Drew Backenstoss LIVE ACT (Penguin LIVE)

“Drew is a consummate pro in all respects – meticulous about every aspect of his show, careful to establish and nurture the who, the why, and the how in a way that doesn’t simply deliver entertaining mentalism only, but allows you to experience true theater.” – Atlas Brookings

“I’ve only recently made the acquaintance of Drew, but I would already rate him as one of my favourite mentalism thinkers and creators. We share so much in common about our views of what performance mentalism should be that it’s almost as if our minds are really linked! I love ALL of his ideas and routines. Every single effect is a worker, he absolutely understands how to get the most entertainment and audience interaction out of every routine.” – Marc Paul

“Drew has definitely been the best kept secret in mentalism so far but this is about to change. In a time when everyone is looking for the next best thing and ‘cutting edge’ methods that sometimes have questionable results, Drew offers a combination of classic methods that have stood the test of time combined with clever subtleties to produce stunning and entertaining routines. Great material from a creator who is not only a brilliant thinker but an amazing performer as well.” – Manos

“I have shared ideas back and forth with Drew over the last few years and he really is a very clever thinker. Drew has a wonderful economy in his creation style and is able to squeeze a lot of bang out of very little effort from the performer. This is material designed for a working performer and so does not require mental gymnastics while under pressure.” – Mark Chandaue

And, just as importantly, here’s what some of Drew’s previous clients have said:

“Phenomenal show! It was incredible! Employees minds were blown away by his show and still talk about how ‘things’ happened! We had a goal this year to provide our employees with the best event they have been to in years (if not ever) and having Drew perform definitely helped us achieve that goal! One of the best shows and forms of entertainment I have seen!” – NICE inContact

“Drew’s performance is truly MIND BLOWING! I have never been so extremely pleased with a decision to hire someone in my life until I hired Drew for our company party! His performance at our Holiday Party was better than I could have ever expected. He was so entertaining, funny, and everything he did was seriously jaw-dropping. I am so proud and pleased with the decision to hire Drew, and would recommend him to ANYONE!” – ThumbTack

“Drew’s performance at our team member celebration was phenomenal. He incorporated a personalized corporate message (our company motto) into the finale that left everyone saying ‘how did he do that?!’ He was fantastic to work with from the time I requested a quote to the time he was at our event. His skills are truly unique and he is an exceptional entertainer.” – Dell-EMC

What will he teach?

Drew will present a 45-minute stand-up mentalism act, showcasing a performance that has captivated audiences nationwide for the past four years. Designed for corporate events with up to 900 attendees, this act is also adaptable for smaller settings, including universities and intimate house parties. Its scalability and versatility make it travel-friendly.

The lecture will primarily focus on the underlying structure of the act rather than just the methods. Participants will learn about establishing themes, character design, creating flow through callbacks, layering techniques, and strategies for enhancing impact and pacing. Additionally, Drew will share his 10 Step Process for Designing an Act, techniques for encouraging standing ovations, and business tips to maximize earnings from gigs.

Highlights of the act include…

KISSing PINs – A straightforward yet powerful method for ethically revealing a participant’s PIN. The audience will believe the participant generates a random PIN in real-time, while you reveal the digits in increasingly impressive ways, showcasing fundamental mind reading techniques. No pre-show, stooging, math, electronics, or peeks are involved, ensuring a delightful experience.

Obviously Influenced – A two-envelope “bank night” routine that leaves non-participants wishing they had joined in. This routine serves as a recurring theme throughout the show and culminates in one of the act’s climaxes. With unique methods and careful scripting, it guarantees a hands-off, gimmick-free experience.

Omni-test – This segment stands alone as a 10-15 minute act while also supporting the overall performance. It incorporates classic principles, engages multiple audience members, and delivers a series of captivating revelations. If you think book tests are outdated, this might change your perspective.

The Ultimate Trust Exercise (PERFORMANCE ONLY) – A signature piece of Drew’s that elevates the concept of Russian roulette. This act culminates in four astonishing moments of mind reading, leaving audiences inspired by the thought process behind it.

Solo-fab – A confabulation routine designed for solo performers, featuring visible predictions without secret writing or assistants. This approach allows for impactful performances in larger venues without the associated costs or complexities of traditional systems.

BONUS #1 – With your purchase, receive the comprehensive lecture notes used by Drew and Dan during filming. This guide complements the video content and provides additional insights into the discussed concepts. DON’T MISS OUT!

BONUS #2 – After filming, Drew invited Marc Paul to review the footage and provide feedback. The resulting hour-long Skype conversation covers stagecraft tips, troubleshooting techniques, and performance theory insights. This recording is available as a separate file on the download page, serving as a mini-lecture in its own right!

Who is he?

You may not have heard of Drew, and there are two reasons for that: he performs under a stage name (which he prefers to keep private) and has maintained a low profile within the magic community until recently.

With nearly 20 years of experience in magic and mentalism, Drew merges his passion for mystery entertainment with analytical skills from his finance education and acting background to create unforgettable experiences. His debut book, Architect of the Mind, has established him as a notable voice in the mentalism field.