How to hire a stage hypnotist...

A comedy stage hypnosis show can be the funniest entertainment ever. But knowing how to hire the right one can be a daunting task... so here's some of my professional advise:

Okay, so you have an event planned and now you are looking into hiring the right entertainment. There are many options for you, one of which is a hypnotist. But who do you hire. There are quite a few in your area and most hypnotists don't mind traveling if they are outside your area. First thing you should think about is a hypnotist the right choice of entertainment? If this is for students in middle school, high school or college the answer is an astounding yes. Is this for senior center banquet, no way. Statistic show that people that might volunteer for a show average between the ages of 13 and 50. There are always exceptions. Most people over the age of 50 would rather watch the show than be the show. Also you have to think about how many people will be at your event. A good show can have as little as 20 but a great show averages 50 or more. Now that you think a hypnotist is perfect for your event, how do you find the right one to fit your audience.

If you have seen a hypnotist perform, this could be your first palce to start. You will know if this hypnotist is right for you. Second, do a Google search. Use "stage hypnotist", "comedy hypnosis" or words to this effect as your search criteria. View their entire web site. If you like what you see, make a note of this person. Don't forget a web site will spell out the virtues of this person and each web site will say that they are the one for you. Do more research. Check out YouTube and do the same searches there. This way you can see the hypnotist in action. Is the hypnotist a family-friendly entertainer at all times or does he alter his act to accomodate the client. There are many adult hypnotists shows out there. Is this what you want or do you want to take a chance on an adult entertainer toning down the show to accomodate students. Many hypnotist do this very well but again many push the envelope beyond good taste.

Call the hypnotist. You can get a better feeling for this person with a real converstaion rather than through email. Ask questions, a lot of questions. Ask about their experience, their training and the specifics about the show. Most people don't realize that a hypnotist does not need any formal training or license. And a hypnotist with a degree in psycology may not be the right choice either. Many hypnotist call themselves "master hypnotists". There really is no such designation. Other say they are a "certified hypnotherapist". The hypnotist can easily be qualified as such just by buying a lot of books or tapes from some of the organizations that hypnotist belong to. Ask for these answers. Other hypnotist will tell you they have 'many' numbers of years experience and they are only in their early 20s. The good entertainers, and that's what we are entertainers, will have a comfortable combination of study and actual stage experience. And don't forget to call for referrals from past shows.

These are some of the ways you can almost guarantee a qualified entertainer for your event. I will say this, and this is not a popular staement amoung hypnotists, but is the truth: there are a lot of hacks out there. These are the ones that promise the moon. But remember a hypnotist is like a tour guide, we take you places into your imagination. We are not the stars of the show, your volunteers are. And they should be treated as such.

To close this, let me try and answer the question that is usually first on eberyone's mind. How much should a show cost? Prices like everything, has its ranges. What is a fair price in New England may be too expensive in Florida. Some hypntist charge very little and others will blow you away with their fee. Weigh the value you will get with the fee charged. If the hypnotist comes very highly recommended and has worked a lot or has lots of practical experience, you can be sure the fee you are paying is fair. I know, I evaded the question. You want a dollar amount... a show could cost a little as a few hundred dollars or a show could cost a few thousand dollars. The fee is uaually based on the show itself. How many people will be attending the event, what kind of event is it (a sweet sixteen party or a major fundraiser), where and when will the event be held and how long a show do you want. These are only a few factors.

Enjoy your show, laugh at the antics of your friends as they volunteer, and remember most of us do a great job. That's why we are in the business and why we have been doing it consistantly throughout the years.

Please go to http://knol.google.com/k/steve-wronker/how-to-hire-a-stage-hypnotist/3v7xpib0ho2uj/1#1 and write a review if you agree with my comments.

Here's hoping I have the pleasure of entertaining you soon.