Hey guys,
I'm about to take my next big leap in the art of magic and mentalism. I've tirelessly been planning every single aspect of a mentalism show I've created. Belive me, I've thought of everything. But for some reason, I cant find a good suitable name. Could you guys provide some insight? It would be much appreciated.
Specifics
-Theme of show is to keep an open mind
-Theme of the show is to wonder. (No "wonder" cannot be the name)
-Show is mostly mentalism
-Its like a street mentalist act for 30 people. No unusual objects or props. All of it could be done on the street.
-I dress very urban, hoodie and jeans
-Its at night, in a small theater
Hope this helps. Thankyou
Ok, I highlighted the one line because you are wanting to do a "Mentalism Show" (act) so one would assume that you want to be a "Mentalist", No?
If that is the case GET RID OF THE TRICKS
Be a Mentalists not a magician doing a few mysterious bits that look/feel real in one place but stoops to sponge bunnies right after. Mentalism's biggest illusion is that of reality -- to be more than just magic tricks and if at all possible, not look anything even remotely close to being part of magic. That doesn't mean you have to do things esoteric or New Age-ish, only that you must create a situation in which your product leaves them wondering. That said there are a handful of banners you might want to weigh. . .
Illusions of the Mind allows you to challenge your audience to THINK and consider both, the fantasy of being "Psychic (ish)" alongside the ability to understand how easy it is to be duped by others. You would set-up a dynamic that allows them to see both sides of "the issue" without pointing them in either direction but, as the old timers said, allow them to come to their own conclusions (personally, I leave them hanging on a closing piece that really comes off as being 100% impossible and thus real. I don't want it to be too easy for them to think "trick" and I love leaving the skeptics with a little something that dusts their little brains).
What If? I love this title for a younger performer because it allows them to have that Dough Henning like bounciness in what they do; an excitement over the fantasy of having exceptional mental dexterity be it memory or some paranormal set of skills like TK, Clairvoyance, etc. Commercially I believe this is sound because it could play big if one were to hit up the area school & library markets; in simple terms the presentational angle of "what if" would allow the performer to make things like Math, Memory Improvement, Recitation, etc. FUN as well as EMPOWERING -- your act would actually encourage kids (and adults) to improve how their mind functions, revealing to them just how "Psychic" such things make the seem.
. . . if I were still performing I'd seriously consider this approach.
I will ward you away from one particular title
An Evening of Enchantment leads the pack in that mage and mentalist alike use it to death (myself included); it sounds elegant but because it is so commercial and generic, it's become anything but.
I'm certain there are other titles that are overly used I'm just not aware of them off hand. There is one very specific title I will kindly ask you to not use and that's
Mental Mischief, it's been mine for over 20 years.
If I knew a bit more about you, your style, scripting, etc. I could probably do you a better, more specific service when it comes to your question. The only thing I can really mention however, is that the title must be simple, easy to remember (as well as understand & pronounce) and MUST help set your audience up when it comes to curiosity & expectation. It's an art & science when it comes to labeling a product with trial & error at the forefront.
Best of luck
