Experience the Thrill of the Mind with Mentalist Brett Barry’s Rollercoaster Show!

The Sedona International Film Festival is set to feature a unique performance by renowned Phoenix mentalist Brett Barry on Wednesday, September 18, at 4 p.m. This performance marks Barry’s exploration of Sedona, a locale he believes is ripe for mentalism entertainment.

“I’ve had my eyes on Sedona for a long time,” Barry noted. “These types of shows seem to be a bit of an unexplored thing in Sedona for some reason. It seems like a natural place for this type of mind-reading show.”

Mentalism diverges from traditional magic by relying on psychological skills to reveal hidden information rather than manipulating physical objects. Barry emphasizes that his show is interactive and engaging for the audience. “People will be asked to think of things—maybe a favorite pet or someone that they love—and somehow I know what they’re thinking in many cases,” he explained, clarifying that his performance is solely for entertainment.

Describing himself as a psychological illusionist, Barry differentiates his act from typical magic shows. He incorporates humor, but it arises organically from audience interactions rather than scripted comedy. “If you bring people up on the stage who are having a good time, everybody’s having a good time,” he asserted. He actively seeks out participants who exhibit openness and joy during the show.

Barry underscored the importance of audience involvement. “If I ask someone to come up to the stage, it’s not an optional thing,” he stated, ensuring that participation is dynamic and respectful. He intentionally avoids using hypnosis, noting that the evolution of technology makes traditional methods increasingly effective in captivating audiences.

His unique approach is informed by years of experience, including training with an ex-CIA director, who incorporates mentalism as a hobby. “The more that technology evolves, the more that analog methods become the most useful and fooling to an audience,” Barry shared.

Barry likens his craft to cooking, where understanding how to blend ingredients is crucial. “A good cook understands how to combine ingredients,” he said. This analogy extends to his performance, where the varied techniques he employs are carefully mixed to create an engaging experience.

Additionally, Barry recognizes that the essence of his mentalism can include guiding audience decisions, although he prefers to create an environment where their choices feel genuine. “I think it makes for a much more interesting show when people can make what appear to be free decisions,” he explained.

His personal journey also plays a significant role in his artistry. “Dyslexia has an effect on the way that I see things,” he admitted, suggesting that this perspective informs his mentalism work. The influence of his grandfather, a former comic actor, can also be felt in his performance style.

Barry’s transition into mentalism was a culmination of his lifelong passion for magic and mystery, pivoting from a 25-year career in residential real estate. He reflects, “Those types of real estate lessons, understanding people and anticipating their decisions,” have enriched his performance abilities.

After a recent visit to the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, Barry saw the potential for his act to flourish. “This would be an ideal venue for a show,” he recalled mentioning to his wife. He aims to foster a lasting relationship with the Sedona audience, with aspirations to perform regularly.

Scheduled to return on November 24, Barry plans to offer fresh content with each appearance. “The show that I’ll do in September will be probably 80% different than the show that I do in November,” he confirmed.

Ultimately, Barry aims to deliver an experience that goes beyond mere tricks. “The goal is not just to create these puzzles; it’s to create a ride,” he concluded. “I want to create something that feels like a rollercoaster ride.”