Zoom Class Details:
Class Dates: 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26
Day: Sundays
Time: 12p (PCT) / 3p (EST)

Jan Forster: "PBR in Mentalism" (Principles, Basics and Routines in Mentalism)

The goal is to teach and learn at least one routine in each lesson. Within the routines fundamental basics and principles of mentalism are taught; these are techniques that can of course be used in other contexts, in other routines or in already existing and/or executed routines. The idea behind this is Jan Forster's firm belief that a learning process along concrete examples is much more effective and less along mainly theoretical discussions. This approach will provide a much deeper understanding of mentalism, improve your skills and performance and change your thinking forever.

In addition, Jan Forster teaches all the important details of why, when and how in planning and building your own routines and sharpens your eye for the importance of details and subtleties that will greatly change the overall perception by your audience.

Class 1: "The Name"

Within this routine we explore possibilities of different endings (which all look planned, not meant: “outs”), using simple card sleights with business cards (but they do not look like sleights!), a very seldom used technique for a completely undetectable peek, we discuss possible cleaning up procedures (which are not always necessary, but possible) and a lot more about subtleties and audience management. You do not need to follow and to understand, but you could have at hand: Some business cards, some coin envelops (#3), a pencil or pen, a pair of scissors.

Class 2: "Who and Where"

The use of wallets of all kinds in general and peek wallets in particular. You can and should use what you have, but it must be done the right way. "Who and Where" is a completely different approach from Bob Cassidy's great "Name and Place" in that you get a minor effect and a major effect, with the minor effect not only providing justification for all that you seem to be doing, but giving it meaning from the start. The final mind reading then comes as a big surprise, out of the blue. So, we talk also about constructing routines, peeks and the correct timing. You do not need to follow and to understand, but you could have at hand: Any Peek Wallet, a few business cards and a pen.

Class 3: "Double Mind Reading"

This is Jan’s brand-new version of one of his pet routines. This is how real mind reading would look like. And within this routine you will learn so much, including dual reality, miscalling and writing, different sorts of anagrams, switches, answering the never disappearing question “why write it down?” and so much more.

You do not need to follow and to understand, but you could have at hand: A few coin envelops (#3), 2 or 3 pencils, a few business cards, a pair of scissors, optional an X-Acto knife.

If we dive deeper, you might have at hand (optional) also a piece of cardboard and some double sided (Scotch) tape. We will provide for you also downloadable templates if you want.

Class 4: "Playing Cards and Apps"

There is nothing wrong with using them in mentalism, but the question is how, when and

how often. The main concept is to (always) bring an "analog technique" into play as well. Only this will work wonders, provoke thoughts that lead away from technical thinking or possible explanations, provoke subtle explanatory thoughts that are mutually exclusive and leave a speechless spectator who simply cannot get an explanation for what he is experiencing. There are things you can do with a deck of playing cards, but also things you should never do. And you will learn more than one blockbuster… and a bonus routine.

You do not need to follow and to understand, but you could have at hand: A deck of playing cards, your mobile phone, optional any marked deck.

Class Policies

It is mandatory that all students have a working video camera and leave it on for the duration of each class.

These sessions are not to be recorded. Please do not use Zoom’s recording feature, or third-party recording software to store these classes for later viewing.

Registration can be cancelled or changed until 5 days prior to the class start date. If you are purchasing classes as a gift, it is your responsibility to inform us of the recipient’s name during checkout or by emailing support@penguinmagic.com. Late cancellations, transfers, name changes cannot be accommodated after the cancellation/change cutoff date.