We don’t need no steenking disclaimers…
Here’s an audio version of this article as if two hosts were discussing the contents…
And here’s the original text version as I wrote it…
One of the biggest (ongoing) debate topics in the mentalism community is whether or not you should use a disclaimer in your show.
A what? You know, say something so people know you don’t really have psychic powers. (I’m rolling my eyes right now.)
Should you make a disclaimer, should you not, should it be before your first effect, etc.
Recently I read this on a forum:
I feel that if/when you are asked if it is real, that is the time to share a disclaimer that fits you.
I can almost agree with this, except my performance doesn’t end when a trick is finished. I’m not a big believer in being “on” 24/7, wearing all black clothes and goth jewelry, raising one eyebrow mysteriously at people who look at you, but if I show someone an effect as part of a performance, that particular performance is for infinity, and not just for the few minutes I’m actively showing them.
Several years ago I ran a single-exhibit side-show at flea markets, etc., — not doing any tricks, just taking their money and letting them into the tent to see the exhibit. I played my part from the time the people saw my signs until they faded off in the distance. After they paid, looked at The Strange Thing, and then started walking away, some would turn back to me and ask, “Is that real?”
That’s where I should give a disclaimer, most people would say. The closest I ever got was to answer, “It’s real strange!” but most of the time I’d just smile, nod my head, and say “Yes.”
Because the show wasn’t OVER.
To give someone a “WTF?!” moment, either with a side-show exhibit or a mind-reading effect, and then pull the rug out from under them is doing them dirty. How are you helping them by saying, “Oh, it’s just a trick I bought at the magic store for 7 bucks! Haha!”
You don’t owe anyone a disclaimer if you are performing — especially if they KNOW you are performing. Your show is a built-in disclaimer.
I’ve heard the argument:
By using a disclaimer I’m helping them not to fall prey to someone who’s pretending to be a real psychic.
I seriously doubt you’re saving them. If anything, I’ll bet the spectator ends up thinking that you’re a magician, but THAT person is the REAL DEAL! Nobody is going to go throw all their money at a medium because you astounded them with B’Wave. All you’re doing is taking a moment of wonder and cheapening it at the least, and erasing it at the most.
There may be situations where a disclaimer is called for, possibly contractually, such as (so I’ve heard) what Banachek does in his show at The Strat, but I think those cases are few and far between.
Of course, it’s your show, you can give a disclaimer if you want, but I honestly don’t get it. (I will try to keep my eye-rolling internal; just know that it’s there. 😉 )
Am I completely off my rocker about this? I’d be glad to hear your opinion — use the comments below!
