Simply put, the reward is small and the risk is great. Actually, people are in general more impressed and emotionally moved by the theatrical version than the real séance, and I don't blame them.

Usually a genuine spirit contact takes time...something most people, especially Americans, aren't willing to spend waiting for results. Theatrical effects are instantaneous and controllable, which brings up another point.

Sometimes a real spirit contact, in spite of hours of preparation and at least an hour of convocation, just doesn't happen. That won't fly for public demonstrations.

...And speaking of publicness, as a spirit medium, you simply can't trust people to behave. Most will, but the exception can cost someone their life, sanity or well-being -- and in the end, most folks will assume it's all a trick anyway.

Ultimately, at the end of the day, for public demonsrations, I go to the theatrical event. Real seances with real ghosts in front of uninitiated, skeptical and fearful spectators who might panic and react badly? No, thanks...it just isn't worth it.

gorby