Learn From A Living Legend

Quick — name the mentalist with the longest-running television show in history.

If you guessed “Kreskin,” you’re mistaken. His series aired on Canadian television in the 1970s for just 5 years, totaling 90 episodes.

The correct answer is “Dr. Charles Scott,” who created and starred in the weekly program MIND PROBE, which aired in the Kansas City area for over a decade, amassing more than 500 episodes.

Consider this: over 500 live performances before an actual audience, without rehearsals or editing — everything was executed in real time. More than 15,000 people attended the show, many returning multiple times and bringing friends and family.

This level of engagement wasn’t an isolated incident for Dr. Scott. Recently, he performed in a 100-seat cabaret venue for 20 weeks, consistently drawing standing-room-only crowds without any media advertising.

The Secret of Dr. Scott

What creates such loyalty among Dr. Scott’s audience members?

One of his secrets lies in his authentic connection with audiences. He is neither overly humble nor arrogant; he simply presents his abilities without embellishment. Attendees leave feeling they’ve witnessed extraordinary talent paired with a down-to-earth demeanor. This approach, which Dr. Scott calls “the Velvet Glove vs. the Iron Fist,” is crucial to his success and should be considered by every performer.

Would you find it beneficial to observe someone deliver mentalism in a natural, relaxed manner while maintaining a high level of professionalism? That’s precisely what you’ll experience in the two-disc set of The CICARDI PROJECT, Volume 1.

The first disc features a complete one-hour episode of MIND PROBE, showcasing Dr. Scott’s introduction, his ability to establish rapport with the audience, and six professional demonstrations that highlight “the power of the mind,” including:

• Tossed Out Deck ala Cicardi
• Cicardi’s Three Envelope Test
• ESP Card Demonstration
• Psi-Grafico
• Pure Thought Reading
• Blind-fold Q&A

Many modern mentalists have a different approach to their performances. A recent “reality show” featuring mentalists prompted a friend to comment, “Yeah, we watched a few minutes of that … they’re trying to find the next big magician, right?” This reflects a common misconception.

What’s often lacking in instructional DVDs is the genuine connection a mentalist should forge with their audience. Dr. Scott excels in this area, employing straightforward techniques to create astonishing effects.

His humble yet commanding presence allows him to perform boldly without raising suspicion. Millard Longman remarked after seeing Dr. Scott, “He draws me in effortlessly; he’s easy to watch. He’s soft-spoken yet authoritative, and his unassuming nature makes his miracles all the more impactful.”

While you may think this is unique to Dr. Scott, his insights can help you achieve similar results with your own audiences.

An Afternoon with Dr. Scott

Watching Dr. Scott perform these straightforward mentalism demonstrations is enlightening, but imagine the added value of sitting down with him for an in-depth discussion about his presentations. That’s exactly what you’ll find on the second disc of this 2-DVD set, which includes nearly two hours of explanations and insights to maximize your learning experience.

You’ll discover Dr. Scott’s simple methodology that allows you to focus on presentation while cleverly concealing the mechanics behind the effects.

He shares his unique adaptation of the classic Tossed Out Deck, leaving you to wonder why this approach hasn’t been more widely adopted. After learning his version of the Three Envelope Test, you’ll understand why seasoned professionals have expressed concern over its disclosure.

While Dr. Scott respects the work of other creators and refrains from revealing the specifics of the ESP card demonstration from MIND PROBE, he offers an even better routine that can be performed anytime, anywhere.

If you’re already familiar with Psi-Grafico, you’ll appreciate Dr. Scott’s insights into both the fundamentals and the subtle nuances that elevate this presentation to a highlight of your performances. One viewer noted, “I thought I knew Psi-Grafico, but this opened my mind to possibilities I’d never imagined.” Dr. Scott explains how to adapt Psi-Grafico for various audiences.

Regarding the Blindfold Q&A segment, it’s important to note that Dr. Scott does not reveal its workings on this DVD, as that will be covered in The CICARDI PROJECT Volume 2. However, he emphasizes the essential elements of the Q&A act — how to engage with audience questions, handle difficult inquiries, and ensure every member feels included.

Anyone can don a blindfold, but without understanding the intricacies of a Q&A performance, it can quickly become a disaster. Dr. Scott’s approach, honed through years of real-world experience, transforms the Q&A into a powerful component of your act.

A Rare Opportunity

Previously, the only way to view a MIND PROBE show was through a friend who had a bootlegged VHS copy. This episode, however, comes directly from Dr. Scott’s private collection, sourced from the original studio master tapes.

A select few full-time professionals have invested considerable resources to train one-on-one with Dr. Scott. Some of their names are well-known, while others prefer to remain active on the road rather than in online forums.

While I typically hesitate to use testimonials in promotional content, this statement is worth noting:

Professional mentalism transcends merely knowing secrets. If that were the case, countless individuals with YouTube channels would be appearing on television nightly. The reality is that knowing the secrets to every routine is futile if you can’t connect with your audience — and that’s perhaps the most vital lesson Dr. Scott imparts.

This two-disc set features time-tested ESP demonstrations performed for a live studio audience, showcasing Dr. Scott’s expertise. Alongside the live performance, you’ll gain access to a candid discussion about what constitutes a professional mentalism show, including everything you need to create a full one-hour performance using easily sourced props.

Imagine a complete one-hour show in front of a live audience, plus nearly two hours of insights from Dr. Scott. This DVD set is an invaluable resource for any modern mentalist. If you aspire to model success, Dr. Scott provides a relatable example of how to engage with audiences authentically, avoiding the superficiality that often characterizes many performers today.

For Professionals Only?

What does a professional comedian pay for a single joke?

Or, how much does a professional singer invest in one song?

Yes, The CICARDI PROJECT, Volume 1 is priced higher than your average magic or mentalism video, but it offers far more than just new routines. It could be the key to developing a genuine onstage persona rather than merely imitating the cookie-cutter presentations that many believe define mentalism.

From one perspective, The CICARDI PROJECT, Volume 1 is indeed for professionals.

However, as you likely know, it’s easier to cultivate good habits than to break old ones. Wouldn’t it be beneficial for every beginner to watch this DVD?

Ultimately, regardless of your skill level, you’ll gain valuable insights from observing a professional in action. Dr. Scott is a consummate expert with lessons to share for everyone.

The Disclaimer

For full transparency, it’s important to mention that while the MIND PROBE program on Disc 1 was produced in a professional studio, the interview with Dr. Scott was a straightforward one-camera shoot without any frills. If you’re seeking L&L quality, you might want to look elsewhere.

The MIND PROBE program does contain a segment with faint, unrelated audio that bled into the tape during the original studio recording. While it may be slightly distracting, it does not obscure the main audio track and lasts only a few minutes.