Pensory - Thought Writer

You hand a spectator a clipboard and pen, then turn away while they write down five names—starting with one person who has died, followed by four living individuals. They mix the names naturally on the page. When you return, you silently scan the sheet and cross out four names, leaving only the one they were thinking of—the deceased.

You begin by holding up a simple clipboard with a blank sheet of paper. You hand it, along with a pen, to a spectator and step away—or even turn your back.

You say: “In a moment, I’ll ask you to write down five names—people you’ve known, or at least people who are real to you. First write down a name of someone who is no longer alive. Then the other four will be people who are still living. Friends, family, co-workers… anyone at all. Keep them believable. Don’t make it obvious who’s who.”

You let them write all five names, scattered across the page, or stacked top to bottom.

Once they’re finished, you have them place the clipboard face-down and set the pen aside. You retrieve the clipboard and begin the reveal.

You look at the sheet of paper slowly, as though scanning for clairvoyant signals.

With deliberate focus, you begin crossing off names, one by one.

No questions. No hesitation. Until only one remains. The spectator confirms. It’s the name of the deceased. You close the clipboard, pause, and say: “Even in a list of the living, memory leaves a shadow.”

Key Points:
• Use any subject – Names, Shapes, Places, Cards, Dates...ANYTHING!
• You never look while they write.
• The spectator freely chooses all WORDS and their placement.
• No peeks, electronics, or suspicious moves.
• The reveal feels psychological, emotional, and deeply personal.
• Use any ball point pen, any paper, any clipboard
• Supplied with enough product for 100's of performances