When the word hypnotist comes to mind, some think of a sinister-looking character in black with spinning white globes set deep in an imposing brow. The seductive voice behind the eyes has the power to make people do anything the hypnotist desires.
However, when it comes to describing Dr. Jim Wand, who appears live at the Mills Auditorium this Friday, Carren Martin of UW-Madison Campus Information is quick to reply \that's not his style"" when presented with any of the negative stereotypes that has given hypnosis a bad rep over the years.
For starters, the ""Dr."" prefacing Wand's name is not merely for promotional purposes. Wand is one of the few stage hypnotists possessing a Ph.D. in psychology. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Wand has hypnotized millions of individuals, including members of the Denver Broncos, Sinbad, the Miami Sound Machine, George Strait and the Judds. In addition, he does 200 college performances annually.
Students considering attending Friday's event shouldn't feel apprehensive about participating on stage. The most reassuring fact about hypnosis is that individuals who have the capacity to be hypnotized also are capable of being subconsciously in control of their actions.
According to Dr. Wand's Web site, a subject under hypnosis will not do anything that is contrary to their principles or commit an antisocial criminal act. They have the power to select only the suggestions that they are willing to accept.
Due to the success of a similar event held at the Union two years ago, Friday's performance is expected to draw upwards of 300 people or more.
""We feel it's a good opportunity to get people to do something else besides drink,"" Martin said.
While both hops and hypnosis have the potential to put the partaker of either in an alternate state of mind, rest assured there will be no hangover on Saturday morning after spending Friday evening under the spell of Dr. Wand.
