Elizabeth Stewart
Contributing Writer
Jim Wand performed his Hypnosis Gone Wild show Sept. 20 in Pfeiffer Hall.
The show started out with a short video of basic picture illusions that made the audience point, laugh, and clap as they tried to make sense of what they were seeing.
Once the show started, Wand selected a number of volunteers to be hypnotized by staring at a spinning light while he talked to them in a soothing and relaxing tone.
While on stage and under hypnosis, the volunteers pretended to be supermodels of the opposite sex, and played follow the leader. Wand was able to make volunteers believe that he disappeared, and even made them afraid of the microphone, producing a phenomenal response from the audience.
“I thought the show was amazing,” said freshman, Julia Albano. “The clever planning and hilarious moments never got old.”
During the show, Wand also provided some basic facts about hypnosis.
“During hypnosis, you are using the conscious and subconscious at the same,” Wand said. “You’re using 100% of what you’re capable of.”
He also gave reasons as to why some people may not want to be hypnotized. Fear of the unknown, not having a high enough intellect, or having to try too hard to be hypnotized, to name a few.
Wand first became interested in hypnotism during his freshman year of high school.
“I was overweight as a freshman in high school. I got hypnotized and it worked,” said Wand.
Wand went on to major in psychology and continued his education until he received his PhD. Afterwards, he ran a clinic for five years before entering the field of hypnotism. He has now been in the field for over 30 years.
“In order to master the art and science of hypnosis, one has to continually train,” said Wand. “I have done over 10,000 performances and I continue to learn and practice every day in every way possible.”
Wand continues to come to North Central because of the overwhelming support of the students and staff.
“I have gone to Jim Wand’s hypnotist show every time he has come to North Central College,” said junior, Sara Burmeister.
Wand’s show, which was based off his Las Vegas show, was his 19th annual year performing at North Central College.
This show was his 44th college show, and his 32nd show in his current Hypnotic Whirl Wind College Tour.
For more information on Jim Wand and his performances visit his website www.hypnotism.com
