Mind Games

Nationally known entertainer set to show students the secrets behind hypnotism

By Courtney Roque

If you have a deep seated desire to see other people make fools of themselves onstage, or if you have always wanted to know if the phrase “you’re getting sleepy, very sleepy” really works, comedy hypnotist C.J. Johnson may be what you’ve been waiting for.

Johnson travels the United States performing hypnosis shows for believers and skeptics alike. He calls his show “100 percent Pure Hypnosis” because he uses no filler material or fluff—just what the audience is there to see—people they know doing things they wouldn’t normally do.

Hypnosis is endorsed by the American Medical Association and the Catholic Church and has been called one of the most intriguing types of entertainment around because it combines psychological principles with laugh out loud situations featuring audience volunteers in unlikely positions.

“ He really puts on a great show,” said Christina Melo, the coordinator of the event, which is sponsored by University Student Union Productions. “Students won’t be disappointed if they come, especially those who think that they could never be hypnotized,” she said.

Johnson will appear at the Satellite Student Union on Wednesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 25. On the first night, audience members will become stars in the comedy hypnosis show by volunteering to be hypnotized by Johnson. The second night, Johnson will reveal his secrets in “Hypnosis Exposed!—An Inside Look at the Workings of Hypnosis,” a tell-all lecture that teaches audience members how to hypnotize themselves and their friends, explore mind control and learn party tricks using hypnosis. The audience will have the chance to get hypnotized during the show and hypnotize one another as well.

Johnson is a Texas-based performer who is well versed in many forms of entertainment—aside from hypnotism—including magic, sleight of hand, juggling, stand-up comedy and grand illusions. He has appeared on Country Music Television’s “Most Wanted Live” and was voted “Hypnotist of the Year” by college campuses across the nation.

“ I saw C.J. at the fair,” said Mary Sondheim, a senior at Fresno State. “I always thought that hypnotism was some kind of hoax until I saw some of my friends easily slip into a hypnotic state. It was really amazing,” she said.

Using simple props such as chairs, a crocodile-shaped pool toy and sunglasses, Johnson makes the hypnosis participants believe an array of notions through empowering physical gestures and phrases. Johnson said he believes hypnosis has the power not only to entertain, but also to facilitate goal setting and attainment which can change the way one feels, almost instantly.