Hypnotist Tom DeLuca graced Sacramento State yet again as he wowed the student-filled University Union Ballroom Thursday night, Feb. 26.

UNIQUE invited DeLuca as a part of its two-activities-a-week policy. UNIQUE volunteer Tina Pham said a lot of preparation went into the execution of the show.

“We’ve been here since four o’ clock; it’s going to take a while to clean up,” Pham said.

The show ended a little after 9 p.m.

Pham could not leave her post at the UNIQUE booth but from what she caught, she said it was really funny.

Pham did not let being at the booth hinder her spirits. She said her greatest reward was when people realized how much attending the show costs.

“A lot of people were surprised [the show] was free,” said Pham.

DeLuca took the audience on a hypnotic journey through the “power of the mind and imagination.”

DeLuca earned a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois and then performed shows locally before procuring national recognition, according to tomdeluca.com.

The show began with DeLuca selecting 20 members from the audience to join him on the stage.

Within about five minutes of soothing music and prepping, DeLuca had his volunteers under a subconscious trance. They became unconscious to what they were doing, but alert and willing to his every demand.

During the two-hour show, DeLuca did everything from making his volunteers dance uncontrollably, to driving an imaginary hot rod.

The hypnotist made the students explore the ins and outs of their emotions. One minute a volunteer was treating an orange as if it were a living being, and the next he would chastise and devour it.

Some of the volunteers pleased the crowd more than others.

One person that stood out was freshman Vanessa Lopez. Lopez struggled to describe her feelings of playing DeLuca’s pawn on stage.

“Oh my gosh, I don’t know, but I’m really sweaty, hot, energetic and confident,” said Lopez.

Lopez said she does not remember anything about being on stage except for tons of laughter. She stressed how her cheeks were sore from smiling and laughing so much.

Even though she could not remember anything except having a good time, Lopez said that she would definitely volunteer again.

“The show was amazing,” said junior Sydney Ware. “My favorite part was the end when he made people dance. I would definitely come again.”

DeLuca has been performing on campus annually for around 30 years.

“This is why I love coming to California,” said Deluca, “So entertaining.”