My experience as a stage hypnotist has been very trying at times. Perhaps it was because I lacked experience in the entertainment industry when I started. In the past few years I have made several observations while watching other stage hypnotists perform and found that they have difficulties as well.
One thing that I would like to express to all stage hypnotists and those of you that are interested in getting into this field is: You are there to ENTERTAIN the audience. That is your main objective and your main concern. Keep this in mind.
As I observe other stage hypnotists, I notice that they freeze or panic when there are small numbers of people at their show. As a result, the hypnotist will often back out of performing or they perform poorly. One hypnotist said to me that he has a better show but he blamed poor attendance for his lack of enthusiasm.
My point is that no matter what the circumstances are -- YOU are there to put on a show. You should use the same amount of energy (if not more) to entertain the crowd. Let the audience know that you are in charge. Take responsibility as the entertainer.
I was booked to do a show in a small town along the Saskatchewan border. I had no idea that there would be a blizzard. We set up to do the show in anticipation of a good turn out. I was amazed that there was a crowd of even 30 people given the weather conditions. At first I began thinking to myself that I wouldn’t be able to do a show -- that there wouldn’t be enough people to hypnotize. Of course, I started to panic.
Well, I took a deep breath and said to myself, “OK, I can do this,” and I proceeded to do the show. I did it differently that night. I didn’t do my typical up front material because of the small numbers. Instead, I talked to the audience individually and in small groups and explained the basics of hypnosis to them. By being a bit more personal with them, I gained their confidence and respect.
I didn’t use the stage and instead I chose to put the volunteers in a circle on the dance floor. I proceeded to do my induction with five volunteers and four of them were hypnotized. I had to work extra hard and had to use extra energy to get the remaining crowd to applaud and cheer for the volunteers.
On the whole, I had a great show. After the show, I found out that there was a reporter in the room and later gave him an interview. The reporter was impressed at my ability to perform under these circumstances and said that it takes a great entertainer to do what I did. When I read the paper the next day, I discovered he had given me a great review and wrote a big article. The lead was even on the front page.
As you can see, it doesn’t matter what the circumstances are. When you perform, always do your best! It’s better to know that you did your best than to give up -- and you may never know who is watching.
I feel that this experience has made me a better entertainer. I am better prepared to take on the new challenges that come to me.
So remember, YOU ARE AN ENTERTAINER! Always do your best!!!
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