Patrick Redford – Into the Fifth Dimension

Into the Fifth Dimension is a fresh take on the classic “Three Envelope Test” or “Fourth Dimensional Telepathy” that examines a combination of  methods that I believe move this plot of mentalism into new territories. Stop feeling like you’re both openly and secretly juggling props and strive to strip away all the unnecessary procedure and method and simply appear to read minds.

The three major stumbling points that exist in most existing variations are:

1.The need to divine each thought through a process where the performer must first receive mental impression but can not speak them out loud, then they record them on a large pad of paper or chalkboard but can’t immediately display them to the anyone, the performer MUST open and read sealed information to check his accuracy before allowing the audience to appreciate the skills of the performer as a mind reader. This verification process is slow, unnecessary, and dull. Especially when it must be done more than once!

Into the Fifth Dimension tackles this first issue head on. Once any of the three thoughts is divined, the appropriate numbered envelope with their corresponding card inside it may be completely destroyed or simply discarded. The information inside each envelope need never be removed or verified by the performer once the participants seal them inside. The envelopes stay on full display untouched by the performer and only disposed of after their thoughts are revealed. After all, we’re supposed to be reading minds not divining written information, right?

2. Often the third participant to be involved is asked to draw a simple drawing; this may only be done after the first two participants have recorded and sealed their thoughts into envelopes. Sadly, in most previous versions, this is necessary to a successful working method.

Into the Fifth Dimension offers a fresh approach that allows everyone to fill out cards at the outset of the routine and at the same time. These are then placed by the participants into envelopes and sealed. Each participant may write their initials across the flap once they’ve sealed it if so desired. The performer may now openly number each envelope “1,” “2,” “3” without any visual discrepancies. OR each participant’s name may be  written across the outside of each envelope making it clear which envelope contains whose “billet.” The participants may watch as close as they wish as there is no apparent discrepant numbering system involved.

3. Often the necessary procedure involved  having to construct special envelopes and secret gadgets that took too much time to reset before every performance. On stage I often felt like I was juggling too many props that unfortunately were required due to the methods employed.  My goal has been to strip away all that is unnecessary and favor subtly over sneaky sleight of hand or mechanical/electronic wizardry.

Running over sixty pages, Into the Fifth Dimension is a deep dive into the classic Three Envelope Test made popularized and honed by Bob Cassidy and Theodore Annemann. I explore my current favorite performing method alongside several previous iterations that I’ve used for the past twenty years.

As you already know, the true power of any routine isn’t how you gather the information, it’s how you deliver it back to your audience. Don’t worry, I will cover that too.

As long as we’re talking about the Fifth Dimension, here’s five more points of interest that you’ll smile about when using this system:

1. No pre-show work
2. No electronic gadgets
3. No impression devices
4. No complicated resets
5. No more dedicated pocket space for this one routine

The core method works in virtually any performance environment from stage to close-up.

If you’re a working mentalist, you wont want to pass on this.

Into the Fifth Dimension is a digitally delivered product that combines over sixty full pages of  written explanation. It includes access to a collection of videos that leaves absolutely no stone left unturned.