Fantastic Ventriloquist Show Coming in September!

Just a quick note to remind you about a terrific ventriloquist
show coming up in just a few weeks! It's "Double Talk" 2013.

This year featuring world famous Ronn Lucas and his one man
show.

This is the second year for Double Talk. Last year there were
two performances and both shows were very well attended.

This year there is only ONE show - at 3pm and I expect the
show to sell out. Ronn is one of the top vents working today.

You may have seen him on The Late Show with David Letterman,
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, L.A. Law and many others.

He was also voted "The World's Best Ventriloquist" by the
New York Times.

This is a show you don't want to miss if you are in the area!
Or make a little road trip to see this amazing talent.

You can find out all of the details here and order tickets:

www.ventshow.com

The show is sponsored by the Vent Haven Museum - the only
museum in the world dedicated to the art of ventriloquism.
But, if you're reading my blog, you probably know that
already...8-)

Proceeds from the show go to help maintain and support
the museum.

Hope to see some of you there!

www.ventshow.com

Throw your voice for 50 cents!

Click the picture for larger image

 

While I remember the "classic" ads for ventriloquism products in old comic books and magazines as a kid, I had forgotten about this one...found it in a box of my stuff that was at my moms house. It's for a product called the "Venthrillo." The ad was in a "House of Mystery" DC comic book from 1973. Just look at all of the amazing things it can do...all for 50 cents. Sold through the Abracadabra Magic Shop in New Jersey (in this ad anyway). And notice the target audience...

Memories of Clinton

As many of you know, we've lost a true champion of ventriloquism.

Clinton Detweiler passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 22nd of an apparent heart attack.

When I heard the news, I was in total shock. I had just exchanged emails with him the day before and he was his usual positive, busy as ever self. It's taken me a couple of days to accept the news and I'd like to dedicate this blog post to him.

Clinton was a great friend and mentor to me for over 30 years.

When I was nine years old, I saw that little ad in the back of Popular Mechanics magazine (that so many of us did when we were kids) that advertised the Maher Home Study Course in Ventriloquism.

At that time, Maher Studios was still being run by Fred Maher's wife, Madeleine (Fred had passed away several years before). Clinton wouldn't purchase the business from Madeleine until a few years later in 1969.

I asked my Mom if I could get the course, and at the time, I believe, there was a payment plan option. I took a few of the lessons and then for whatever reason, never completed the course during those childhood years.

I still maintained my love of ventriloquism, did learn how to be a ventriloquist and started doing shows when I was around thirteen.

Then in 1975, I ordered a catalog from Maher Studios, with Clinton, Adelia and son Kevin now at the helm of the business.

That catalog was read cover to cover many times and I would write to Clinton to ask about puppets and other items in the catalog. He always took the time to reply and was always willing to provide whatever information I asked for.

In 1979, I decided to finish the Maher course that I started when I was nine. Clinton had revised and updated the course and it was during the study and completion of the lessons that Clinton and I became friends. That friendship continued for over thirty years.

He helped me find my first professional figure when I told him what I was looking for - an Archie figure made by CJ Lovik that was no longer in production. He searched around with people he knew until he found one for me.

When I launched Ventriloquism 101.com on the Internet in 1997, Clinton never considered me a competitor. He was always happy to promote new products I came up with and we communicated a lot over the years. He was such a generous man who went way above and beyond with any questions I had about vent, performing, puppets and on and on.

We spent a lot of time talking about how the Internet was changing the way people were doing business online, how folks were purchasing things on the web and tag-teamed on ideas to help both of our websites attract new customers.

That became harder to do as the web got bigger and people could find all kinds of "free" ways on the Internet to learn ventriloquism, find used puppets on eBay and other places to purchase vent materials. However, I always told Clinton that people get what they pay for and that those who "got it" and really wanted to learn EVERYTHING about ventriloquism and being a performer, that the Maher Course was THE gold standard in education.

I still believe that today.

One of my biggest thrills was when Clinton emailed me in 2002 and asked if I'd be interested in carrying his new Maher course, and substitute my Ventriloquism 101 video with the course instead of the great video by Mark Wade that was part of the original package. I sold the Maher / Ventriloquism 101 combo course from my site for almost 10 years. I'll always be grateful for that opportunity.

I honestly do not know of anyone who ever had anything but positive things to say about Clinton. His course taught thousands and thousands of people how to be a ventriloquist over the nearly 40 years he owned Maher Studios. And he personally helped every single student with any questions they had.

I always looked forward to reading each issue of his Newsy Vents publication, his blog - Mr. D's Daily Ventriloquist Journal - and was pleased anytime I heard from him.

I was also thrilled to see him on occasion at the Vent Haven Convention. I live in Indianapolis and Clinton was in Colorado, so I rarely had the opportunity to see him in person. But when I did, his warm smile and genuine interest in seeing me still makes ME smile.

I'm sure many others have the same memories of Clinton and how he always treated people right. And with honesty and integrity.

In my opinion, Clinton did more for ventriloquism in the past 100 years than anyone else. Sure there are some amazing performers like Jeff Dunham, Jay Johnson, Terry Fator and others who have made ventriloquism "cool" again to the masses. But no one had the attention day to day, year after year, decade after decade of people truly interested in ventriloquism than Clinton Detweiler. There is not even a close second.

His passing has left an empty place in the art of ventriloquism that I don't know that anyone will ever be able to step up and fill.

