Don Barnhart Las Vegas Comedy Headliner, Hypnotist And Comedy Mogul

Interview by Sean Mazne

Don Barnhart Jr. is a traveling comic who has been lucky to be traveling for 25 years. He is lucky because after all of that work he gets to work in one of the luckiest places in town or wishfully lucky places. Beginning April 12th, headlining in Las Vegas will be added to his already long list of exploits. The comedian, a Bob Hope Award-winner, will star in a one-man show at the Clarion Hotel and Casino. The golden road towards the coveted title of Vegas Headliner was dotted with 25 years of shows across the United States, overseas, and sometimes, literally on the seas.

"I spend around 250 days a year on the road," says comedian Don Barnhart. I've been in more countries than I have states."

Barnhart affirms that the nonstop travel is a blessing, and remains the reason for his success. Going on the road allowed him to build a nationwide fanbase, as many US troops and cruise passengers attend his show when he visits their hometown. While he will miss the ability to go directly to his fans, Barnhart says there are benefits to entertaining in a single place every night.

"Having an indefinite run [at the Clarion] allows me to try out new material, and it gives me time to work on my other projects," says Barnhart.

Many who have seen Don Barnhart"s performance in the past remember him as a stage hypnotist. Barnhart began using self-hypnosis early in his career as a way of overcoming his stage fright, and continues using it as a tool for positive reinforcement. This extends to his shows, as Barnhart does not use hypnosis to embarrass his volunteers.

"I don"t make Grandma striptease," says Barnhart. "But [during prom season] I"ll give that shy bookworm the confidence to bust some dance moves and sing some Britney Spears."

During hypnosis shows, his favorite inquiry to participants is the excuse they would give an officer to get out of a speeding ticket. Another popular bit is having volunteers converse in made-up languages.

Barnhart was recently certified by the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, the first nationally accredited college in the United States. He plans on using his education to teach others, outside the realm of comedy.

Barnhart currently produces movies with his wife, Linda Vu. Their first movie, China Dolls, is a somber tale about human trafficking in Las Vegas. The duo recently released a series of fitness books and DVDs, starring Vu, who is a professional fitness trainer.

Their newest movie in production, Freeloader, tells the story of a returning veteran who finds himself homeless on the streets of Vegas. After stumbling into a comedy club, the veteran soon begins performing there, finding humor in his life story. Barnhart directs and stars.

Barnhart also plans on opening comedy clubs around the country, giving aspiring comedians a chance to perform locally. He is passionate in helping newcomers find success, as he teaches comedy classes in Las Vegas.

"I give all my students the same advice Leno gave me, "go on the road"," says Barnhart. "If you"re not getting paid, you"re not doing it right."

Despite having a show in Vegas now, Barnhart still plans on touring internationally. He remains a staple on Carnival Cruise Lines entertainment, and makes it a point to perform with the USO at least twice a year.

"I have the most fun with [the troops]," says Barnhart. "They"re the most willing to laugh. Sometimes I even get hugs because I remind them of something they"re missing back home."

(Barnhart offers 2-for-1 tickets for troops attending his shows)

Having so much passion for comedy, Barnhart finds it difficult to avoid performances, even while on vacation.

"Last year my wife and I spent a week in Oahu," says Barnhart. "The hotel we were staying at quickly found out I was a comedian. By the end of the week I was performing nightly for them. After that I had to promise my wife I won't "work" during our next vacation."

Work will be more hectic than ever for the comedian. His hour-long show runs Tuesday through Sunday, with a 15-minute guest comic. The 450-seat lounge-style theatre offers food and drink, bottle service and 10 VIP booths.

Tickets are $29.95 with the show starting at 8:00 pm. The show is recommended for those 18 and over. Barnhart compares adult jokes to jalapeos, best in small quantities.

With so many projects underway, one wonders what Barnhart would do if he wasn"t working in entertainment:

"I"d probably be some sort of philanthropic scientist," Barnhart imagines. "Maybe even the Santa Claus of Inventions, creating useful things for people all around the world."

Don Barnhart will also be performing at Brad Garret's Comedy Club at the Tropicana in June.

Those interested in Don Barnhart"s background should check out AmericasComedy.Com"s other story about the comedian here.

Additional information about the Don Barnhart Comedy Show can be found at http://www.donbarnhart.com/.

Enjoy some stand up comedy from Don Barnhart Jr., courtesy of YouTube.com! NSFW