Review - 'Deeper and Deeper: The Secrets of Stage Hypnosis' by Jon Chase

Review - Deeper and Deeper: The Secrets of Stage Hynosis by Jonathan Chase
Review by Anthony Jacquin
This book is specifically aimed at teaching you how to do Stage Hypnosis. It is written by Jon Chase an experienced stage hypnotist and author. It is in his words the 'first book...that handles the modern style, used by the best hypnotists working the stage today.'


The book assumes no prior knowledge of hypnosis. It is written in an open, frank and candid manner. Refreshingly free of technical jargon. It covers every aspect of putting on a stage hypnosis show from the obvious stuff, like selection procedures, inductions and routines through to equally important aspects of stage hypnosis such as marketing, performance, presence, making money and health and safety.

Deeper and Deeper begins by explaining what hypnosis is and more specifically what characterizes stage hypnosis. It gives advice on how to recognize hypnosis and makes clear 'the big secret' that makes it work. According to the author, Stage Hypnosis works because 'they (the subjects) believe you are THE HYPNOTIST and you can...YOU believe you are the hypnotist and you can, therefore - you can.'

In other words it is all about belief systems. 'Your subjects behave in the way they believe to be correct for the state of mind they believe they are in.'

The author makes clear that anyone can learn hypnosis but points out that to be a good stage hypnotist takes talent. Talent cannot be taught you either have it or haven't. This means that not everyone will be successful. To be good at it you need self confidence, the gift of the 'gab' and the ability to think rapidly juggling four or five things at once.

Regarding the question of 'Is it dangerous?' Jon Chase is refreshingly open. His answer is 'Yes. It can be' both physically and psychologically dangerous. He encourages you to accept the responsibility that being a stage hypnotist brings and encourages due diligence, being attentive and paying attention to details to ensure that the health, safety and well being of everyone concerned is taken care of. He clearly cares about the reputation of 'The Hypnotist' and recognises that reputation is easily destroyed by idiots not paying attention to health and safety. Although the book does not contain many scripts one aspect that he covers clearly and in full is the wake up procedure to ensure that your subjects leave feeling good and with everything back to normal. Jon also gives advice on the use of assistants on stage and outlines their role clearly.

The second section of the book gets into the practical side of stage hypnosis and presumes that you will be working in a decent sized room or theatre with plenty of room and a decent sized audience. Valuable advice is given on setting the stage, using lighting and voice overas well as many hints on ways to raise the emotional expectation of the audience. He then gets into the details of what should be included in 'The Initial Patter'. This refers to the pre show lecture or introductory words the stage hypnotist should use between coming on stage and actually getting people hypnotized. The psychological background to why this is important is made clear. It is not scrpted for you but contains all the important points a stage hypnotist should make.

Jon then outlines in detail three 'Tests' that will be used to give people a reason to come on stage. These include 'The Handlock', 'Index Finger Test' and 'Light and Heavy Hands'. Advice is given on how to wittle down your subjects to a mangeable level - a means fo finding your best subjects.

The book then outlines a number of inductions that all work splendidly on stage. They range from the dramatic 'Drop Back' and 'Chair Drop', to a 'Handshake', 'Hand Snap' and 'Magnetic Hands'.

Instruction is provided on deepening the subjects and giving suggestions including 'The Super Suggestion'. This is nothing new as Jon points out he has a book dated 1867 that uses the phrase almost work for word, but is certainly something many hypnotists ignore or choose not to use. Jon emphasises its value as well as the importance of command and clarity when giving suggestions.


The rest of the book is principally about routines and how to structure a show. He does list many routine ideas but encourages you to think of your own and provides hints on where you can get inspiration from. Valuable advice is given on the use of props, how to create impact as well as other things that can throw a spanner in the works like 'sleepers' and 'fakers'.

In short this book is a 'how to' do stage hypnosis book. It really does provide information on everything you need to do a stage hypnosis show and is written by someone who has real experience and continues to walk the walk. Of course there is always more to learn and much knowledge is gained through experience but if you follow the format outlined in the book then you will have a very good chance of your show being a success. You will certainly give yourself the best chance of success and avoid many of the pitfalls.

I believe the book is now backed up with a DVD that breaks down one of Jon's shows and has background commentary to explain exactly what is going on. His company offer training courses specifically aimed at stage hypnotists that like the book are practical, fun but professional. It is a great little book, good value and I recommend it wholeheartedly. Many people ask me how it compares to the Encyclopedia of Stage Hypnosis by Ormond McGill. Both should be on your shelf. However if you had to make a choice and are serious about hypnotizing people on stage then Deeper and Deeper has my vote.

You can buy it from Amazon or direct from Jon Chase at http://www.shop4hypnosis.com/

Anthony Jacquin