I am also saddened that Clinton will not be there to receive the accolades and much deserved recognition for his huge impact on the world of ventriloquism at this summers Vent Haven Convention. The theme this year is billed as "The Year of Maher: Celebrating Clinton and Adelia Detweiler." I hope the celebration of Clinton's life and contributions to the art are still a focal point of the convention. He's certainly earned them.

To Clinton, running Maher Studios, performing, teaching, writing his daily blog, building and repairing literally thousands of figures over the years was NEVER a job. It was what he loved to do. It was his passion...right behind the passion for his family and friends.

Clinton was a friend and mentor to a countless number of people over his long career in ventriloquism.

I will remember his kindness and what a genuine person he was. I saved a lot of emails between us over the past 10 years and will have those memories to re-live from time to time.

I will miss my friend. Rest in peace, Clinton...and thank you.

One Question #4 - Stage Fright

I'm excited this week.

Sunday I'm taking my family on an 8 day cruise. My wife and I have been on a couple of them by ourselves. But the kids are now 12 and 16 and we think they'll have a great time...although it's school Spring Break week next week and I'm not sure what we're in for with a ship crowded with hundreds of kids on break with their parents.

I'll fill you in on the details when we return...if we survive.

This weeks "One Question" asked for advice on overcoming stage fright.

Everyone gets a little nervous before a show. Even people who have been performing for years. A few butterflies in your stomach is a good thing as it pumps you up and makes you sharp for the show. And, in nearly all cases, the nerves settle down once you are a few minutes into the performance.

But, if you're so nervous that you are freaking out before going on stage and sitting in a corner sucking your thumb and mumbling "mommy" over and over, that's not good.

Here are my three biggest tips to minimize or almost eliminate stage fright.

1). Know your routine inside and out. Nothing will give you more confidence on stage than knowing your script. And (I've mentioned this before) I mean by having it committed to memory. I've never been a big fan of having routines on cheat sheets somewhere on stage. I think that only acts as a crutch and makes is easy to get lost if you're relying on being able to find your place on a piece of paper hidden somewhere on stage.

When I have a script in my memory, it's very easy to stay on track with it, as each part of the routine flows into the next. If I get distracted for some reason, it's easy to get right back on track again.

2). Take the focus off of yourself. This is a huge tip and a big reason performers "go blank" on stage. If you are worrying and thinking about "will I remember my lines" or "what if I screw up" or "what if my jokes aren't funny" or "will the crowd like me" or "is that my wife sitting with my best friend out there?" you lose room in your brain for remembering your act.

No one cares about you and what you're thinking. All they care about is seeing a good show.

If you are prepared and put all of your energy into doing your best to entertain your audience (by putting them first), you'll have a lot less stage fright and memory lapses.

HAVE FUN as you perform. That's why your doing this, right? To entertain and have a good time.

3). Rehearse your act in the same way you plan on performing. This is another great secret few utilize. When you rehearse your show, don't just do it by running it through your head thinking you'll be able to pull off a great show once on stage. You won't.

You need to practice as if you were on stage.

By that I mean with the puppet on your hand and stand, talking OUTLOUD and running through the whole routine. As a ventriloquist (or any performer) you generally are acting and playing a character. For a vent that means acting the part of the vent and the puppet. If you want to play the part of the characters, you MUST rehearse OUTLOUD playing the parts of the characters.

You must rehearse your show as you wish to perform it, or chances are you won't remember it - leading to stage frightand nervousness.

Well, there are my top three "cures" for stage fright. Put them into practice and I think you'll find they'll really help.

As a shameless plug, these tips were taken from my audio CD program "Destroying Stage Fright Forever." If you want to hear a lot more techniques on this subject, you can pick up a copy of the CD on my website here:

http://ventriloquism101.com/products/videos.htm#stagefrightcd

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Until next time...Keep venting!

Something Really Special from Clinton Detweiler

I just had to let you know about a wonderful new collectible series of ventriloquist coins being released in an extremely limited edition quantity by the one and only Clinton Detweiler.

The set is called the "Ventriloquist Hall of Fame" coin set and will (with your help - more about that in a minute) be released in sets of four different coins as the series progresses.

I received my set today of the first four coins and am simply in awe of the superb craftsmanship in these large 34mm golden bronze coins.

The first coins feature Fred Maher (founder of Maher Ventriloquist Studios), Jimmy Nelson, Edgar Bergen and Senor Wences.

The artwork on the coins was beautifully done by decades long artist for Maher Studios, David Miller, and exquisitely engraved by master artisans.

I must take a minute to tell you a little about Maher Studios.

Since I've been around ventriloquism for over 45 years, I (and countless others) know of the company. But since Clinton "retired" and closed the business in 2006, there is a small chance that some of you newer vents may not know who and what Maher Studios was and what it meant to generations of would be ventriloquists.

The company was started in 1934 by Fred and Madeleine Maher and offered a home study course on how to become a ventriloquist. Maher Studios also sold professional vent figures (which are highly sought after collectors items today) as well as routines and other ventriloquism supplies.

When Fred unexpectedly passed away in 1952, Madeleine ran the business until she sold it to Clinton in 1969.

Clinton and his family grew the business over the next 37 years and the Maher Studios Home Course in Ventriloquism became the most complete, best selling and gold standard by which other ventriloquism books and courses aspired to.

