Testimonials

I want to express our appreciation for the wonderful show you put on for our annual Bank party. Your professionalism and friendly personality were a perfect fit for our group.

Everyone is talking about the show and as people recall the responses to the various suggestions you made to those who were hypnotized, we laugh all over again. It is a fact that everyone who was at the party was wholeheartedly entertained.

The President mentioned that your act (literally) will be a hard act to follow for next year's party. I personally found your program educational as well as entertaining. Your experience was evident as you skillfully performed the hypnotic inductions.

Carole Westhuis
Assistant Vice President
National Bank of Waupun

In the course of the past few years I have seen Melissa perform about a half dozen times. Her shows are entertaining, lively and always fresh. She relates well to the audience and has a keen sense of timing and execution. An interesting note, it seems the audience is drawn in by the fact that someone so young has been able to learn an art so well.

As the advisor for several student groups on campus, I have been able to see first-hand Melissa's professional talents on stage as well as with pre-event arrangements. She has excellent communication skills that have helped my student leaders run programs virtually glitch-free.

She has the performance characteristics of a legend, but the energy of a young talent.

Sachin Tuli
Residence Life Coordinator
Witte Hall

I asked Melissa Barnes to perform her hypnotism show for my sorority on our spring Bid Day. This is an important day for members of the Greek System because we bring our new pledges to our home to introduce them to the girls in the house. Melissa's show was perfect for the occasion! She began by explaining to us the basics of hypnotism, and then she gave the audience a chance to ask questions. Many of the girls have commented that this part of the show made them feel very much at ease and more willing to volunteer to be hypnotized.

The next two hours were filled with non-stop laughter. The show ran smoothly because it was well thought out and very organized. Her suggestions to the participants were original, creative, and entertaining. She is very talented and extremely successful at creating a show that appeals to all types of people. One audience member told me that she hadn't laughed that hard in years.

Not only did her show create life-long memories for everyone present, but it also gave the girls in the house a chance to bond with each other and with the new pledges. The performance was definitely the highlight of our Bid Day. I would recommend this show to anyone, and I hope we are lucky enough to have Melissa perform for us again someday.

Katie Walter
Pi Beta Phi

I am one of the co-chairs of the 30 Hour Famine, an event that seeks to raise money and awareness for world hunger. This event is sponsored through the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Housing and is open to all students living in University Housing.

I have served as the co-chair for the past three years. We have asked Melissa Barnes to perform her hypnosis show for us each year. We have consistently been impressed with her professionalism and ability to entertain our crowd. We always receive more interest in this program and many participants have come for all three years to this show.

Her shows have always occurred near the end of our fast so it is crucial that she can provide entertainment for the audience, most of whom have been fasting. Her shows are always helpful in helping us forget about our hunger because of the humor and interest.

Each show begins with an introduction to hypnosis since many of the audience members are unfamiliar with it. This educational component creates a sense of trust and interest among students and many volunteer to be hypnotized. As the program co-chair, I also appreciate the education offered to students.

Audience members and participants are always entertained with her shows. She has interesting techniques and storylines that are funny and unique. Our shows are usually composed of people who know each other and they always enjoy seeing their friends in crazy situations!

I would highly recommend Melissa for a wide variety of hypnosis shows. She is highly adaptable and flexible to different situations and different groups and is always very entertaining. Her performances are unique and educational.

Carrie Johnson
Co-chair - 30 Hour Famine Fundraiser

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the wonderful performance of your hypnotism show. The Sellery House Fellows and residents can not think of enough good things to say about it.

I remembered seeing your show for the first time as a freshman when my Hall Association had you perform. It was fantastic! I really enjoyed being hypnotized and felt as well rested as you said I would.

I knew I had to see your show again. When I was thinking of programs for my first year as a House Fellow, I knew you'd be perfect. My residents loved the show!

In my second year as a House Fellow, my returning residents, who have seen your show the year before, asked to have you back.

The residents and staff had a great time at your performances. They really enjoyed learning about the art of hypnotism and watching their friends be hypnotized.

After the shows I heard comments like:

"She was very funny."
"I really had a lot of fun."
"This is the first program I have enjoyed so far."
and "It was great chance to relax, let loose, and enjoy myself."

The residents and House Fellows thank you for coming to Sellery. I hope we can have you perform again!!

Anne Haupt
House Fellow
Sellery Hall

Thank you so much for helping out with the 30 Hour Famine again. We always appreciate your shows and everyone gets a huge kick out of them!

30 Hour Famine Committee:
Abha, Erin, Carrie