What is mentalism?

Mentalism is a style of performance where the entertainer appears to read minds, influence thoughts, and predict the future. Think of it as the grown-up cousin of magic. Instead of pulling rabbits out of hats, Jeff pulls thoughts out of heads (and sometimes puts them back in). It's interactive, fast-paced, and built around your audience rather than around the performer.

What is Jeff's show like?

Fun, funny, and built around the audience rather than the performer. Jeff makes people part of the show, predicts choices before they're made, and leaves the room genuinely puzzled. Reactions land somewhere between full-room laughter and the stunned silence that breaks into applause a beat later. People talk about it long after the event wraps up, and most have never seen anything quite like it. Or, as the Edmonton Journal put it: "You've never seen a show like this before." (You can also find more reviews from past clients and appearances here.)

How is this different from a typical magic show?

Mentalism doesn't rely on cards, doves, or tricks the audience has seen a hundred times. Jeff's performances are built around the audience's own thoughts, choices, and decisions, which makes every show feel different from the last. There's no cheesy patter, no top hat, and no moments of polite applause out of obligation. The show is designed to land with adult audiences who've seen the standard magic act and want something sharper.

Who is the show for?

Corporate audiences, theatre and ticketed-show audiences, fundraisers, galas, conferences, and similar adult-focused events. The content is clean and appropriate for any professional setting. There's no profanity, no risqué material, and no awkward moments for the executive in the front row.

The show is not designed for children's events, family-style entertainment, birthday parties, bachelor or bachelorette parties, or outdoor street-performer settings.

Who has Jeff performed for?

A wide range of corporate clients, theatres, fundraisers, festivals, and cruise lines. A short list includes TD Bank, Shell, Tim Hortons, Cunard, Princess Cruises, Bell Media, ATB Financial, Heidelberg Materials, Hudson's Bay Company, and Algonquin College, among many others. Audiences have ranged from intimate corporate dinners of 30 people to sold-out theatres of 1,000, across Canada, the U.S., Australia, and on cruise lines around the world.

How long is the show?

For corporate events, the standard is approximately 60 minutes. For theatres, casinos, and other events where the show is the main attraction, approximately 90 minutes is typical. Anything shorter isn't currently offered.

How big should our audience be?

Anywhere from about 20 to 5,000 people, depending on the sound and stage setup. Most corporate bookings land somewhere between 50 and 500. If your group is on the smaller side, the show won't land the way it should, and Jeff will be honest about that during the conversation. Groups larger than 750 may require special considerations or technical requirements, so if your event is large, get in touch with Jeff.

Will you travel to my event?

Yes. Jeff is based in Calgary, Alberta and primarily serves Western Canada (BC, AB, SK, MB), but he travels across Canada and internationally for the right events. Travel costs are typically built into the quote. Accommodation is usually arranged by the client; if you'd rather Jeff handle it, that gets added to the quote up front.

How far in advance should we book?

For peak season (November and December), 12 months in advance is not unusual. For the rest of the year, most clients book 4 to 6 months out. That said, if the date is open and the budget works, Jeff is happy to take a last-minute booking. The fastest way to find out is to ask.

How much does it cost to hire Jeff?

Most bookings range from $2,500 to $7,500 CAD, depending on the size and scope of your event. Unique requests, custom considerations, or extensive travel can push the fee above that upper limit, in which case Jeff will walk you through the numbers before anything is committed. The quote is usually all-in: GST, travel, and any payment fees are baked into the number, so there are no surprises later. Accommodation is the one piece typically arranged by the client, though Jeff is happy to handle it on request.

Send Jeff the details of your event, and we'll be in touch within one business day to set up a call.

What's included in the fee?

The performance, travel to and from the event, GST, and any payment processing fees. Anything beyond standard scope, such as accommodation, additional show segments, or unusual tech requirements, is discussed and agreed on in writing before the booking is confirmed, so the number on the quote is the number you pay.

What payment methods do you accept?

Credit card, e-transfer, EFT, or cheque. Credit card is preferred, with other electronic methods next, and cheque last. Full payment up front is the standard. If you need a deposit-and-balance arrangement, bring it up at the booking stage, and Jeff is happy to work with you on it.

What's your cancellation and rescheduling policy?

Plans change, and Jeff understands that. Cancellations made more than 8 weeks before the event are refunded minus a 10% administrative fee. Cancellations inside the 8-week window are non-refundable.

Rescheduling is easier. If you need to move the event to a new date, just let Jeff know. Any payment already made is held and applied to the rescheduled date, subject to availability. Once a booking is rescheduled, the fee becomes non-refundable.

What does Jeff require from our venue?