He expanded the business to include everything one would need in regards to ventriloquism - books, DVD's, CD's, puppets, beginner and professional dummies.

Clinton was never too busy to personally answer questions and mentored thousands of ventriloquists over the years. He graded the lessons that were part of the course (he still does).

There is probably no one who has done more for ventriloquism for as many years as Clinton and his family.

Even though Clinton "closed" Maher Studios in 2006, he's never really retired. He has continued to write daily on his "Mr. D's Daily Ventriloquist Journal" blog, builds and repairs all kinds of puppets and dummies, still sells his Maher home study course and stays very active in the ventriloquial community.

You can check out Clinton's blog and projects here:

http://www.ventdj.blogspot.com/

And, on occasion Clinton comes up with some great new ideas...

Which brings us back to the coins.

After nearly 50 years in the vent business, Clinton wanted to create something really special to offer the ventriloquist world. The result are these very exceptional collector coins.

If you are truly a fan of ventriloquism (which I think you are, as you are a reader of this blog) you simply have to own these coins. They are a testament to the vents of the past, present and even the future who have made a mark in this unique and wonderful entertainment field.

You can read more about the coins here and see some stunning photos showing the quality of these pieces of art:

http://hofcoins.blogspot.com/

As I mentioned, each set of four coins is going to be released in a very limited quantity, which will possibly make the value of the coins go up over time.

IMPORTANT FACT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Only 200, that's right, only 200 of each four coin sets will be produced. So insure you get your first set by ordering now:

http://hofcoins.blogspot.com/

Now, here is how you can help with this labor of love Clinton has been working on for all of you.

100% of the proceeds from the sales of the "Ventriloquist Hall of Fame" coin sets will go directly towards the production costs of future sets. Clinton is not making any profit off of these coins. It costs several thousand dollars to produce and run each set of coins.

By you ordering the sets as they are released, you are helping to keep the memory alive of some of the greatest ventriloquists (and those who helped promote the art of ventriloquism) for future generations to remember.

The coins are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

I can honestly say you will absolutely love these coins.

Please order your set of the first four coins right now while you are thinking about it and help Clinton realize his dream of being able to release the entire collection he has planned for all of you to enjoy and treasure.

These coins will be a piece of ventriloquism history. Be a part of it!

http://hofcoins.blogspot.com/

Thanks!

Lee
http://www.ventriloquism101.com/

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Amazing Vent Show Coming in April, 2012!

I wanted to make you aware of a really great vent show coming to the NDA Performing Arts Center in Park Hills, Kentucky (near Cincinnati, Ohio) for two big performances on April 21st.

The program is called "Double Talk 2012" and the shows are at 2pm and 7:30pm.

And we are talking some of the best vent talent anywhere being on stage for this very special event.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to help support, renovate, update and maintain the world's only ventriloquist museum - the world famous Vent Haven museum in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky.

If you are within driving distance, you do not want to miss this event! How often do you get to see world class ventriloquists all on one show? Unless you attend the annual Vent Haven ConVENTion, I'd say never.

The outstanding line-up for this family friendly show includes:

Megan Piphus:
Megan began performing vent at age ten. In 2008 she was a guest on the Oprah Winfrey special: The World's Smartest and Most Talented Kids. She plans on continuing her career as a musical ventriloquist bringing a positive and motivational message to her audiences.

Mike Hemmelgarn:
I've seen Mike's show many times and his combination of great ventriloquism, magic and breathtaking juggling makes this an act that is hard to top. Mike has been performing since he was eight years old and has performed thousands of shows in nearly every type of venue. He will have you falling out of your seat laughing with his vent humor, magic and his ability to juggle some unique items...you know...like tennis balls, bowling balls, very sharp knives, machetes and torches. Watch his act for the fun and come away with the fact that he lived through it!

Kevin Johnson:
Kevin began his vent career at age nine and has been performing ever since. He is probably most recognized for his appearances on "America's Got talent" and "The Late Show with David Letterman." He also worked a nine year run at San Diego's Legoland California theme park where he performed nearly 9,000 shows.

Tom Ladshaw (also your MC for the event):
Tom is a veteran of thousands of shows over his 35 year career, performing in more than 20 countries. He has worked with celebrities such as Regis Philbin, Robert Stack, Whoopi Goldberg, Roger Moore, Martha Stewart and many, many more. Also, Tom is recoginized as the worlds foremost expert on the history of ventriloquism, also owning one of the largest private collection of ventriloquism memorabilia in existence.

This is truly a very rare opportunity to see such amazing talent on one stage and also support the Vent Haven museum. I also just found out today that as a special treat, all of the performers will be available after the shows to meet and greet the folks who attend.

There will be photo-ops, autographs, and a souvenir table with posters and other items. I'll be there too, so I am personally asking you to attend and help a great cause. Plus, as a reader of my VenTips Blog, I'd love to meet you in person!

With the exception of Megan Piphus, who I look forward to meeting, I am good friends with all of the other performers and can personally guarantee you will be attending one of the best vent shows you've ever been to.

You can get all of the details for the event here:

http://www.ventshow.com/

Double Talk 2012.

Don't miss it!

http://www.ventshow.com/

See you there!

One Question - #3 - How do I Write Funny Material?

Today's "One Question" series inquiry comes from Tom Farrell and his question is one I hear often:

"I really need help in writing funny material."

