A magazine for and about Stage Hypnosis. ©
How to get started in Stage Hypnosis.
By James Szeles
I get so many emails asking me how to get started in stage hypnosis
I've decided to list the information here. One thing to keep in mind
is that a stage hypnosis show is in fact two shows in one. One show
is for the audience and the second show is for the people on stage.
You need to develop great hypnotic and entertainment skills. The hypnotic
skills are the easier of the two to learn, you can practice on your friends
and family. The entertainment skills are a little harder to develop,
you need to do as many practice shows as possible. I started by doing
parties, picnics and just bugging my friends. I also live in the San
Francisco Bay Area where there was a large military presence,
so I did a lot of free shows for the U.S.O. and it helped my greatly.
I'm listing some good books to help you get started. I used ORMAND
MCGILL'S "Professional Stage Hypnotism" and you can still see bits of
the book in my opening induction. I have been performing for close to
20 years now and I still video tape every show I do. It's a great way
to see how you look to the audience and to see what went right or wrong with
your show.
You need to find a good opening for your show, keeping in mind that
the opening is what sells your show to the people your performing to.
It also gives them time to think about coming on stage and to see if
they like you and trust you.
You will also need a good induction. Every hypnotist has his/her
own way of putting people under and you need to find one that works for
you.
.
The last thing you will need is some information
you can send to interested parties about yourself to help sell your show.
You should have an 8 X 10 black & white photo and preferably a color
photo, a short biography and information about your show. Try to get
a few letters of recommendation from past shows and as you get going a
list of places you've performed.
.
I've listed some books and videos to help you
get started.
TRANCEWORKS
TRANCEWORKS
ORMAND MCGILL "The Encyclopedia of Stage Hypnotism"
Spiral Bound, 1947 (later printing) 301pp, NEW COPY
$27.50
The stage hypnotist's bible! In simple terms, McGill takes you
through all the steps necessary to hypnotize,
including special tips for stage hypnotism. Includes a complete
set of hypnotic routines, and the Inner Secrets of
Stage Hypnotism. If you want to be a stage hypnotist, you MUST
read this book!
ORMAND MCGILL "Professional Stage Hypnotism"
Paperback, 204 pp, NEW COPY
$14.95
$30.00 - a used hardbound copy w/DJ - Out of Print
The sequel to The Encyclopedia of Stage Hypnotism. A modern updating
of a classic in the field.
D. J. LUSTIG - "Stage Hypnotism"
Spiral Bound, undated, very rare
$17.50
This facsimile of a very rare pamphlet from the turn of the century.
Includes the secrets of the Needle Test, the
Murder Test, Cataleptic Trance, the Human Anvil. Also a complete
lecture for a Vaudeville Stage Hypnotic Act.
Daring! Sensational!
PROF. L.A. HARRADEN "Complete Mail Course: Twenty Illustrated
Lessons in Hypnotism"
Spiral Bound 8 1/2 x 11 , 1912, 64 pp
$17.50
Facsimile reproduction of a mail order course from the Jackson,
Michigan stage hypnotist. Each page contains
several illustrations. Many induction techniques, including rapid
induction for stage use. Uncommon.
PROF. L.A. HARRADEN "Hypnotic Exhibitions"
Spiral Bound 8 1/2 x 11, 1900,60 pp
$17.50
Facsimile reproduction of a pamphlet from the Jackson, Michigan
stage hypnotist. Each page contains several
illustrations. Covers History of Hypnotism, How to Stage an Exhibition,
How to Deal with the American Public,
and the Benefits of Hypnotism. Quite rare!
HERBERT FLINT "Dr. Flint's Hypnotic Routine"
Stapled 8 1/2 x 11, very rare
$17.50
This reproduction of a work in 1897 details the stage demonstrations
of Dr. Flint, who was a famous stage
hypnotist predating the vaudeville era. I don't believe that man
has ever been to medical school!
NELMAR "Twenty Hypnotic Tricks by Nelmar"
Stapled 8 1/2 x 11, Reproduction of 1933 work
$15.00
This very rare pamphlet assumes that you already know how to induce
hypnosis, and goes right into a series of
hypnotic routines for a stage show. A collectable item.
AMK Enterprises Resource Center
#544 New Encyclopedia Of Stage Hypnotism, The $52.25
Mid-State
Hypnosis
COMPLETE STAGE SHOW TRAINING ITEM V-155 $150.00
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