Psychological 'Magic'

WitchDocIsIn

Elite Member
Sep 13, 2008
5,877
2,945
As someone who uses psychological techniques in every show and/or casual performance, I understand what you mean. It is thrilling when you start out and realize it's working. What I'm trying to say is that, in my opinion, what's important in magic is to give the audience a specific experience, whatever your goal 'experience' may be.

When we, as performers, worry more about a method that is thrilling to us, we risk weakening the experience for the audience. The best method is the one that most effectively conveys and/or creates the desired experience for the audience.
 

RealityOne

Elite Member
Nov 1, 2009
3,744
4,076
New Jersey
When we, as performers, worry more about a method that is thrilling to us, we risk weakening the experience for the audience. The best method is the one that most effectively conveys and/or creates the desired experience for the audience.

That is what I was trying to convey. Our goal should be what the audience sees. @Grant C.(1), I'm happy when my audience is entertained. Of course I like ingenious methods but only when those methods are the best method for the effect.

I think that part of the reason Banachek talks about psychological subtleties is that they are worked into larger routines where there is no fear of failure because you can explain it away as you continue with the routine.
 
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Josh Burch

Elite Member
Aug 11, 2011
2,966
1,101
Utah
I have read a lot of Peter Turner, and a lot of Fraser Parker's stuff.

Both use a lot of mechanical stuff. I like the thinking from a theory perspective but lots of their stuff becomes very difficult to actually perform. If you are looking at psychology and magic Kenton Knepper is a good starting point (I kind of feel like he oversells some of his products though).

If you like the idea of magic and psychology look into Psychology for Mentalists or Sleights of Mind.

http://patrickredford.com/product/psychology-for-the-mentalist-book/
http://www.sleightsofmind.com/

These books talk a lot about how psychology is used in magic.

There is also Sherlockian by Ben Cardel which uses a bunch of psychological methods.

http://www.murphysmagic.com/Product.aspx?id=55209

PM me if you are interested in Peter Turner's DVD set that was mentioned earlier. I'm looking to get rid of an extra copy.
 
Nov 25, 2016
31
10
24
India ,Cochin
Why not do psychological tricks using the audience, make them think their in control when actually you are ..... it need not be psychological literally but you can make it seem so at the very least
 
Mar 2, 2016
241
141
I have read a lot of Peter Turner, and a lot of Fraser Parker's stuff.

Both use a lot of mechanical stuff. I like the thinking from a theory perspective but lots of their stuff becomes very difficult to actually perform. If you are looking at psychology and magic Kenton Knepper is a good starting point (I kind of feel like he oversells some of his products though).

If you like the idea of magic and psychology look into Psychology for Mentalists or Sleights of Mind.

http://patrickredford.com/product/psychology-for-the-mentalist-book/
http://www.sleightsofmind.com/

These books talk a lot about how psychology is used in magic.

There is also Sherlockian by Ben Cardel which uses a bunch of psychological methods.

http://www.murphysmagic.com/Product.aspx?id=55209

PM me if you are interested in Peter Turner's DVD set that was mentioned earlier. I'm looking to get rid of an extra copy.

Thanks for the offer, but I prefer books.
 
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