That's a tough one to answer as there are so many pieces to this, but let me give it a shot.

First, I think you really have to have some sort of a sense of humor, or a "funny bone" to be funny in your comedy. If you have a good sense of humor, chances are that you can develop that into good comedy writing technique and write the majority of your own material.

Or, you can purchase some pre-written comedy vent routines (there are several good selections on my website) and the key here is to alter the routines to fit your personality and THE CHARACTER of the puppet. Don't purchase a script book and just do it word for word. You must interject your own style into the routine.

There are also lots of comedy writers out there who you can hire to write custom routines for you. Be careful, though. Since these writers won't know you, your act, your personality, or the character of the puppets you are using, they may not write something that fits you and you'll end up with a routine that may be funny if the person who wrote it performed it, but not work for you. If you hire a writer to pen a custom routine for you, make sure they are asking you questions about you, your style and the kind of show you do. A good writer will ask you a lot of questions up front to make sure they are writing in a style that is "you."

When Jeff Dunham was ready to start writing his biography "All By My Selves" a couple of years ago, he tried working with some well respected ghost writers/co-authors. He found that what they wrote did not "sound" like Jeff, if you get what I mean. Jeff ended up writing the whole biography on his own and I think that's part of why it's such a good book. It's "Jeff."

If you are writing your own comedy and/or blending your own writings with jokes from other sources (joke books, the Internet, whatever) you want to have a "theme" in mind for the routine. Do not just hook a bunch of unrelated jokes together into a script. There has to be a common thread to the various parts of the routine. And find a re-occurring call back hook/comment/bit you can return to from time to time during the act.

Use only material that sounds funny to you. If you hear or read a joke that doesn't make you laugh, don't use it just because it fits the theme of your routine. If you don't really find the joke funny, you won't have your heart in it when you perform it and it probably won't get a good response.

Good jokes have a set up and a "punch." The trick is to take the audience down a certain path with the set up (where they think they know where you are going with the joke) and then POW! go a different direction and catch them off guard with the punch.

For example:

Setup: "My brother is so stupid. He stole a car. Really stupid..."

You think the joke is taking you down the road of then talking about how the brother got into trouble with the law, went to jail, or something to that effect. But taking the punch down a different alternate road that the audience doesn't expect will really make the joke funnier.

Setup: " My brother is so stupid. He stole a car...Really stupid..."
Punch: "...he kept making the payments on it."

Here's another:

Setup: " I walked into a bar last night and saw some poor guy on the floor getting the crap kicked out of him by a bunch of big dudes. I asked the bartender why he didn't call a cop."

You think this is going down a road where the bartender will say "they're busy writing parking tickets" or "they're down at the doughnut shop for free coffee night" or something like that. The typical stereotype of police. Let's take it a different way.

Setup: "I walked into a bar last night and saw some poor guy on the floor getting the crap kicked out of him by a bunch of big dudes. I asked the bartender why he didn't call a cop."
Punch: "He said, 'Are you crazy? After the beating they just gave that one?'"

See how we took the setup one way and then went in a completely different direction? Try this technique. It will really help you write funnier material.

Try to write from personal experiences. If you really think about it, there are all kinds of really funny things you've experienced in your day to day life that either have happened to you (that in hindsight seem funny to you now, even if it may not have appeared so at the time), or something you witnessed that happened to someone else.

People love personal experience comedy. It easy for an audience to laugh at things that probably may even have happened to them or someone they know.

Look at news stories and find topical subjects that you can put the setup/punch spin on as described above.

I personally recommend taking it easy on corny puns.

"So, you like girls, I gather."
"No, I like girls I gather."

"I see you're a chicken. Do you lead an egg-citing life?"

One in as show may be OK, but in my opinion, a routine full of puns just isn't funny. It's egg-scruciating to listen to.

Get my point?

Once you get a routine or bit put together, try it out on a few friends or other professional performers and see how it goes over. Be willing take criticism. Re-write parts if necessary and fine tune it a bit before performing it before an audience. Don't try out a brand new routine at a really important gig. Perform it at some smaller venues first and work the kinks out before doing the bit at a big deal show.

If you feel you really have a funny bit that doesn't go over the first time you do it, don't toss it out right away. Try re-wording it, changing it around in, etc. and see if it gets a better response.

Writing comedy is not easy. Wait. Let me rephrase that. Writing GOOD comedy is not easy. Anyone can string a bunch of corny jokes together and write a lame routine. Those performers either won't be working often (no one will re-book them) or not for long (because they'll get frustrated and quit).

Really push yourself to be unique in your comedy and work hard on crafting a truly funny routine.

Once you have a solid routine, you'll know it's going to be fun to perform because you'll know when and where folks will laugh.

But, like any other skill worth learning, writing good comedy takes practice.

Some of the best resources I've seen for comedy and writing comedy are books by Greg Dean ("Step by Step to Stand-Up Comedy") and anything put out by Tom Ladshaw (both pre-written material and "how to" comedy writing resources), Bill DeMar and Al Stevens. Greg's book is available from amazon.com and I carry the others books on my website.

http://www.ventriloquism101.com/

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One Question - #2 - How Do I Create Character Voices?

Continuing my series called "One Question" where I try to answer challenges vents and performers have, this question was sent in by Gene Pritchard:

"OK, I believe my biggest challenge in this business is "Voices"... maintaining a voice for each
member of my "family."

