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Hypnotic Success: 10 Tips for Stage Hypnotists
Hypnotic Success: 10 Tips for Stage Hypnotists
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably felt the thrill of performing hypnosis and watching the audience go wild. Being a stage hypnotist is a unique blend of art, science, and a dash of showmanship. But let’s be honest—it’s not just about swinging a pocket watch and saying, “You’re getting sleepy.” There’s a whole business side to making a name (and a living) in this world of performing hypnosis.
So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to amp up your game, here are ten tips to help you master the stage and the behind-the-scenes business.
Before anything else, make sure your hypnosis skills are on point. Attend workshops, read up on the latest techniques, and, most importantly, practice, practice, practice. Confidence in your abilities will shine through on stage and make your performances unforgettable.
What makes you stand out? Maybe it’s your comedic flair, a mysterious vibe, or a modern twist on traditional hypnosis. Find your unique angle and let it permeate every aspect of your act.
A hypnotist without an engaged audience is just a person talking to themselves. Learn how to read the room, pick the right volunteers, and keep the energy high. The more the audience feels involved, the more memorable the show.
From a slick website to eye-catching promo videos, your marketing materials are often the first impression potential clients get. Make it count. Highlight your best moments, showcase audience reactions, and don’t skimp on production value.
Connect with event planners, venue managers, and fellow entertainers. Attend industry events or even local business mixers. You never know who might need a hypnotist for their next big event.
Yep, we’re talking contracts and liability insurance. It’s not the fun part, but it’s essential. Protect yourself by having clear agreements for every gig and make sure you’re covered in case someone catches the “I clucked like a chicken” blues and wants to sue.
Know your worth and don’t be afraid to ask for it. While it’s okay to negotiate, constantly lowering your rates can devalue your act and make it harder to charge what you’re worth in the future.
Share behind-the-scenes footage, audience reactions, or short clips of your performances (with permission). Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook can be powerful tools for building a following and attracting gigs.
Word of mouth is golden in this industry. After a successful show, don’t hesitate to ask the event organizer or enthusiastic audience members for a testimonial. Positive reviews can be a game-changer when securing future bookings.
The entertainment industry is constantly changing, and so should you. Stay updated on new hypnosis techniques and incorporate current events into your act for relevance.
Remember, the hypnotist community thrives when we support each other. Consider writing a blog post about sharing your experiences, tips, or even funny stories from your shows. Not only does this help others in the field, but it also opens doors for collaboration and growth. Your unique insights could be the inspiration someone else needs.
Navigating Ethical Boundaries in Entertainment: A Case of Hypnosis and Consent
Earlier this year, the ISHA was contacted by an individual seeking to file a formal complaint against a stage hypnotist following an unsettling experience at a corporate party. This case, while involving a non-member, highlighted the complex issues surrounding consent and professional conduct in entertainment.
Read more
A Stage Hypnosis Show is so Much More Than Comedy (Part Three)
Incorporating various elements such as drama, comedy, adventure, action, fantasy, romance, science fiction, and thriller into your show can make your show more engaging and appealing to a wider audience. Only having one of these elements is sorely failing your audience. Think about it: does Hollywood only make comedies? Of course not; they make movies for everyone, and that includes all genres.
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Get the Most From Your Hypnosis Show Using Story (Part Two)
A large part of what we do as entertainment hypnotists is improv and part of improv is character development over time. Improvising characters for a hypnosis show is live storytelling. It can be an exciting and engaging way to create an entertaining story for your audience. Here’s a guide for how to improvise characters during your hypnosis show.
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Creating an Unforgettable Comedy Hypnosis Performance! (Part One)
One thing is for sure – Many of our shows are like our children and no one can say anything is wrong with them. Even when that child has missing front teeth and a lazy eye they are still beautiful to us! The goal of this article is simple – to get you to look at your show in a different way. A way that has different elements, different structure, and maybe even a different outcome.
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Announcing the ISHA Ambassador Program
Since the launch of the International Stage Hypnotists’ Association in October of 2023, our membership has grown to include entertainment hypnotists from eight different countries. We are thrilled to be growing an international network of professionals, but we also recognize that doing so presents some challenges for such a small and young organization.
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Insights for Stage Hypnotists Into the College Market
The International Stage Hypnotist Association (ISHA) has embarked on an ambitious project to deepen our understanding of market segments within the hypnotism community and collect comprehensive data about our profession. This initiative signifies a pivotal step towards addressing the lack of consolidated data in our field.
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Grow Out of Your Comfort Zone: Give Yourself a Raise!
Humans are creatures of habit. We like things to remain static, predictable. When we have this level of structure, we feel…comfortable. Deviation from that norm creates anxiety, stress, apprehension. Yet, without that deviation we become complacent and there is no growth.
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Navigating the Benevolent Side of Hypnosis: A Christian Perspective
Hypnosis, an often misunderstood practice, has various forms ranging from entertainment to therapeutic applications. In this exploration, I aim to shed light on the compatibility of hypnosis with Christian beliefs, emphasizing responsible usage and aligning with one’s Christian faith.
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How Safe Is Your Hypnotist?
Let me ask you a question, and think about it a moment: how safe is your hypnotist?
What do you know about the person that is coming into your school, company event, home, club or fair? What’s their background when it comes to dealing with your students, employees, or guests? What is their training both in stage and consulting hypnosis? And equally important, what safety training do they have? It doesn’t matter how long they’ve been performing, because as we know all too well, the horror stories often don’t come out until years later. Read more