Before the show, ask one of the spectators to draw a simple

design or picture, seal it in an envelope and keep it with

them. Later during the show, you invite them to think about

the picture and after some concentration you draw

something on a notepad. You ask the spectator to open their

envelope and reveal the drawing they made. You spin your

notepad around to reveal a matching drawing.

You need to make a gimmick to achieve this effect. You need one

of those clipboards made of cardboard with a plastic coating. Black

is best. You can find these in most cheap stationers. Using a sharp

craft knife, carefully cut along the bottom of the clipboard to form an

opening across the whole width.

Next take a piece of carbon paper and tape it to a sheet of A4

paper at the top. Slide this into the flap in the clipboard until it is

completely inside. Now glue the flap shut and using a black marker

pen, color the cardboard to match the plastic on the clipboard. The

gimmick is ready.

When you ask the spectator to make a drawing, give them the pad

with a couple of sheets of paper clipped in it and a fairly short

pencil. A shorter pencil forces them to press harder on the paper,

thus creating a clearer carbon impression on the hidden sheet

inside.

In secret before you begin your show, peel back the plastic and

carefully remove the paper inside. The spectator’s drawing will be

clearly visible thanks to the carbon paper.

Most people will draw something simple like a house, a car or a

face - so it shouldn’t be too difficult to remember. However, it

doesn’t matter if you get it slightly wrong - in fact, it may even look

more like real mind-reading.

 

Remote Viewing - Performance Tips

 

Remote Viewing is ideal as the second effect in your act. After

wowing the audience with your first illusion, you explain how you got

one of them to make a drawing beforehand and ask them to

produce the envelope. Hold it up to your forehead for a while then

announce “No - I’m not getting it - let’s try something else.” Place

the envelope somewhere in full view and never touch it again. Move

on to some other illusions. You can then reveal the drawing much

later as your penultimate effect, even having another couple of

failed attempts during the show as a running gag.

On the subsequent attempts, just stare at the envelope rather than

holding it and again announce that you’re still not getting it and

move on.

Alternative methods for doing this type of experiment include

observing the tip of the pen or pencil as the spectator makes their

drawing to learn what it is and even special electronic clipboards

that transmit the drawing to the performer, who views it on a tiny TV

screen.