Here is how I approach character voices and what I find easiest.

First, I don't purchase a new figure unless I feel in my gut that I have a character in mind for the puppet. There are so many vents who look around on eBay, or in the ventriloquist convention dealer's rooms and see a figure or soft puppet that looks cool, but don't really have an idea in mind as to what to do with it. In the frenzy of wanting a new puppet, they pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for the puppet and it ends up sitting on a shelf in the closet at home and eventually ends up being sold off.

As you search for a new character and are looking at all of the choices out there, take your time. Really look at the features of the puppet and envision in your mind using the puppet. And, try to think of a personality for the character. If you can't, don't buy it.

Chances are you will struggle with finding a character and voice for the dummy and it won't get used.

When you see a puppet that is "right" for you, you'll know it. Ideas will start to come to mind immediately to you as you look at and/or handle the figure (if you're at a convention or some other place where you can physically hold the puppet). And, a voice that suits the character will also some to mind.

Be sure to choose a voice that fits the look of the character. If you have a goofball, kind of backwards puppet, don't use a sophisticated English gentleman voice. Pick a style of voice that matches the facial features of the puppet.

As far as ideas for voice types, I always look to cartoon characters to model my puppet voices after. My favorites are the original Looney Tunes voices - Bugs Bunny, Foghorn Leghorn, Yosemite Sam, Marvin Martian, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd and the list goes on and on. Looney Tunes are my favorite cartoons from the past and you can model (not exactly copy) a voice for you character after one of these classic cartoon voices.

There were also some excellent voices on the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon show.

You can ususally find segments of these cartoons on YouTube.

Or, think of people you know - either friends and family, or celebrities that have unusual or unique voices. Those can be made into great puppet voices as well.

Try several voices and see which ones work best for the character you have in mind. Be sure to pick a voice you can do easily.

Good luck!

One Question - #1 - Learning Routines and Finding Time To Practice

Several months ago I emailed subscribers of my VenTips email newsletter and asked them to submit their toughest "One Question" that was a challenge to them in regard to ventriloquism, writing, marketing, comedy, whatever.

I received a lot of really good questions and I'm now going to start posting the questions here and answer them as best I can. I'm calling the series, "One Question." (imagine that!)

The first question is kind of a two-parter, but the topics tie together.

The question comes from Will Jacobson from Lexington, KY:

"I have a hard time learning routines and finding time to practice. Any suggestions?"

Here is how I've always approached practicing and learning a new (or brushing up on) a routine. First, once I have my script written for me and my puppet, I record it using a microphone connected to my computer and the free audio software, Audicity and read the routine as I record it. Then I either burn a CD of the routine or put it on my iPod. Then I listen to it over and over at home, in my car, whenever I get the chance.

It works the same as when you hear a song on the radio over and over. Soon you can't get it out of your head (sometimes that's a good thing...other times not!) and before you know it, you can sing along and have all of the lyrics memorized.

Do the same thing with your vent routines. Listening to it on a recording, then talking along with it, then doing it without the recording can cut 60% off of the time it would take you to memorize a script if you were just trying to learn it from paper.

As an aside, I know a lot of people don't memorize routines. They use cue cards or cheat sheet reminders hidden on their set somewhere on stage. In my opinion, and again, this is just my opinion and the way I personally do it, I've always memorized my routines. It's just the way I've always done it.

When I know I have a script memorized, I always have a lot more confidence with my act while on stage. When I am in command of my routine, it allows me to ad-lib some, get side tracked and still be able to get right back into the script again.

Another benefit of memorizing a script is that it is very easy to brush up and recall it if you don't do that same routine for a while. Just like you remember certain song lyrics forever, you'll find once you've committed a script to memory, it comes back to you quickly when you need it again.

As a test, I pulled out the written copy to a routine I haven't done for over 2 years this week as I was perparing to write this post. I read the opening two or three exchanges between myself and my figure and then I put the paper down to see how much I could remember. I was able to do about 80% of the routine that I had not done in over 2 years on my first try. I could spend 20 minutes looking over it, or listen to the recording once or twice and it would all come back to me.

I have all of my routines on CD, my iPod and my PC so I'll always have them to reference when I need them. Again, the key is that they are on audio and listening greatly speeds up the learning of the routine! Try it!

As far as finding time to practice - I know how hard that can be with everything else going on in our lives.

I use a variety of techniques. First, I always consider practice time fun - not a chore. And I try to practice short periods of time more often than trying to do one really long practice session a week. So, I'd opt to do 10 minutes of practice a day rather than an hour once a week.

I try to practice at home the same time every day so it becomes a habit to do it.

And I practice whenever I am in my car. When you realize how much time you spend driving around during the day, it 's a perfect opportunity to work on your routine and voices. You CAN fit in a consistant practice regiment it you think of ways to do it!

I hope this information is helpful to you. Look for the next installment of "One Question" soon!

If you have any vent friends you feel would like this blog, please tell them about it!

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Maher Studios Workshop Pro Figures - 30 Years Ago

I received my first set of Maher Studios Workshop figure catalogs around 1979. At the time, CJ (Craig) Lovik was the Director and creator of the professional figures offered by Maher Studios. His workshop was in California. I can recall spending hours looking over these catalogs and reading the descriptions of each dummy.

I thought you might like to see the catalogs and the available characters at that time...both the "composition" and basswood offerings.

