“I gained invaluable insights into scripting and character development from Christian and Katalina’s show—more than I ever did from years of reading books and consuming downloads. This isn’t just a one-off trick lecture; it’s a resource you’ll revisit time and again. It’s rare to find experts like Christian and Katalina who excel in both the performance aspects (scripting, effect selection, audience engagement) and the business side (marketing, customer service, creating a profitable show) of the entertainment industry. They share knowledge that can only come from extensive experience.” – David Corsaro

“I jokingly wish I could ‘poison’ Christian for releasing Poison—it’s such an incredible trick! Grab this before he realizes what he’s unleashed.” – Steve Bargatze

“When you think of ‘the Mentalist,’ do you picture a stuffy old man in a top hat? Christian and Katalina redefine that stereotype with their captivating and mind-bending performances. If you want to enhance your mentalism repertoire, look no further than their Penguin lecture. You won’t regret it.” – Eric DeCamps

What Will They Teach?

30 Seconds: Engage your spectator in a card selection process where they call out “stop” at any moment. The card they stop at reveals a special message predicting their choice, demonstrating their freedom in selection.

Painter’s Poker: A stunning mind-reading effect where a spectator remembers a card from a small packet. After shuffling, you can accurately identify the card they merely thought of by reading their voice and expressions.

Pandora’s Box: A mind-boggling prediction trick where a spectator shuffles a deck, then selects a word from another deck. This word is used to spell down to a card they shuffled, which matches a prediction kept in an envelope throughout the performance. This effect also allows for a psychic reading, enhancing the overall experience.

PDQ: An astonishing routine where audience members write down random words on cards. Even with her back turned, Katalina can identify the chosen word each time, creating an experience that feels like genuine mind reading.

Poison: A captivating performance piece inspired by an 18th-century game involving poison. Using envelopes, this routine combines elements of Russian roulette and bank night, resulting in a fun and mystifying experience.

Say Cheese: A close-up prediction effect where you write down a prediction of the words three different spectators will choose. Despite their varied selections from a stack of note cards, your single prediction matches all of them perfectly.

Touch Stones: A highly entertaining routine where a spectator selects a stone from a handful while you write down a prediction. You accurately predict not only the color of the chosen stone but also the hand it’s hidden in, making it seem impossible.

Who Are They?

Christian and Katalina are a dynamic duo based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

With a decade of experience, they have performed at over 1,200 college events and have held a residency at the downtown Hilton Hotel, showcasing their talents in 1,000 shows.

They are proud recipients of the Milbourne Christopher Award for Mentalism and the Anneman Award for their contributions to the field. Recently, they received the Lou Gallo MVP Award at 4F (Fechter’s Finger Flicking Frolics). Christian was also honored with the Leslie P. Guest M-U-M Award of Excellence for his insightful writing in the “Mental Breakdown” column, along with his “Working in the Real World” column, now published by Michael Close.

Where Can You See the Greatest Creators and Performers Share Their Professional Magic Act?

Only at Penguin LIVE!

The world’s top magicians spend years perfecting their acts, and magic enthusiasts rarely get the chance to uncover the secrets behind the incredible performances of the pros. Penguin Live Acts offers exclusive access to the industry’s biggest names, revealing how to execute their powerful material.

First, you’ll witness the full show performed for a live audience. Then, you’ll go behind the scenes to learn about the routines and the essential secrets of building an act that can take decades to master. Many insights shared have been kept secret for years, and you can only learn them at Penguin LIVE!