Campus

Hypnotist entrances Cougars

|  Emily Chambers/The Daily Cougar

| Emily Chambers/The Daily Cougar

When the hypnotist said he needed 15 students to volunteer for a demonstration, students quickly flocked to the stage. When he further explained that some people under hypnosis experience such acute relaxation that they’ve been known to “relieve themselves” on stage, the 15 volunteers flocked to the bathroom just as quickly.

In an event sponsored by UH’s Student Program Board, hypnotist Thomas Bresadola performed to an eager crowd of students in the University Center’s Houston Room last Wednesday.

Bresadola, known for working with a diverse group of entertainers including Jackie Chan, Geraldo Rivera, and Penn & Teller, began by letting the audience know that his show was “clean.” He also provided a brief history of hypnotism with the ease and humor of a seasoned Las Vegas nightclub act.

Bresadola began his hypnotic process by playing calming synth music and instructing the volunteers to breath deeply and look directly at the ceiling. Over time, each volunteer seemed to drift off into some relative state of tranquility.

“I’m so glad you’ve come with me on this journey,” said Bresadola, in a tone that managed to be both soothing and sinister.

Brittney Mathis, a member of the SPB board said that Bresadola explained that even under hypnosis students would only do thing they would do while they were awake.

“If they wouldn’t do it in real life, they wouldn’t do it even if he asked,” Mathis said. “It was interesting to see some of my friends up there making a fool of themselves knowing they would do that anyway.”

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