Both complete catalogs are shown here...and check out the price list at the end! Wow!

I purchased an "Archie" figure and still have one to this day.

And NO, Maher Workshop is no longer in business. Don't call the number!

You can click on the pictures to enlarge them.

Enjoy.

Making Your Puppet Look Alive - Part 1

I'd like to cover some tips on puppet manipulation.

"Manipulation" is making the puppet, figure, dummy(same thing) look alive.

This is harder than itseems. Especially for new ventriloquists. It takes a fair amount of practice to be able to "think" for at least 2 characters at same time - you and your puppet. It is very easy to forget to keep the figure "alive" when you are saying your lines.

The biggest mistake vents make is that while they are speaking, the dummy sits unmoving. It then comes to life when he says his lines and then is still again when the vent speaks. You do NOT want this to be you. You need to keep your puppet "alive" at all times! You want to be able to work the figure almost without thinking about it.

If you drive, you probably had a hard time remembering how to watch the road, steer, work the gas pedal and the brake, use the turn signals, etc...all at the same time, when you were first learning. However, after a short while you were able to do all of this, plus talk on your cell phone (not recommended), eat a sandwich and drive without even thinking about it.

Again, probably not a great idea, but you subconsciously are now able to perform all of these driving tasks as a result of practice.

That's the same for ventriloquism. You need to practice puppet manipulation until it becomes second nature to you.

Here are a few specific tips to help you with yourpuppet manipulation:

1.) Keep your figure moving at all times, especially when you are saying your lines. Now don't go overboard and have your puppet whipping his head around or making really big movements. But, have him look gently at you and the audience as you are talking. Do NOT have the figure sit still like a dead piece of wood. He needs to have some degree of life at all times.

2.) Use a video camera and record yourself practicing. Watch the video and you will probably be shocked at how often your puppet is "lifeless." Use the video camera to help you see how you can improve the manipulation of your puppet.

3.) To make your figure laugh, open his mouth and then"bob" the head up and down while you use your vent voice to make him laugh.

4.) Watch other ventriloquists on video, TV, etc...and turn the sound down on your TV as you watch. Pay attention to just the manipulation of the puppet(s) without sound. Is the vent able to make the puppet look alive, even with no sound?

5.) Practice. Practice. Practice!

More on this on my next blog post.

Vent Haven ConVENTion 2011 Recap and Photos!

Annie Roberts has posted a great write-up of the 2011 Vent Haven ConVENTion and posted a lot of terrific photos.

You can read and see everything here:

http://www.venthaven.com/

This was the 35th convention and had the biggest turnout ever - over 500 attendees. And I know the main reason for the huge crowd was because of it being a celebration of legendary ventriloquist Jimmy Nelson's 70 years in show business.

It was the best convention I've been to over the course of 30 years that I've attended.

The Dummy Shoppe - Puppets by JET

At the Vent Haven international ventriloquist convention in July it was my great pleasure to have my dealer's table right next to The Dummy Shoppe - Puppets by JET table.

The following comments are not any type of paid testimonial. These are opinions I formed after spending 4 days working alongside JET and getting a really good idea of how they conduct their business.

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I got to spend a lot of time looking at the wonderful assortment of great characters and to chat with the owners.


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The Dummy Shoppe - Puppets by JET is sort of the "new kid on the block" when it comes to professional (and I do mean professional) soft sculpted puppets. But they are fast becoming a force in the world of puppet makers.

Many of the professional vents at the convention spent a lot of time at the Dummy Shoppe table trying out the selection.

Each made-by-hand puppet is custom and no two are alike. If a performer purchases a puppet, the pattern for that puppet (if purchased directly from The Dummy Shoppe) gets filed away so if a duplicate puppet is required by the original purchaser, one can be made. But identical copies of the puppet are not made and offered to any new purchasers. For the modest price paid (for a professional puppet), that is a really great benefit.

While JET does offer an ever changing inventory of puppets which have already been made and are available from their website:

http://www.thedummyshoppe.com/

they also love to work one-on-one with clients to create unique customized characters.

Part of The Dummy Shoppe's mission statement reads:

"We want each of our friends to have unique puppets that set them apart from all other vents, so that when they perform, the audience knows ahead of time that they are in for a special entertaining treat. We want every puppet we create to be constructed in such a way that their quality alone sets them apart from all other puppets in the market."

And again, I can attest to the quality of these puppets.

In my opinion (and I've been a ventriloquist and around puppets for over 40 years), JET's puppets are in the same league as the amazing soft sculpted puppet makers Verna Finley and Mary Ann Taylor. (and I love Verna and MAT puppets).

I handled many of the puppets while at the convention and immediately noticed the high quality craftsmanship in each one. The faces have a lot of detail and the puppets are very roomy and comfortable to operate. Many of you know I'm a pretty big guy at 6' 9" and my hand fit easily in all of the puppets I tried out.

I have always been a traditional "hard figure" user, but I really was interested in a couple of these really nice characters.

So, I ended up just having to purchase this fantastic "Professor" puppet. Doesn't that face make you laugh just looking at it?

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I have an idea in mind for the personality of this puppet that was easy to come up with just based on it's look. That rarely happens so effortlessly.

Please visit The Dummy Shoppe website - even if you're not in the market right now for a new puppet. You'll have a LOT of fun just looking at all of the photos on the website.

