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Mentalism

EntertainmentAlso: Mind reading

Performance that appears to read minds, predict choices and influence decisions.

Narrated walkthrough · 1-minute video
Read the transcript

Mentalism.

Performance that appears to read minds, predict choices and influence decisions.

How it works in practice.

Mentalism comes in three sizes.

Strolling, the mentalist works small groups like a close-up magician, but with thoughts and choices instead of cards.

In Ontario and the GTA.

The typical GTA range for 2026 is 1,500 to 5,000 dollars for a 30 to 45 minute stage set, with custom corporate pieces at the higher end.

If the performer asks for information about guests to personalise the act, share only what is needed and with the client's approval.

Worked numbers.

At the Harbour Gala, the mentalist goes on right before the paddle raise, which must finish before 9 p.m.

The act leaves the room focused and laughing, which is the state you want before an ask.

More detail, examples and common mistakes are on this page, below the video.

How it works in practice

Mentalism comes in three sizes. Strolling, the mentalist works small groups like a close-up magician, but with thoughts and choices instead of cards. On stage, a 20–45 minute set brings volunteers up for demonstrations of apparent mind reading and prediction. As a keynote or custom piece, the act is built around the client: a sealed prediction held by the CEO all evening, a forecast of the night’s fundraising total, a headline revealed at the end.

Because it relies on words more than props, mentalism suits sophisticated corporate rooms and holds attention without big staging. It does rely on audio. A wireless headset or lavalier for the performer and a handheld for volunteers are standard, and the room must be quiet: bar closed or moved, servers out.

In Ontario and the GTA

The typical GTA range for 2026 is $1,500–$5,000 for a 30–45 minute stage set, with custom corporate pieces at the higher end. If the performer asks for information about guests to personalise the act, share only what is needed and with the client’s approval. Under PIPEDA, personal information should be collected for a stated purpose with consent, so do not forward a full guest list with titles and contact details.

Mentalist on a conference stage with a seated volunteer

Worked numbers

At the Harbour Gala, the mentalist goes on right before the paddle raise, which must finish before 9 p.m.

Time Cue
8:10 Mains cleared; MC introduces the mentalist
8:12 Mentalist set, 25 minutes, headset mic
8:37 Final prediction revealed; hands back to MC
8:40 Paddle raise, 15 minutes
8:55 Thank-you and dessert service

The act leaves the room focused and laughing, which is the state you want before an ask. A finale tied to the cause, such as predicting the first pledge amount, connects the two.

Questions to ask

Mentalist handing a sealed envelope to a volunteer
  • Can the act be tailored to the client, and what do you need from us and by when?
  • How do you choose volunteers, and how do you make sure no one is embarrassed?
  • Are any topics, such as health, money or relationships, kept out of the act?
  • What sound and lighting do you need, and how long is the set?

Related tools

Draft needs with the performer tech rider template and place the set with the run-of-show template. See also headliner.

Why it matters

Works for sophisticated corporate audiences and scales from strolling to keynote-length sets.

Example

A mentalist predicts a CEO's chosen headline sealed before the event.

Common mistakes

  • Booking a mentalist for a young children's party

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