Standard event production: a sound system, stage area, adequate lighting, and a small backstage space for prep. The full breakdown, including specifications by audience size and a downloadable tech rider, lives on the Technical Requirements page. Jeff is happy to coordinate with venue staff or your AV team in advance.

What makes a great event setup?

A few things help the show land at its best.

First, the bar should be closed or paused during the performance. It cuts down on traffic, distractions, and keeps the audience focused. The bar can reopen the moment the show ends.

Second, the show works best when scheduled after dinner service. Plates, drinks, and water glasses moving around during a performance fight with the show for attention, and aren't safe for service staff trying to navigate an audience that's leaning in. It can also potentially pose a safety risk for Jeff and the guests or audience members involved in the show.

Third, seating should face the stage rather than surround it, with the front row about six feet from the stage edge. If your venue has a dance floor or empty space in front of the stage, fill it with seats for the show. Clear sight lines between Jeff and every seat in the room are what make the show feel personal, even at a distance. Banquet seating is acceptable, but it’s encouraged that guests facing away from the stage turn their chairs to face the performance.

Jeff is happy to talk through the specifics with your venue or AV team, and the full breakdown lives on the Technical Requirements page.

Do you customize the show for our event?

Yes, when it makes the event better. The show is polished and tested, so it doesn't need major changes to land with a specific audience. If there's a person, milestone, or message you'd like recognized during the show, just say the word, and Jeff will work it in. Deeper integrations (industry-specific themes, brand-tied storylines) are possible by request and can be talked through during the booking call.

Do you offer close-up or mingling magic?

Yes. Stage shows are Jeff's primary offering, but close-up and mingling performances are fully available, either as an add-on to a stage booking (a great fit for cocktail hours and pre-dinner receptions) or as a standalone option when the event calls for it. Jeff moves through the room performing close-up mentalism and magic for small groups at a time. Same polish, same impact, just at arm's length instead of from the stage.

Are you insured?

Yes. Jeff carries up to $5 million in professional liability coverage, and a certificate is available on request for venues or clients that need one on file.

How does booking work?

Three steps:

1.     Inquire. Send the details of your event through the Contact page. We'll be in touch within one business day to set up a call.

2.     Talk. A short call (usually by phone) with Jeff to confirm fit, work out the details, and answer any questions.

3.     Confirm. A Letter of Agreement and technical rider are sent for review and signature. Once payment is received, the date is locked in.

Can I see Jeff perform live before booking?

Sometimes. Jeff occasionally performs at public ticketed shows, theatre runs, and cruise contracts throughout the year. Check the Upcoming Shows page for what's currently on the calendar. For a closer look at the show without a ticket, see the next question.

Where can I watch Jeff perform online?

Jeff's demo reel is on the homepage at newmanmentalism.com, along with several show clips and audience reaction footage. For a wider look, Jeff’s video page or his YouTube channel has clips from past performances spanning corporate gigs, theatres, and cruise shows. If you want a specific clip that fits your event type (corporate, theatre, fundraiser, etc.), just ask, and Jeff can point you to the right one.

What should we ask any entertainer we're considering?

A few questions that separate the pros from the rest:

1.     Are you insured, and for how much? Most venues require it, and most professionals carry at least $2 million in coverage.

2.     Have you performed for audiences like ours? Specifics matter. Ask for examples of similar event types, company sizes, or industries.

3.     What's your tech rider? A real performer has a written one and is happy to share it before the contract, not after.

4.     What's your cancellation and rescheduling policy? Get the actual numbers in writing before you sign anything.

5.     What does the booking process look like? A clear process is a good sign. A vague answer is a warning.

6.     Who handles event-day logistics? The answer should be the performer (or a known associate), not "we'll figure it out on the day."

7.     Can we see a demo reel? A working entertainer should have polished footage ready to share without hesitation.

The good news: Jeff has direct answers to all of the above. Most are covered elsewhere in this FAQ; for anything else, ask him directly.

Why book Jeff?

A few reasons:

1.     Jeff is genuinely good at this. More than a decade of performing across Canada, the U.S., Australia, and on cruise lines around the world has earned him multiple festival awards and press coverage from the Edmonton Journal, Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Winnipeg Free Press, Orlando Sentinel, and others.

2.     The show is built for your audience. Polished, clean, and made for adult professional crowds. No cheesy patter, no awkward moments, and no risk of someone walking away unimpressed.

3.     He's easy to work with. Jeff arrives early, asks the right questions upfront, handles the logistics, and shows up ready. Booking him doesn't add to your to-do list; it removes it.

If that sounds like the kind of entertainment you want for your event, reach out and let's see if it's a fit!