Hey guys,
At first I did stage hypnosis more as a way of having fun—maybe as a way of marketing my up-coming psychotherapy practice. But I’ve noticed two things: one—I really do enjoy putting on the shows and two—I appear really confident on stage, which is a key attribute of a successful stage hypnotist.

So I’m thinking of going semi-pro. Not necessarily making my full income on such shows, but of having a professional show—a really good show.

Since my last show, I noticed a lot to improve, and I think I’ve made some of those improvements. – I’ll have my next show this Thursday.

But to get really good, I’m sure I’ll need some sort of guidance. I already have a bunch of books/eguides and what not. What I’m finding is that too many cooks spoil the broth. I need to pick a style and go with it. It’s probably best I stick with a style that’s pretty much close to what I already have.

I see three options:
A. Have a mentor—be an assistant and see what they do.
B. Just have someone tutor me—watch my shows on youtube and point out how to correct anything.
C. Just watch a bunch of different hypnosis shows. – Maybe just focus on the Ronning or the McGill texts. Place my shows on forums and focus on what the consensus is.

Now about me—I’d definitely label myself an independent learner. I did my masters and my doctorate in psychology online, with little help from professors or even my assigned doctoral mentor. I passed the national psychology examination (EPPP) by borrowing the EPPP class notes, without actually having to go to the class.

Plus I know that having a mentor will probably cost me a boatload of money, which I don’t exactly have at this point in time. Perhaps I could find a retired stage hypnotist who’s more interested in passing on his wisdom to the next generation than making money off of me?

Ideally, if I do the mentor or tutor option, I’d be with someone in my area (Los Angeles).

I dunno—I’m used to the academic model – I know the performing arts is another story. But given my independent nature – what do you guys think would be my best option? And with a given option, how do I go about finding the ideal person/dvd’s? Thanks! -- John

>>>>>Perhaps I could find a retired stage hypnotist who’s more interested in passing on his wisdom to the next generation than making money off of me?<<<

No one can say this forum isn't intertaining...

you should be a comedian instead. Go steal a few jokes.

Interesting indeed.

I didn't mean quite to be so harsh--- and it's not that I'm completely broke or anything-- it's just a different mindset from when a person is teaching just to help someone else vs. teaching in order to get money. But I know they aren't mutually exclusive.

I suppose I'm naive though-- probably spent too much time in academia.

"I did my masters and my doctorate in psychology online, "

Classic. Mind if I borrow it?

Best

Candin

Stage hypnosis is a business. Training is a lifetime investment. There are training courses available. If you don't have the cash why not take out a bank loan? Even your tutors in acedemia get paid to tutor you. I believe the best investment you can make is in yourself.

Sounds like you're a pro at cutting corners!

It's at a regionally accrediated school. And I had to be stationed overseas so it was either that or get a foreign degree. Then it was just easier to keep going forward to get my ph.d.

I'm sorry if I offended you or something... just an honest question I had guys.

Here is a serious response to your question. I feel that you will not find an experienced hypnotist to be a mentor. That just doesn't seem to happen. But many will be willing to share their experiences, and experience, with you over a coffee or a pint. Talk to as many as you get the chance to.
Read as much as you can on stage hypnosis, but don't get too hung up on it. McGill is over-rated. His stuff is very out of date. The best I have seen for those at the start of a career is Eddie Burke's Secrets of Professional Cabaret and Stage Hypnosis, available through his website http://www.mreenterprises.co.uk.
But to really get a grip on where you should be going style-wise, what you should do is get a theatre director to come along to your show and give you a critique. This will be of far more value to you than the opinions of someone within the magic community. You are performing for the public, not for magicians. A theatre director is an expert at making a show work for the public. He also doesn't have a hypnosis show of his own, so no jealousies will creep in.
Good luck with it.

I apologize Cuz. Its just with new users its difficult to tell when somoeone is funning or not.

PS: They didn't have online coursework when I got my GED.

Candin

Something I think you guys all didn't quite catch is the fact he was looking for a *mentor*. Mentors by definition, last I heard, don't charge fees. If they do, they're tutors, not mentors. Or teachers.

If someone's willing to mentor someone, it's not stealing. And it's a perfectly legitimate thing to look for and wonder about. In fact, one of the professional organizations I belong to as a therapist has a mentoring subdivision, with no extra charge for any mentoring done, afaik. That should say something.

That said, cuz, I agree with TonyB. You're probably better off just looking for advice and reviews of recordings, etc. And the theater director idea is an excellent one as well.

The biggest thing, of course, is just getting out there and doing it. If you're as independent a learner as you say, you can probably do a good job of self-correcting by watching your own videos and recognizing mistakes and correcting them.

Joshua

In many circles these days a Mentoring Program does charge rather costly fees from what I've seen.

The mentoring question is an interesting one. I've mentored several guys in the world of magic/mentalism. But I think in That world (magic) mentoring is a natural continuance of the craft. Many magicians (when they attain a few years!) actually seek a 'mentoree' to pass on their wisdom/skills. I know that mentoring others for free actually made me feel good and kinda' made me feel psychologically that my stuff/ideas would continue.
However it's one thing to find such a mentoree within ones family or close circle and entirely another perhaps to give freely of your time to a stranger who wants what you've paid for both physically and with hard earned cash.
Perhaps cuz you need to look up your family tree in order to see if you're related to any of the hypnotists in here.

Cuz,
most people would want money for the bother of mentoring you, that's life.
but sometimes you can meet people who are really comfortable with you and vice versa in that case then simply being friendly and forthcoming they should share info with you. its simple life skills my friend. there are good people out there who are NOT in it for the money, and are looking to meet other like minded people to SHARE, its happened to me several times. I give, I gain.
much love

You don't sound like much of a Sith, asithlord...

You sound like a Jedi...

The problem is that you want a mentor in your area, who teaches a style you already have.

To be "mentored" you had better be ready to sacrafice.

Thanks, guys.
Tony-- the idea of a theater director is genius-- I woulda never thought of that myself.

From what silverfire said-- I think there are so many things I caught from my last show to improve that I'll focus on them -- just using my own judgment-- then as my show improves-- I'll seek out that theater director (or perhaps, find a mentor looking for a mentee).

Thanks again everyone-- I'll have my next show on thursday-- I'll post it here:
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......art=0#14

-- John

Pakar,
a colourfull sith, not all is as seems.
besides, a jedi is a small portion of my many talents!
much love!

You are in LA. Come to Vegas on weekends and do a mentoring progarm with Terry Stokes, Michael Johns or Scott Lewis. I would imagine Marc Sevard would be available too. They will all offer 1:1 instruction. Shure it may be expensive, but it will pay for itself.

Don't just get DVDs from one performer. Get as many as you can and different shows. I have several complete show DVD's available that are unedited start to finish stage shows.


But if your in LA, make the hop, skip and jomp over to Vegas and hook up with a pro...

You think they could help me get a gig at vegas? I always fancied doing weekend shows at a casino in vegas... perhaps even a three day weekend each week... 4 days in LA, 3 days in vegas.

Do I have to be the best to get that kinda gig?

And by expensive-- how much are we talking about? How many zeros?

-- John