Jan Forster - Back to school

4 Minds Conference 2017 – Newcastle, United Kingdom, July 1st – 2nd, 2017 Effect Three spectators - one lady and two gentlemen - are asked to come on stage. Each of them receives a pencil and a coin envelope with each envelope containing a small folded filing card. The spectators take the cards out of the envelopes and are asked to jot down a thought related to their school days: spectator #1 visualizes a phrase his teacher once has written on the chalk board and then secretly decides on any word from that imaginary blackboard which he writes down. The second spectator (the lady) is asked to revive the moment of her first ever kiss, to remember maybe her age at that time but - most importantly - the boy's name, which she then notes down. Finally, the last spectator draws a simple sketch like they did in art classes back then. All participants themselves fold their filing card and put them back into envelopes which they immediately seal. Whilst all this is done the performer stands far away, touching nothing. In fact, only 3 pencils, envelopes and filing cards are in play, all regular and unprepared. Lastly, the envelopes are labeled with the names of the three participants for later distinction and handed over to a fourth participant for keepsake (really, no switch whatsoever!) The performer then reads one mind after another, recording his impressions on a large sketchpad. Upon opening the first two envelopes one after another, it is proved that the performer was indeed correct so far. The corresponding spectators leave the stage, the lady even takes the envelope, card and performer's notes with her so she will be able to show it to her first love - should the opportunity arise someday.? However, the last spectator's envelope is left shut; having consented to replicate his drawing once again, the third envelope is left on the table and the spectator stands next to the performer, back to back, and simultaneously they both start drawing... When the pads are turned around and disclosed the sketches do match indeed! Finally, both sketches are autographed by the 'artists' and exchanged between performer and spectator.