If you’re reading this article, you’ve probably decided to host a comedy hypnosis show for your next banquet, comedy night assembly, or fundraiser.  Stage hypnosis can be one of the most exciting types of variety entertainment you and your audience will ever experience!  This article will show you step-by-step how to set up a stage hypnotist show.

I’ve been a Comedy Stage Hypnotist for over 17 years.  During that time, I’ve hypnotized folks in large theatres, banquet rooms, gymnasiums, back yard lawns, restaurants, and just about every type of venue imaginable.  Something I’ve learned is that the set-up of a hypnotist show has tons to do with how well the show goes.  So on this page I am going to show you how to set up your stage hypnotist show in a safe and effective way.

All you need is…

A Sound System

20-30 Chairs

An Eager Group of Volunteers

I. LIGHTING

We’ll start with the simple part – Lighting.  Of course we need lights for a show.  How else are we supposed to see the hypnotized subjects do all that wild stuff your stage hypnotist has them do?  But to be honest, lighting is one of the areas of least concern for a show.  Unless on a formal stage the option is usually off or on.  I tend to move around a lot during my shows and am constantly interacting with the audience.  Plus, sometimes a few people get hypnotized right where they’re seated in the audience.   So, I’ve found it works best if you leave the full house lights on during the program.  Besides, studies show that your group will remember more and laugh more with full lights on.

II. THE STAGE

You will need to provide an adequate stage or space for your stage hypnotist show. Don’t worry, one of the great things about stage hypnosis is that it can be performed almost anywhere.   The two important things are safety and space.  Make sure you have at lease, a 16′ x 28′ space, big enough to fit at least 20-30 chairs across the stage – one row.   The bigger the stage area the better.   Also, the bigger the stage, the more chairs (and volunteers) that can be included in the hypnosis demonstration.   And YES, a school gymnasium will be just fine.

* A cement or concrete performing area is never a safe choice.

Here’s a few examples of a good hypnosis show stage set up:

Riser Stage At University of Maryland

Outdoor Stage At Lane County Fair

Yes – A gym floor works GREAT!

REMEMBER:
The host of the hypnotist show (not the hypnotist) will usually assume responsibility for the safety of the riser or stage area, steps to the stage, and the chairs to be used during the performance.   Make sure all equipment is good condition.  With so many audience participants, we do not want to take a chance of an injury.

 III. AUDIO

Supply your hypnotist with a sound system that’s equipped with a hand-held WIRELESS microphone. Again, always use a wireless microphone for your hypnotist show.  Unsecured cords are a potential hazard for tripping and make it difficult to move around a stage full of volunteers.

A Sound System

Hand Held Wireless Microphone

Corded Microphones Are A Hazard.

* It is important that the volunteers can hear your hypnotist from where they will be seated in the chairs on the stage.   If they can’t hear… they don’t get hypnotized.   In the case of a deep stage or a noisy environment like a fair or festival, use a monitor, pointed back toward the volunteers to allow easy listening to relax and enter hypnosis.   In any case, remember that good sound is crucial to the success of your program.   If your sound system and microphone are not adequate, borrow or rent quality equipment.

 IV. SAFETY TIPS

HYPNOSIS SHOW SAFETY TIP #1: Sweep and Inspect performance area.

Sweep the stage or floor around performance area and check for nails, rocks, tacks, broken glass, liquid spills, or any other hazards. Hypnotized subjects may slide out of their chairs or end up on the stage area floor. It’s never fun to get poked by a sharp object or wake up covered in dirt from a filthy stage.

HYPNOSIS SHOW SAFETY TIP #2: Remove the podium/tables or other stage hazards.

If using a podium before or after the performance, please position podium to the far ‘stage’ right of stage or remove completely. If there is an Orchestra Pit in front of your stage, make sure it’s covered.

HYPNOSIS SHOW SAFETY TIP #3: Help the hypnotist keep your volunteers safe.

Keeping an eye on a large number of hypnotized subjects can be a difficult task.   Plus, if this is a company or school event, you’ll likely know your audience members better than your hypnotist.  If you see someone that is very intoxicated, injured, or might be hazardous to the show come on stage – by all means… intervene!  If possible have someone assigned to stay near the stage to be an extra set of eyes for your hypnotist.

HYPNOSIS SHOW SAFETY TIP #4: Tape down any loose electrical, microphone, and speaker cables.

When I asked my insurance company what is the number one reason why people get injured on any stage, they replied that it was injury by unsecured cords. So, tip #4 is make sure all extension cords, wires, or cables are taped down to avoid volunteers tripping.   Also, if someone trips over your cable it may damage the cord and/or your expensive sound equipment.

*** I recommend ‘Gaffers Tape’ over Duct Tape. It’s strong and doesn’t leave the sticky residue.

HYPNOSIS SHOW SAFETY TIP #5: Inspect the condition of the chairs.

Make sure that the chairs that will be used for volunteers are in good condition. As an extra precaution, secure the chairs with Gaffers Tape.  Volunteers often slide out of their chairs.  Tapping the chairs as illustrated below will ensure volunteers don’t slide in between chairs, or the chair doesn’t fall on top of them.

For optimal safety, use Gaffers Tape to secure your chairs together.  This will prevent chairs falling over as some hypnotized people tend to slide out of their chairs.

I’ve used red arrows to show you where I’ve placed tape on the chairs:

Here’s a view from the back:

Have more questions about how to make your upcoming hypnosis show a safe and successful experience?  Give me a call 971.241.3879 if you have any questions. I want to help you make your show SAFE!  Anything to add?  Leave your comments below!

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Russ Peak

Russ Peak is recognized as one of the nation’s leading authorities on youth leadership and motivation. Every on of Russ Peak’s programs is an incredible combination of award-winning entertainment skillfully blended with a powerful and motivational message that leaves the audience recharged, ready, and eager to take on their challenges. His most popular messages focus on character, leadership, goal setting, bullying, and drug awareness .

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