How to go
What: Mind reader/comedian Eric Dittelman
Where: Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Cost: $30-$50
Tickets/more info: Call (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com
Eric Dittelman can’t wait to play with your mind.
The 29-year-old entertainer will perform his unique brand of mind reading and stand-up comedy Friday at the Victoria Theatre courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Projects Unlimited Variety Series.
In 2012, he wowed audiences on season 7 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” where he advanced to the semi-finals. In addition to appearing on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” he has studied improv with Upright Citizens Brigade, Improv Boston and Second City.
In advance of his appearance, the Massachusetts native and New York City resident explained the tricks of his trade.
Q. Can you describe your “America’s Got Talent” experience?
A. “It was really great. I’d been a fan since it aired. I watched almost every season to find out what was successful on the show. I figured any TV exposure would help my pursuits and the results I got were even better than expected.”
Q. You have trained with many esteemed comedy troupes. What’s the secret of performing stand-up or improvisational comedy well?
A. “Improv comedy is very in the moment. You really have to think on your feet. And my improv skills go hand in hand with mind reading. There are aspects of human behavior that simply makes improv funnier. It’s all about discovering why people do the things they do.”
Q. Why are you particularly intrigued or motivated by the mind?
A. “It’s all a little evasive but there is still the matter of connection. People seem to understand each other better through the mind in a way that is very different than daily interactions. Exploring someone’s subconscious is so fascinating.”
Q. What should audiences anticipate at your performance?
A. “Overall it’s a very interactive show. I’ll be bringing a lot of people up to the stage. I’ll be figuring out exactly what they’re thinking by influencing them to do things without them necessarily knowing I’m influencing them. My show is a combination of influence, magic and comedy all rolled into one. I want everyone to laugh and have a wonderful time. I understand the urge to try to figure everything out, but I hope the audience enjoys the wonder of it all. As we get older, we tend to lose those feelings of wonder but I hope those feelings wash over the audience.”
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