Kevin Lepine: Craft, Ethics & the Responsibility of Laughter

Stage Hypnotist of the Year 2026 reflects a career built on respect, resilience and raising the standard

By Debbie Hall

After more than three decades in live performance, Kevin Lepine is still chasing the spark that made him fall in love with hypnosis in the first place.

That achievement, being named Stage Hypnotist of the Year 2026 by the Performing Hypnosis Summit, showcases Lepine's recognition for excellence, ethics, and mentorship.

For Lepine, the moment felt both surreal and grounding.

"Surreal in the best way," he says. "After over 30 years of performing, building, learning and growing, having peers recognize that work is incredibly meaningful and emotional. It reminds me of why I fell in love with this art in the first place. It also energizes me to keep pushing forward, keep improving, and keep giving audiences something special every night."

More Than Applause: Why Ethics Matter

The Performing Hypnosis Summit distinguishes this award by emphasizing professional integrity alongside performance skill. Founder Grant Saunders describes it as recognition for those who "raise standards" and help keep entertainment hypnosis respected and evolving.

For Lepine, ethics are not just an accessory but the core of his craft, which should instill confidence and respect in the audience for his integrity and approach to hypnosis.

"The future of hypnosis depends on audience trust," he explains. "Audiences and volunteers need to feel safe and respected. Ethics turns volunteers into stars, turns the audience experience into hilarity, and builds the reputation of hypnosis. When performers share knowledge and help each other grow, the entire community becomes stronger and more respected."

That philosophy is visible nightly at Hypnosis Unleashed, his long-running Las Vegas residency at the Four Queens Hotel & Casino. Volunteers are never treated as punchlines. They are positioned as the heroes of the show.

"Professional means preparation, consistency, and delivering a polished yet unique experience every night," Lepine says. "Respect means making volunteers look like stars, not like the butt of a joke. Audiences instinctively know one thing about every volunteer: 'That could have been me.' If they see someone having a funny but uplifting experience, they want to come back and try it themselves."

The result is high-energy comedy that never crosses the line.

"Comedy doesn't work if people get hurt or you feel bad for them," he adds. "When volunteers feel confident and supported, the audience relaxes and laughs more. That's how you create high energy responsibly."

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

Lepine often says he stands "on the shoulders of giants," and he is quick to name them.

In Las Vegas, Terry Stokes, Terry Stokes Jr., and Michael Johns helped shape his development through Hypnosis Unleashed, teaching him how to read a Vegas audience and build a show people return to again and again.

He counts The Amazing Johnathan among his creative influences, crediting the late comedy icon with sharpening his writing and stage presence. Earlier chapters in New Orleans and Detroit were equally formative. Performers like Warpo, Thom Brittain and Harry Anderson encouraged creative risk-taking. At the same time, David McKay and Comedy Castle owner Mark Ridley gave him platforms to experiment, fail, and refine his craft in front of real audiences.

From punk bars to major nightclubs, those early stages forged the resilience that would later sustain a long-term Las Vegas residency.

"I truly stand on the shoulders of giants," Lepine says. "And I carry their influence with me every time I step on stage."

Today, colleagues describe Lepine as one of those giants himself — but one who actively lifts others.

Mentorship as Responsibility

Mentorship is a responsibility Lepine takes seriously because he understands how much he benefited from guidance, which should make the audience feel gratitude and admiration for his willingness to give back.

He teaches hypnosis classes, offers guidance to emerging performers, and shares real-world insight about what works in live entertainment. If someone is willing to put in the work, he wants them to succeed — ideally without repeating the hard lessons he learned along the way.

That generosity aligns directly with the spirit of the Stage Hypnotist Award: sustaining the craft for the next generation.

Longevity in a Changing City

Hypnosis Unleashed has now run nightly in Las Vegas for more than 15 years — the only year-round ticketed hypnosis show in the world. In a city known for rapid turnover, that distinction is significant.

"Longevity comes from consistency and connection," Lepine says. "Every show, I look at the audience's expectations and exceed them. It has to feel fresh, topical and funny."

While the show's structure remains grounded in hypnotizing volunteers and turning them into stars, Lepine constantly updates material, pacing, and tone to reflect current cultural shifts and audience sensibilities, keeping the performance fresh and relevant.

"What we all found funny five years ago might not be relatable now," he says. "The blueprint stays the same. What evolves is how we make volunteers shine and make the audience laugh."

Las Vegas audiences, in particular, have sharpened his instincts.

"Vegas taught me how to read a room quickly," Lepine explains. "Some people walk in ready to explode with energy. Others have been walking in the heat all day and are exhausted. My job is to bring all those people together and turn them into one connected audience."

Redefining Hypnosis

Despite decades of visibility, Lepine still encounters misconceptions.

"A lot of people think hypnosis is about embarrassing people or making them lose control," he says. "What I show onstage is completely different. Hypnosis is a natural state. It feels great. It can be empowering and fun."

He views himself as both an entertainer and an ambassador.

"I see it as an opportunity and a responsibility. Every show is a chance to show people that hypnosis is positive and exciting."

The most electrifying moment for him remains the same after thousands of performances: watching a volunteer experience hypnosis for the first time.

"Seeing that spark when they realize what it is — and that they can do it — still gives me chills."

The Power of Live Experience

In an increasingly digital world, Lepine believes live entertainment holds even greater value.

"Group laughter is powerful," he says. "Something funny online becomes unforgettable in a live crowd. And people want to know if something is real. When they experience hypnosis live, it blows away their expectations."

For performers hoping to build long-term residencies rather than short touring careers, his advice is pragmatic:

"Be ethical with everyone you work with. Be honest about what your show is. Focus on building an experience, not just routines. Learn in smaller rooms. Get comfortable in challenging environments. Surround yourself with creative people who make you better. Never stop trying to be a little better than you were yesterday."

Looking Ahead

With the Stage Hypnotist of the Year 2026 award now part of his legacy, Lepine's goals remain forward-facing.

"I want to keep expanding how people see hypnosis — how authentic, real, and fun it is. I want more audiences to experience comedy hypnosis. And I want to keep growing creatively while helping the next generation succeed."

Behind the curtain of Hypnosis Unleashed, there is constant writing, production work and promotion. But the most meaningful impact has been personal.

"Because of this show, I've visited every state in America, traveled through Europe and Asia, and performed across North America," he reflects. "I met my wife through this show. Heroes of mine became friends. I've made friends around the world — all because of this incredible journey."

For Kevin Lepine, the Stage Hypnotist of the Year award is not a finish line. It is a reaffirmation: that comedy, craft and conscience can coexist — and that laughter, when handled responsibly, can elevate both audience and art form alike.

Hypnosis Unleashed is performed at 9 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday (dark Sunday and Monday) at the Four Queens Hotel and Casino, 202 E. Fremont St. For more info, visit vegashypnosisshow.com, follow on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @ hypnotistkevin, YouTube @KevinLepine.