If you are looking for a truly professional, unique character soft puppet, consider The Dummy Shoppe. They not only make great puppets at great prices, but they are ethical, honest and deliver when they say they will.

http://www.thedummyshoppe.com/

I highly recommend The Dummy Shoppe - Puppets by JET.

Brand New Book from Pro Al Stevens!

My good friend Al Stevens has just released a great new book on the subject of ventriloquism.

It's called "Ventriloquism: Art, Craft and Profession." It's nearly 300 pages packed with everything you could think of in becoming not just a great ventriloquist, but also a first rate performer.

Al has been a working pro for over 50 years and covers topics never before seen in any other book on the subject.

I consider this one of the finest books on the art of vent and the "business" of show business I've ever read.

You can read a complete review on my website HERE.

Great Advice from Professional Vent Ken Groves

I WANT YOU TO LOOK GOOD! by Ken Groves

A Note to the Client:

When you hire an entertainer, your image and maybe your job is on the line. I want to make you look good. These five things will make you look great!

1. Hire Professional Entertainers
Professional entertainers use contracts to protect you and them. Professional entertainment increases your attendance. Increased attendance pays for the professional entertainer. Entertainment should be the "icing on the cake" of a great event.

2. Entertainer is not a Babysitter
Nothing will ruin your event quicker than having the kids come down front so they can see. Please keep families together and the show will be a success. Set the room up correctly and everyone will be able to see the entertainer.

3. Set up the Room for a Great Show
You must take control of this and have the room set up correctly. The hotel/convention center will have no clue how to do this.

The audience must be able to SEE the entertainer. Never put tables behind an entertainer. Never leave an open dance floor or buffet tables in front of an entertainer. If you have to have a dance floor in front of an entertainer, please put chairs on it and then remove the chairs for dancing.

The audience must be able to see the entertainer. The audience must be able to hear the entertainer. This is very different from a band.

4. Introduce the Show
It's your job to get the audience's attention and get them all to focus on the show area.

DO NOT give the audience a restroom break before the show, many people will leave, making you look bad. All you have to do is get their attention. WAIT for the chatter to subside ... thank them for coming out to the event. Now just read the introduction provided by the entertainer. Then sit back and enjoy the show!

5. Know What the Entertainer Needs
Have a spot for the entertainer to park so they are not schlepping equipment from two blocks away in the rain. Make sure of: time, date, day, location and directions, show length, dollar amount, type of payment. Be crystal clear on all of this so there is no reason for panic on your big day.

Have a place for the entertainer to change in and get ready for show -- not a public restroom. The entertainment can make you money. People only remember the food and the entertainment. Have a great show!

I send this out to the people I contract with for a show. It really helps most of the time. Feel free to improve on it. **********************************************************************************
This information is also included in Ken's great teaching course: "Breaking Down the Brick Walls of Show Biz" program. You can find out all of the details here:
http://www.showbizwalls.com/

Wisdom from Bill DeMar - Breath Control and Ventriloquism

Here is some great advice from my good friend and professional ventriloquist for over 60 years, Bill DeMar:

As a working ventriloquist, you should have a large lung capacity. A vent should be able to
give a lot of power to the figures voice. A vent should NOT have to take a breath in the middle of a word OR sentence.

Find out what your lung capacity is right now. You can do that simply by timing how long you can hold your breath.

Then, do a physically demanding exercise, like deep knee bends, followed by pushups, for example. Do these exercises back to back until you’re panting and out of breath. Then rest. Then do it again.

After a few weeks, test how long you can hold your breath again. I'll bet it will be longer than the first time you tried. And the longer you can hold your breath, the more lung capacity you have.

As I said last year or the year before....comedy is not whispered or mumbled, it's presented loud and bold.

Watch and listen to any cartoon show or sitcom and you can't help but notice that it's LOUD, CLEAR AND DISTINCT. PUNCH those punch lines, don't let them fade and fall on the floor like so many people that I hear.

I'll bet you Terry Fator can hold his breath longer than you can and can hold a note longer then you can and make his figure talk louder than yours.

How long can YOU hold your breath? 20 seconds? 35 seconds? 60 seconds? More?

I'm so out of shape it's not funny. I haven't done anything, and I mean anything for several years. I can only hold for 70 seconds. (on the first try)

When I was younger and did vent on a regular basis, I had the capacity to swim under water for long periods of time.

Book Review: Jeff Dunham: All By My Selves

This new book by Jeff Dunham could be subtitled "the true story of how a kid with a puppet and a dream made it to the top of the comedy world."

For starters, let me say that Jeff's new book is a great read for anyone and everyone. It's NOT just for people interested in ventriloquism and comedy.

Sure, the book is packed with funny stories about Jeff and his puppets, but it's also an amazing account of hard work, determination and personal sacrifice of someone who refused to give up on his dream, despite professional and personal setbacks that would make most people say "I quit."

The writing style is all Jeff - literally. Most biographies are written by the subject (in this case Jeff) and a co-author, who tries to make revisions to the book to make it more well written.

Jeff found using a co-author made his words not "sound" like him. So, Jeff did what most do not. He wrote the entire book by himself. The process took over a year. But the result is an in depth, candid biography told in Jeff's own words. As you read the book, it almost seems like Jeff is sitting across from you telling you the story of his life. I've known Jeff for 30 years and this book 'is" Jeff.

