by Jerry Valley
Yes…yes, we do have some idiots running around doing horrendous stage show, but isn’t this true of just about any profession? Sometimes these “performers” are busier than those that do clean, family oriented shows. Well, this is America and this is free enterprise. Actually, I take my students to these “R” or “X” rated shows so they can see what NOT to do. So, let’s get on with why stage hypnosis is an extremely viable career and excellent method for increasing private practices.
What’s happening now in the year 2000 is that the exposure of hypnosis via the stage is more than ever, calling the public’s attention to a viable and powerful source within a person that can be tapped for greater achievements. When people watch others perform out of the norm, they begin to see a “power” that might be of use within them. Many will pursue and seek out a local hypnotist for help. Of course, we have fun on stage, but we also endeavor to treat subjects with courtesy and respect yet, at the same time, unleash their innermost, hidden talents.
There are more stage hypnotists performing now than in any time in history…and why is that?
The hypnosis show has charm, wide appeal and lets the audience in on what is going to happen. The audiences love it! They love to be “in on it.” Nothing is funnier than audience participation. Art Linkletter had a television show called “People Are Funny.” He would put people into funny skits, like we do, and just give them some room to become someone who they normally are not. When people are put into funny situations, it is amazing what they come up with. Art literally gave them a “license to perform.”
When people volunteer for a show, they put into the stage hypnotist’s hands their most prized possession………..their minds. If the hypnotist is ethical and professional, he/she does everything to ensure that the subjects, as well as the audience, have a great time.
Therefore, we as stage hypnotists have the duty to perform and enthrall those audiences. If in the process, we are able to convince a few skeptics, then we have a bonus.
These are the great stage hypnotists that have influenced me in developing the show that I had the pleasure of performing on the award-winning television show “20/20.”
Sam Vine, who passed away in 1992, was perhaps the finest stage hypnotist that I have ever had the pleasure to observe, follow and “borrow” routines from. Sam was my mentor and friend. He had a unique quality in that he never presented any magic or jokes, just pure and simple hypnosis. He had the ability to put subjects deeper and more quickly into hypnosis than anyone I have even seen. He used to say to me “Jerry, if you are going to be my competitor, then I want you to be really good!”
Ormond McGill, my friend and teaching associate, has traveled the world as the premier hypnotists while also presenting his magic show as well. He has appeared before thousands internationally and has the most prominent reputation in hypnosis. I first read Ormond’s book “Encyclopedia of Stage Hypnotism, in 1969 and then in 1987 had the unique pleasure of meeting him at a California convention. Since then, Ormond and I have become very good friends, partners and associates. His books reveal a person who is very much caring about his subjects and it is quite evident in his shows. Ormond has been around a long, long time, has authored many, many book on hypnosis and has more experience and knowledge of stage and clinical hypnosis than anyone I know…he also is a great guy!
Pat Collins, wonderful stage hypnotist in California, had such funny, funny shows and yet done in good taste. A bit risqué’ but nevertheless quite acceptable. Pat passed on some years ago but she was featured on the “I Love Lucy” show and did a great job. I never had the pleasure of meeting her, but I understand that she was quite an enjoyable person.
I remember some 35 years ago, I was watching a female hypnotists and stripper (what a combination) who actually was a male previously. I was shocked at what she did to one subject. She had him do a strip tease and got him disrobed down to his shorts! Then, while standing there only in his shorts, she brought him out of hypnosis much to his dismay. Another unbelievable thing she did at the end of the show was to slap him in the face to “wake him up.” If you are a hypnotist, you know that this type of “shock” awakening is taboo. At any rate, I sat with her after the show and discussed her performance and her awakening method. She admitted that she had very little training in hypnosis and also agreed that she would utilize more pleasant awakening methods. She is now a designer in Las Vegas.
Then, in and around 1972, there was the “Topless” hypnotist performing in Boston somewhere near Fenway park. She was about 25 years old and very beautiful. Her show was great. After the show, and fully clothed, we sat down and had a discussion. I said to her “You know, you are really a great stage hypnotist. Why cheapen the show by doing it topless? And isn’t it difficult for the male subjects on stage to close their eyes with your beauty before them.” She said that that was her gimmick and that she had trouble filling clubs without it. I have never heard of her again.
Here are some names to watch in this century in stage hypnosis:
Tommy Vee, who was trained by me and Ormand McGill, is now one of the busiest stage hypnotists in the country. He is featured at several Fairs in the united States and Canada, in corporate events and is a big hit in colleges and universities.
Ken Boulden, also known as “ALPHA” started several years ago and has established himself very well with cruise ships, agencies and is on the fast track to success.
Wanda Whitney, one of the best lady hypnotists around today is going “one hundred miles and hour” in her career on stage and clinically as well.
David Wayne Wilson, is one very exciting guy. A magician as well, David, in his first year of stage hypnosis is busier than most hypnotists. Watch for his name in lights.
Joann Abrahamsen, of New York has been in hypnosis a long, long time. Not only is she the executive director of AAEH, but also is quite a performer. Joann has a “magnetic” quality that will keep her in the public’s eye.
I hope that the opponents of stage hypnosis (and remember, I am also opposed to unscrupulous antics on stage) would take another, and unbiased, look at the good works that these properly trained stage hypnotists are doing today. Watch the show with an open mind and ask yourself “Could I use my talent on stage that would enhance the practice of hypnosis?” At the shows, we always promote the local clinical hypnotists…………and very often people do go to them. I have had a number of people, at my shows, ask me for a referral of a local hypnotist. If I know of any in the area, I am happy to refer them.
The interest in hypnosis today is fantastic and especially on stage. If you are not doing at least lecture/demonstrations, I think that you are missing a tool in your box of talents. Haven’t you ever, just once, wondered how you would feel on stage when 400 people are watching you present the most exciting show around today? Well, maybe it is time that you consider just how you can enhance your practice with small, but effective demos or get into the large arenas…it’s your choice.
Stage hypnosis today is probably the most effective modality for public exposure and acceptance.
