As we got deeper into writing about mentalism, I figured I’d skip the research phase and bring in one of Degy’s top mind readers to co-write this with me. I assumed he could just pluck the blog out of my brain and save me the typing. Enter my friend, Eric Dittelman.
Eric has been one of the most successful mentalists to ever work the college market. I used to stare across the aisle at him in other agencies’ booths at conferences and say to myself, “Wonder what it would be like to have an amazing mind reader on our roster.” Somewhere, deep-down, I think he was reading my mind. So, when the opportunity finally arose when he became a “free agent”, we scooped him up faster than you could say, “I knew you wanted to sign me.” He’s been reading my mind ever since but says that my mind is mostly just full of dad jokes!
Take it away Eric…
This is the history learning part of the blog, head’s up.
Mentalism began taking shape in the late nineteenth century during the rise of the spiritualist movement. Mediums claimed to communicate with the dead, and séances became wildly popular. Performers such as Harry Houdini exposed these practices as trickery, but others saw their theatrical potential. Figures such as Washington Irving Bishop and Anna Eva Fay were the among the first to adapt these methods for live theater audiences.
By the early twentieth century, two-person telepathy acts were Vaudeville staples. In the 1940s, Joseph Dunninger brought mentalism to his weekly national radio program, openly admitting his use of deception. Across the Atlantic, UK performers like Chan Canasta, Maurice Fogel, and David Berglas became known for their psychological techniques and big publicity stunts.
Television helped take mentalism mainstream. The Amazing Kreskin and Uri Geller rose to fame in the 1970s. Max Maven, with his all-black wardrobe and dramatic flair, brought interactive mind reading to TV in the eighties and nineties. In the 2000s, UK mentalist Derren Brown rose to popularity with his television series solidifying the psychological approach to reading minds as an audience favorite. Today, mentalists appear on talk shows, streaming platforms, and some are even influencers (quite literally!)
Eric Dittelman (Ari taking some artistic liberty here since my co-writer doesn’t want to brag about himself, so I will!) helped introduce the genre to millions as the first mind reader to perform on America’s Got Talent, blending comedy, improvisation, and psychology for a new generation. That nationally televised moment helped expose mentalism to a broader audience and inspired countless viewers to see the art form in a whole new light. You can watch the AGT performance here to see how it all began. There Eric, I’ll just say it for you!
While both may appear to do similar things, the biggest different between a mentalist and a psychic is their what their claims are. Psychics say they have genuine supernatural abilities. Mentalists, however, are upfront about the fact that their work is solely for entertainment purposes. They use principles of psychology, suggestion, and observation to create the illusion of mind reading. There are no spirits involved, just finely tuned skills and years of practice.
This distinction matters to modern audiences. College campuses are one of Eric’s biggest markets. As you could guess, students value authenticity and tend to question extraordinary claims. Mentalism is transparent and ethical. Its impact comes not from belief, but from connection.
While mentalism is often portrayed as mysterious or serious, comedy has become a powerful tool for making it more accessible and engaging. Humor disarms skepticism, relaxes the audience, and invites people into the experience. When laughter leads the way, the mind reading moments feel even more surprising because no one sees them coming. It shifts the tone from “prove it” to “I can’t believe that just happened.”
Few modern performers, such as a certain mind reader who co-wrote this blog, have figured out how to weave the use improv and stand-up techniques into their mind reading to keep audiences laughing while being amazed. The result is a performance that is different every night and deeply personal to the people in the room. Especially, where energy and engagement matter, comedy helps mentalism feel like a uniquely shared moment where you had to be in the room to experience it together.
College audiences are curious, socially engaged, and constantly looking for new experiences. A mentalism show speaks directly to this mindset. It invites participation, encourages critical thinking, and generates real moments of wonder that students talk about long after the curtain closes.
Most mentalists are also flexible for all sorts of campus programming; the co-writer is, at least. Mind readers perform well in theaters, student unions, ballrooms, and virtual formats. A comedy mentalist builds instant rapport and keeps the audience involved through surprise, laughter, and moments that feel tailored to them.
At Degy Entertainment, we have seen mentalism shows succeed at many different types of events, which we’ll include below. It’s not only for those events focused on mental health and stress relief, but those are also great. It’s a great way to bond an audience together by learning about what one another is thinking and sharing laughs along the way. The versatility and energy these shows bring make them a great fit for schools looking to elevate their programming calendar.
Booking a performance is just the beginning. Here are ways to build creative programming around a mentalist:
Partner with psychology or theater departments to host Q&As or demonstrations about memory, decision-making, or attention. These sessions bring academic value into the entertainment experience.
Short, spontaneous mentalism sessions at student centers or outdoor spaces can create buzz before a full show. These work great as part of fairs, welcome events, or stress relief zones.
Comedy mentalism is a perfect way to energize new students. Interactive moments bring people together, make them laugh, and lower the pressure of those first few weeks.
Finals week mentalism events offer a refreshing break. Students get a mental reset and something fun to talk about that has nothing to do with exams.
Mentalists are a perfect bridge between generations. A comedy-driven mind reading show brings students, parents, and siblings together for a shared experience that’s engaging, easy to attend, and filled with laughter and amazement.
In an age when screen fatigue is real and attention spans are short, live performances that engage and surprise are more important than ever. Mentalism offers a unique combination of curiosity, connection, and fun. It’s not about convincing people that powers exist. It’s about showing them something that feels impossible and leaving them wondering how it happened. If you’re looking to bring something unexpected, clever, and interactive to your next campus event, mentalism might be the perfect fit.
Check out Eric Dittelman’s website, videos & mind reading experiences HERE.
To Book Eric or learn more about bringing a mind-reading experience to your space, contact the Degy Entertainment booking team.
Ari Nisman, President & CEO, Degy Entertainment
📞 Office: 732-818-9600 | Cell: 908-296-2874
Book Eric Dittelman for Your Next Campus Event
America’s Got Talent – Eric Dittelman’s Mind Reading Performance
History of Mentalism on Wikipedia