How does stage hypnosis work?
Very much the same way clinical hypnosis works. You have willing subjects that can achieve some level of trance state and they are able to perform some strange and hilarious things because of their expectations, preconceptions, and willingness to step into the spotlight. The difference between the stage and clinical settings is that the latter serves the desires of the client where the former serves the wishes of the hypnotist to provide an entertaining show. Most performers do little to educate the audience on the process thus creating an effect of wonder and mystery.
To watch my video click here. In order to “hypnotize” a person into performing silly or bizarre behavior on-stage, the circumstances must warrant the behavior, like in a first year acting or improv class. The charismatic or “kingly” Stage Hypnotist takes the stage with much flourish and a microphone, sets his agenda in motion in front of an inquisitive audience and relies on the emotionally charged atmosphere to motivate his “subjects” to conform and act out his “commands”. It is all done in the name of good fun; there is much laughter and clapping present to spur on the silliness. But the Stage Hypnotist most certainly does not have “control” over the participants. He or she is giving adults an excuse or permission to act silly, and they take the bait.
