Hypnotist predicted to pack Union Ballroom once again

Kevin Hendricks, Jr.

This Thursday in the University Union Ballroom, a Sacramento State favorite will be making a grand return.

Noted hypnotist Tom Deluca will be making his way onto campus to deliver a show that has in a way, become a Sac State tradition.

With over 20 shows performed at Sac State, Deluca’s appearance’s have become an event in its own right.

“It’s always a fun show. It’s a big comedy for the most part.” Zenia LaPorte, the assistant director of programs and marketing for the university union, said, “It wouldn’t be a school year for UNIQUE without Tom Deluca.”

Indeed Deluca’s shows seem to have an undeniable element of humor provided gamely by the volunteers who are willing to allow themselves to be hypnotized.

For Deluca, the show is all about having fun and allowing people to reveal different sides about themselves they may normally keep hidden.

“I try and make the show funny and try to make it interesting,” Deluca said, “I try and make [student’s] personalities come out.”

Deluca’s efforts seem to have proven themselves effective as Sibley Silcox, a 21-year-old speech pathology senior, recounts her experience being hypnotized.

Deluca had Silcox do such things as pretend to drive a car as well as imagined that she was famed Disney character Tinkerbell.

Silcox was admittedly hesitant, but excited to journey through what it was like being hypnotized.

“It’s kind of scary, but I think it was a very cool experience, I would do it again,” Silcox said.

Deluca acknowledges that there are many people who doubt the validity of the show and admits that there are those who feign to be hypnotists. However, he is adamant that he maintains a consistent level of professionalism in his shows, using a unique insight as his guide, an insight that he feels separates him from other hypnotist.

“There’s always people that doubt it, but I believe some people leave the show convinced,” Deluca said, “I know what I’m doing up there.”

Brandon Fields, a 24-year-old government senior, admits that he was one of those who had reservations about the show, but came out of the experience a believed man.

Fields was surprised by how much he actually enjoyed the show and is looking forward to Deluca’s upcoming performance.

“I was very skeptical at first. I really went into the show not knowing what to get out of it,” Fields said, “I really came out a true believer you can be hypnotized.”

Ajamu Lamumba, the programs advisor for UNIQUE, credits Deluca’s professionalism on stage as a big factor in his appeal to students as he points out that Deluca has performed at Sac State consistently for more than 10 years.

“He is a true professional. He puts his heart and soul into each show,” Lamumba said.

While those who view the show cite Deluca’s professionalism as the driving force behind it, Deluca places the driving force behind the students.

Deluca feels it is the student volunteers that make the shows successful as those who do volunteer are usually exposing inner parts of themselves to their fellow peers, something that Deluca feels can serve as a bonding experience between students.

“The audience almost feels like they know the person on stage. They get really excited,” Deluca said.

As Deluca ventures into his next performance, he hopes to continue his winning streak with the students and faculty at Sac State.

Deluca plans on introducing new material into the show as well as recycling some old favorite. However, he ultimately wants people to simply enjoy the show.

“I hope to bring a lot of happiness, laughter, and a lot of amazement. I want people to go ‘wow, that was cool,’” Deluca said.

For LaPorte, Deluca’s history with Sac State is proof of his relevancy and see’s no immediate end to his visits.

“There’s a reason why we bring him back: he still continues to pack.” LaPorte said, “We’re not getting tired of him any time soon.”

Kevin Hendricks Jr. can be reached at [email protected]