The
Classified Ads Prediction
This is an old standard
in mentalism, and yet I seldom see it used anymore. This is really strong
magic whether as part of a mentalism show or a magic program. A wonderfully
convincing demonstration of your psychic ability.
Presentation: An outstanding example of mentalism.
Can be used for the stage or parlor. I use one volunteer on stage and
one in the audience. A strip of classifieds is cut in a random place
and the mentalist reveals the the top line.
Gospel Presentation: I use this to demonstrate the
omniscience of God. How God knows every little detail of our lives.
A want ad often details a need of the advertiser. God knows our needs
even before we ask!
Effect: Show a sealed envelope to the audience. Place
it on a table or have an audience member hold it.The magician shows
a column from the classified advertisements out of a newspaper to the
audience. He announces that he is going to cut the strip in two, and
that he will let someone else tell him exactly where to cut it. The
magician tells them to say "STOP" while he moves the scissors
up and down. He gives them a chance to change their mind and cuts it
where he is told.
I use an audience member to do this. I have a volunteer on stage read
the first line of the newspaper strip.
Then a sealed envelope is picked up off the table and is an exact prediction,
word for word.
Secret: For this trick to really work right it is suggested
that you use very ordinary classifieds. No pictures or anything real
unusual. Cut a long strip out of the classifieds and cut the first article
or so off of the top. On a piece of paper, write down the first line
or two of the article on the long strip. Fold the piece of paper and
seal it in the envelope. Before beginning the trick, lay the envelope
down somewhere discretely. Hold the strip upside down and you can cut
it anywhere because the predicted line is on the bottom. Obviously you
don’t want to stand too close to someone while doing this trick,
but you might be surprised how close you can actually get. Look in the
mirror!
As an alternative, have a long column of an article with a picture on
top. By previously cutting off the article and glueing it to the headline
and perhaps a picture, it becomes a very convincing representation of
an unaltered article.
Emergency Toolkit: Put this one in your emergency toolkit.
When your props are lost or you are called on to do an extra show you
can put this together real quick.
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Dennis
Regling is a professional magician, author and lecturer. He performs
educational programs at over 250 elementary and junior high schools
every year. Additionally, he performs gospel magic programs at church
camps, Vacation Bible Schools and other church events. Dennis has authored
over 12 books for magicians. Dennis currently resides in Freeport, Ohio
and performs throughout the east and midwest.
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The
Performer's Notebook
