?"
I don't believe it's possible to actually read a mind -- at least not in the way people think of it. To me a 'mentalist' is someone who uses techniques, methods and experienced 'intuition' to understand what someone is thinking."
"What do you see as the biggest draws in a mentalism show?"
"This show 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 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 colour 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."
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 show. 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."
Do you have a question that wasn't answered? Email David Thiel here.