Billet Work by Alexander Marsh, Ben Williams, and Casper Ryan

Created by: Alexander Marsh, Ben Williams, Casper Ryan

Billet Work is a foundational technique in mentalism where the performer secretly views information written on small pieces of paper (billets) by spectators, creating the illusion of mind reading, predictions, or psychic abilities. This close-up and parlour magic method allows for versatile applications, from intimate Q&A sessions to stage performances and TV appearances. Spectators see the mentalist handle billets naturally, often with no apparent sleight of hand, leading to revelations that seem impossible. Key aspects include techniques like the center tear, peeking, and various switches (e.g., billet shuttle pass, table-based switches), which enable the performer to access hidden information without detection. Buyers should know that billet work requires practice in natural movements, audience management, and sometimes specific conditions like lighting or positioning; it can be adapted for impromptu or prepared routines, with some methods involving consumable, non-inspectable billets that may need refills.

Key features

Versatile for close-up, parlour, stage, and TV mentalism
Includes techniques like peeking, switches (e.g., card and billet switches), and the center tear
Emphasizes natural movements and presentation to avoid detection
Can be integrated into routines like Q&A acts, predictions, and impossible locations
Some methods are mechanically easy with no sleight of hand required
Performance conditions (e.g., lighting, audience positioning) are crucial for effectiveness
May involve consumable billets or cards, requiring refills after multiple uses

Pros

Builds strong audience connections and creates genuine reactions
Highly adaptable to various performance environments and styles
Clear instructional resources available from experts like Alexander Marsh and Ben Williams
Can elevate a mentalist's career with practical, real-world applications
Offers a pure form of mentalism with high perceived impossibility

Cons

Some methods require specific conditions (e.g., good lighting, front-facing spectators)
Consumable elements (e.g., non-inspectable billets) add ongoing costs and limit souvenir giving
May need practice in skills like reading upside down for certain peeking techniques
Not all switches or methods are practical for impromptu situations due to preparation needs

Effect

Billet work allows a mentalist to know information written down by a spectator without the spectator realizing it. The performer can reveal a name, a number, or a thought that was secretly written on a small piece of paper, called a billet. To the audience, it appears as if the mentalist has genuine mind reading abilities.

Full details

Billet work is a method used in mentalism to secretly obtain information. A spectator writes something on a billet, which is a small card or slip of paper. The mentalist uses specific techniques to learn what is written without any obvious moves. Common techniques include the center tear, various switches, and peeks. These methods allow the performer to handle the billet naturally while gaining the information. The techniques can be applied in close-up settings, on stage, or for television. Alexander Marsh describes billets as the purest form of mentalism. The method focuses on natural movements to avoid detection by the audience.

Who should consider the trick

Billet work is for mentalists who perform close-up, stage, or TV shows. It is suitable for beginners learning foundational mentalism skills and for professionals seeking to refine their act. Magicians who want to perform question and answer routines will find billet work essential. Reid Ferry notes that billet work is valuable for street magic and organic close-up interactions. Sebastian mentions that mentalists looking to experiment with unique peeking methods may consider specific billet products.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The mechanical difficulty of billet work varies. Some techniques require no sleight of hand and are mechanically easy. Sebastian states that Casper Ryan's "Peek in Plain Sight" method is mechanically easy and requires no sleight of hand. However, performance conditions like lighting and audience positioning are crucial for success. Alexander Marsh emphasizes that natural movements are key to avoiding detection. Ben Williams teaches multiple switches in his project "5WITCH," with some switches being quick and easy, while others, like the table-based switch, require preparation. Learning to read upside down is often necessary for certain billet peeks.

What magicians say

Alexander Marsh shares that billets transformed his career and that mastering them can elevate a mentalism act. He says the masterclass covers techniques like cross-hatching and peeking.

Roo reviews Ben Williams' "5WITCH" and highly recommends it for card magicians and mentalists. He praises the practical, well-structured material and the clear teaching.

Sebastian reviews Casper Ryan's "Peek in Plain Sight" and rates it a 7 out of 10. He finds the method clean and well-produced but notes that the cards are non-inspectable and each performance consumes a card. He says performance conditions like lighting are important.

Reid Ferry includes billet work in his street magic essentials, noting its value for creating genuine connections with spectators.

RealMagic Review discusses billet work with Alexander Marsh, highlighting both technical and psychological aspects important for performance.

What people are saying about Billet Work

magicorthodoxy says...

Mentalism thrives on presentation over method—how an effect is framed, not just the mechanics.

RealMagicReview says...

Alexander Marsh's views on creativity and the ethical sharing of ideas offer a thoughtful commentary on navigating the modern magical landscape.

ReidFerry says...

Street magic demands awareness of lighting, noise, and space—choosing effects that work in confined or dynamic settings.

RoosReviews says...

Roo highly recommends 5WITCH, especially for card magicians and mentalists looking to expand their switching techniques. He praises Ben’s clear, efficient teaching and the project’s real-world applicability.

sebastiantoca9208 says...

The method requires a reasonably well-lit environment and ideally, spectators positioned in front of the performer, not directly behind. [...] He recommends it for mentalists looking to experiment with a unique approach but cautions against relying on it as a primary peeking method.

The1914 says...

Billets are the purest form of mentalism, according to Alexander Marsh. The course is designed to help mentalists build a career using billets.