Professional conduct standards for stage hypnosis -- what is permitted, what is prohibited, and why the distinction matters.
Understand that these comments and guidelines are intended for the performance of adult-themed traditional stage hypnosis shows and are not guidelines for performances of what is often deemed "erotic hypnosis" or for clinical hypnotherapy related to the treatment of sexual dysfunction.
Much discussion has occurred within the stage hypnosis profession about "clean shows" versus "blue shows", with some saying there is no need for blue performances and others vigorously defending them.
In the comedy club circuit or at a Las Vegas nightclub or other similar adult venues the audience expects to see an "adult-themed show." They are most likely attending the show at a venue where the admittance age is restricted to adults, and due to (it is hoped) accurate marketing materials, they are fully aware of the nature and general content of an adult comedy hypnosis show before the event occurs.
The title or some similar attribution of an "X-Rated Stage Hypnosis Show" is truly much more marketing hyperbole than reality. The original intention of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) when creating the "X" rating in 1968 was to allow for a category of movies whose makers chose not to have the film rated; X simply meant not rated. Over the years, however, the X rating began to take on an inappropriate and even obscene connotation in the minds of the public, which was never intended when the system was created. So, in 1984, the MPAA changed the name of the rating from X to "NC-17," affirming an "adults-only" category for movies that most parents would not want their children to view - no matter the content.
To quote the MPAA, "NC-17 does not mean 'obscene' or 'pornographic' in the common or legal meaning of those words, and should not be construed as a negative judgment in any sense. The rating simply signals that the content is appropriate only for an adult audience." And furthermore, "An R-rated motion picture may include adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements, so that parents are counseled to take this rating very seriously."
In addition, concepts warranting an NC-17 rating from the MPAA are far too over the line for viewing live in any public venue. Subsequently these activities are simply not performed in Las Vegas, in comedy clubs or any other adult venue where the "X-Rated Stage Hypnosis Show" marketing tactic is used.
Moreover, in most public venues, most content warranting even an MPAA "R" rating would simply not be presented (comedy and intense violence just don't mix well) or even allowed, as public nudity (whether sexually oriented or not), especially in an establishment that serves alcohol, is against most municipalities ordinances, however brief it may be.
In Las Vegas, for example, the hypnotist will receive a minimum $5,000 fine per occurrence for allowing a show participant to become exposed, and the host venue will also receive similar additional fines.
Customers of an adult-themed comedy hypnosis show expect to see an adult-themed comedy hypnosis show. That is what they have shown up and paid to see. However, the actual content of the adult-themed show will generally be more of a "PG-13" nature bordering on "R" due to other legal and social guidelines and restrictions.
I have yet to see a stage hypnosis show with skits that are any more "obscene" than one might see on an average cable network reality show or MTV music video, and doubt I ever will.
Nevertheless, the following guidelines should be used by hypnotists doing adult-themed hypnosis shows: Always check with the host venue before the show and ask if there are any specific themes, such as alcohol and drug use, that should be avoided. If so, the hypnotist should respect the wishes of the establishment.
Hypnotic suggestions regarding alcohol or drug use should only be used with the consent of the participants and with their ability to opt-out of such demonstrations. For example, one hypnotist prefaces his Las Vegas show's marijuana skit with a statement like this: "I've got a huge joint here and I'm willing to share. If you want to hit it, you can, and if you don't, just pass it on down to the person next to you."
Exposure of male or female genitalia or female breasts should never occur in any venue, whether the hypnosis performance is of an adult nature or not. No nudity, period. In most municipalities where adult entertainment establishments are not licensed for adult entertainment, this type of performance will almost certainly violate local ordinances and result in heavy fines.
Suggestions that subjects will perform sexual actions on another person are unacceptable, whether real or simulated. Furthermore, suggestions that sexual activity will be performed by participants on the hypnotist are unacceptable, whether real or simulated.
Stage show participants should be given the suggestion that they will not touch other participants when performing adult-themed skits.
Adult-themed shows may present sexual content by design -- that is the nature of the performance context. The distinction is not whether sexual themes appear, but how they are handled. Sexual humor that degrades, humiliates, or ridicules a volunteer based on who they are is never acceptable, regardless of venue.
Themes that mock, attack, or demean a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or personal lifestyle choices should be avoided entirely. This includes humor directed at gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or nonbinary individuals. Demeaning references to a subject's character or physical attributes should also be avoided.
Follow the Golden Rule and respect your committee.
Make sure adult content does not occur in a venue that admits access by minors. Minor venues should remain free of sexual, drug or otherwise adult-themed skits and language.
During the pre-talk inform the entire audience that this is an adult-themed show and that the content may involve sexual themes, alcohol or drug-related themes and strong language and that participation in the show as a committee member and as an audience member is voluntary. These concepts should also be conveyed on pre-show marketing materials, such as websites, flyers, and the venue's marquee.
Dildos or penis-shaped lollipops, Coke bottles and any other item that may be inserted into the mouth should be avoided. Aside from causing personal offense, these skit props can be dangerous, resulting in, for example, broken or chipped teeth, gagging, choking, and allergic reactions.
The hypnotist should only touch a participant after receiving direct consent. During the pre-induction phase, ask committee members if anyone objects to being touched. Explain that you may touch each of them on the shoulder, head or arm during the induction or during the show and that these actions are only designed to keep them safe, to help them relax more and to go deeper into trance.
The hypnotist should also give the committee members specific instructions to not touch other committee members during certain skits where such touching might be inclined to happen instinctually, such as in emotional reaction skits, or accidentally, such as in physical high-energy skits. The concept to convey is:
"Stay in your seat and keep your hands to yourself. Do not touch others on stage, and do not touch me."