Hypnotism? It’s All About Control

Anthony Cools is a hypnotist who travels the US and Canada entertaining audiences with a mix of comedy and hypnotism. Using audience volunteers, Anthony sends them into "a hypnotic world rife with the unexpected and free of all embarrassment" as his own website states.

"I am one of the few left still involved in setting up my own show," Anthony says. "This may be one of the only shows where the computer is set-up on stage."

LightJockey controls all show elements

Anthony uses the Martin PC-based LightJockey controller to operate a number of Martin automated fixtures and other elements in the show. He time codes it all via Winamp or CD.

"I know of no other hypnosis show that is this technical. LightJockey controls the whole show, all the music, the lights, haze, special effects, everything, and all accurate to the second - amazing and affordable.

Anthony’s set-up includes 2 Martin RoboScan 218s with DMX interface, 4 RoboColor IIs with interface, 2 RoboScan 518s, 20 RoboScan 812s, 3 FiberSource QFX 150s, 7 RoboColor Pro 400s and more. "I can do some really cool stuff with these lights," he states.

Four different LightJockey versions

"Set-ups vary from location to location," he says, "but there is always a LightJockey set-up on stage. I find it perfect for my application, user friendly and beyond reliable. We are currently ordering a new PCI version - going to a multi screen computer with touchpad."

"I have been using LightJockey for about 2 years now and the updates and add-ons are amazing, they make my sound techs job very easy. I own 3 different cards (soon to be 4) all operated by my stage assistant Kwyn Drummond - LJ single output 512, Quad output 2048 ISA, LJ USB, and soon the PCI 2048. Your software is amazing."

LightJockey controls fiber optic curtain

A fiber curtain backdrop is powered via 5 Martin RoboColor Pro 400s, 4 RoboColor lls and 3 FiberSource QFX 150s generating light for over 27 miles of fiber optic cable. "We made the curtain ourselves and the LightJockey allows us to do some really crazy things that can´t be expressed with a picture."

As a hypnotherapist, Anthony also knows the serious side of the business. Through tapes and personal sessions, he has helped thousands to stop smoking, lose weight or attain other personal goals.