I found the book very engaging to read and easy to keep turning the pages to see what happens next. The book is 356 pages and I finished it in two evenings.

The story covers Jeff from the beginning of his interest in ventriloquism when he received his first "dummy" as a Christmas gift from his life long supportive parents at age 8. Him getting the puppet in the first place almost happened by accident.

For most of you reading this, you know of Jeff and his current status as one of, if not the most popular stand up comedian in the world. And yes, Jeff considers himself a comedian who just happens to use puppets as a tool to get laughs. But, many of you probably don't know that it took Jeff nearly 30 years to become the "overnight success" many people think he became after he broke all of the ratings records with his Comedy Central specials, TV series and DVD sales beginning in 2006.

The journey of how Jeff reached the top is filled with great stories of successes and failures, his years of trying to get booked on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and being told "no" over and over, but never giving up, the celebrities he has worked with over the years, how he came up with the ideas and created his now household name characters - Walter, Peanut, Jose (on a steek!), Bubba J, Achmed, Sweet Daddy Dee, Melvin the Superhero Guy and the not so successful characters that ended up in his garage on a shelf...like a 3' pizza with talking toppings.

Jeff candidly and openly talks about the good and bad of show business and how it affected his marriage and children. The book will certainly make you laugh, but it will also put a lump in your throat and tear in your eye. He has left nothing out of the story which shaped him into the genuine, honest and funny person you see on stage and TV.

He also talks about the long, lonely night after night shows going from town to town, year after year, working up to 250 shows per year. A lot of the accommodations in these towns and cities (hotels, motels, etc) were places you and I would never stay in because they were so run down and disgustingly filthy.

He talks about the venues he's played - starting with the small shows, to clubs, to theaters and to 16,000 seat arenas. And, the people who helped him along the way.

The book is also peppered with great exchanges between Jeff and his characters as they "help" him tell the story.

And, Jeff tells a lot of things you've never heard about him and his life. His love of a certain TV show, of building his own helicopters and other really cool stuff about him.

This is one of the best biography books I've ever read and I'm certainly not saying that because I know Jeff. If it were not a good book, I would tell you. But, it is extremely well written and is one of the rare biography books I will read more than once.

The book is also packed with many never before seen color photos of Jeff throughout his career.

You will walk away after reading this book feeling uplifted. It may even motivate and inspire you to also do something great with your own life. And you will laugh as you read - a lot.

I have a feeling we will be seeing Jeff on stage and on the cutting edge of comedy for many years to come.

Do yourself, friend or fan a huge favor and purchase this book. You'll love it.

Available at most bookstores and online at

amazon.com

"I'm No Dummy" Now Available from Ventriloquism 101!

First things first.

This fantastic new DVD is NOT a video full of stand up ventriloquism performances.

Sure, it has a lot of hilarious bits and pieces of routines from professional, top of their field vents Jeff Dunham, Jay Johnson and Lynn Trefzgler.

But this film goes way beyond just performances.

It's an amazing, fast paced and side-splitting documentary about the fun and entertaining art of ventriloquism.

"I'm No Dummy" is jammed packed with commentary from a who's who in the world of entertainment and ventriloquism and blows the lid off of the absurd notion that ventriloquism is a dying art form.

Beautifully produced by award winning director and film maker, Bryan W. Symon. Associate Producer, Tom Ladshaw - the leading authority in the world on the history of ventriloquism.

Interviews and commentary from:

-Kelly Asbury

-Allan Blumenstyk

-Burt Dubrow

-Dr. David Goldblatt

-Ken Groves

-Mary Kingsley

-Tom Ladshaw

-Mallory Lewis

-Ronn Lucas

-Jimmy Nelson

-Norm Nielsen

-Otto Petersen

-Stevo Schüling

-Lisa Sweasy

-Willie Tyler

-Vonda Kay Van Dyke

If you have a love for ventriloquism (you must have, or you probably wouldn't be on this website. If you're looking for the Sham-Wow!, you'll need to look elsewhere), you gotta get this DVD!

Order here:

http://www.ventriloquism101.com/products/videos.htm#imnodummy

Vent Haven 2010 Workshop...featuring...Me!

I want to invite all of you going to the convention this year to attend a
workshop I am presenting called, "Videography Ninja: Creating and Making Money
with Promotional and Performance Videos."

Many of you know my background is in TV and video production. I've been
producing all kinds of promotional, corporate, training and event videos for
nearly 20 years.My degree is in television and film production.

My goal is to make this a fun presentation without a bunch of
techno-mumbo-jumbo.

You'll learn how to make professional looking demo videos to generate more
bookings and revenue, and show videos you can sell after your performances or
from your website.

All without spending tons of money to create.

Hope to see you in July!

On another note, I am now carrying a nice hand made wooden vent and dummy desk
pen gift set on my website. You can check it out here:

http://www.ventriloquism101.com/products/specials.htm#woodvent

New DVD's and Book From Jeff Dunham

A quick update.

Jeff has a few new items coming out over the next few weeks and months.

First is the "Jeff Dunham Show" DVD, which includes all 7 episodes of Jeff's series that ran on Comedy Central in 2009. Great stuff:



Secondly, Jeff's autobiography book, "All By My Selves: Walter, Achmed, Peanut and Me." This is the story of Jeff's long and illustrious career in the comedy business:



Check 'em all out!