Fats challenge

Hi Clinton, I have the opportunity to purchase an unpainted resin casting of the "Evil Fats" Ventriloquist head from the film "Magic". It is a casting from the original mold. What would you charge to turn it into a painted Ventriloquist figure with moving eyes and moving eyebrows? Thank You, Philip

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Philip: Well, I'm tempted because it looks like a fun challenge. But I have other "challenges" in my shop that need my immediate attention. So I'll pass on your invitation. However, there could be some figure maker reading this that would be willing to take on this job assignment If so, drop me a note. Clinton

Slots or not?

Question: Hello. I found your website and blog spot and I was wondering if you can make any figures with the "living" mouths that Maher Studios sold years ago. I have searched the internet but have yet to find anyone that makes them, or I can't get a reply from some figure makers. Thanks, Chris

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Answer: No, I do not make figures with the "living" (non-slot) mouth. Nor do I know anyone who currently does. Craig Lovik made the living mouth Storyteller figures we sold through Maher Studios in the 1970s. He told me that type of mouth is actually easier to build than the traditional slotted jaw. And a dummy without slots does have a more realistic appearance... until it starts talking.

When such figures are "talking", only the figure's lower lip moves. There is no chin/jaw movement. That is less realistic (our jaw moves as much or more than our lips when we talk) and less visible. Personally, I opt for greater visibility for the audience. Another quirk I've learned - people only mention the slots on a dummy's mouth when there are none. Clinton

These Storyteller figures were introduced in 1973. Billy (left) and Brian.

Keep it simple; do it well

Question: I have a couple of questions for you. As a ventriloquist I have had much difficulty learning the distant voice and don't have a high enough register to do the "baby cry." From what I've read, heard and seen from most "successful" vents these novelty effects are a big part of a good performance. How important are they to the credibility of a ventriloquist and getting an audience to "buy into" you as a vent? Will audiences be impressed by an act without them? Is there anything that you would suggest that could replace them? I'm just a little apprehensive about not being as "talented" as some vents. What are you thoughts and recommendations? * * * * * *
Answer: I've always advocated keeping things simple and doing them well. Always work within your ability. There's no need to try to include every form of ventriloquism in your performance just because someone else does. Every performing ventriloquist started out the same - with the basics. With practice and performance experience it will be possible for you to expand your repertoire of skills as you go along. Always have the goal of making the next show a little better than the last. You may choose to add novelty effects one by one as your shows increase in number and you increase in confidence. Never yield to the temptation of adding novelty just for the sake of demonstrating novelty, but give it purpose in your act. Some pro vents, for instance, use the baby cry in every act; others will never use it at all. A simple show performed well will leave your audience impressed.

Memorial Day 2009

"Home of the brave,

"Land of the free..."

Thank you, Veterans

and those who serve!

Details, details

Finishing off a puppet often requires an amount of time equal to that of building the complete under structure. That's true of ventriloquist figures and that's true of cereal box puppets. It takes several gluing steps to cover the wooden unit with the empty carboard box. Holes for eyes and mouth are cut with care. Here I am using a Q-tip and black paint to touch up the cut edges of the cardboard. Next I will add eyelids/brows to the eyes and close off the back of the mouth with black art foam plus add a pink tongue and white teeth. Then, and only then, the puppet will finally be complete.

Drinking while speaking

Question: I am very fascinated when I see a ventriloquist drink while his figure speaks. Is there a secret to this act? Is there a booklet on how it is done? In one of the booklets, I remember you referring to the figure drinking from a trick cup/glass, but I couldn't find anything regarding the Ventriloquist drinking while his figure spoke. Don't laugh, but I tried it and almost choked in the process. Is this truly a possible feat?
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Answer: How does a ventriloquist drink while his figure speaks? Okay, that's a loaded question for a public blog, because common sense tells us no one can drink and speak simultaneously - physically, that is impossible. So, it's safe to say the ventriloquist is creating an illusion using trickery of some sort. But if I explain here how it is done, I'll hear from fellow vents who would not approve of me exposing trade secrets. So here's what I'll do - Since you are a student of the Maher Course, I'll privately send you a brief "how-to" if you promise to tell no one other than your fellow ventriloquists. Break that promise and you will be destined to choke on any attempt at performing the "drinking bit." :-)

Sammy King DVD

Sure you can give them away...maybe put in a quick plug for them if you enjoyed them.

The direct link to Sammy King's DVD is:
http://www.ventriloquism101.com/products/videos.htm#king

Beautiful!

It's illegal in our state to pick a Columbine flower growing in the wild. Hopefully that does not hold true when the flowers are from a plant purchased for growing in privately in one's back yard because these are clipped from my plant and are now on display in a vase on our coffee table.

Silently they lift our spirits as they radiate their delicate beauty - only the master designer of the universe could be responsible for such glory!

Book Sale

F: My uncle tried to make a new kid of car.
V: Is he an inventor?
F: He's more of a "gatherer." He took the wheels from a Ford, the radiator from a Chevy, tires from a Cadillac, and the motor from a Hummer.
V: What did he finally get?
F: Ten years in Leavenworth.
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Adapted from One For The Road, a collection of 100 Gag File Jokes by Col. Bill Boley. Now listed for eBay auction on my weekly book sale listing. See the complete list here.

Changing names

Question: I'm considering a name change for my figure. The name Dudley has worn thin with me, so I'm thinking now of other names and I wonder if any of them get your approval. They are Lenny , Henry, Clyde, Eddie, Fred, Cecil, Jack, Doug, and finally, Dougal. Do you have any thoughts?
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Answer: How long have you been using the name "Dudley" in public (if at all)? It's very hard to change the name of a figure that your repeat audiences have come to know and love. They will be very reluctant to accept that particular figure under a different name. Now, if you've only used that name in your own practice to this point, then there's no problem, other than you may find yourself using the old name from time to time initially - old habits are hard to break!

I'm going to approve of whichever name YOU select. I learned years ago not to try to name another person's kids!

Upper teeth

Hi Clinton,I just purchased a vent figure . He also needs new teeth, right now he only has lower teeth. Please let me know if this is possible and what the cost is.

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Answer: When a figure has upper teeth, the jaw unit below it has to be designed in such a manner that it has a recessed area into which the upper teeth will fit when the mouth is closed. In other words, the lower teeth need to be set back a bit with uppers having a serious overbite. As I look at the photo and the way the lower teeth are designed, it appears there is no such provision allowed. I am quite certain that is why the mouth was built without upper teeth. Generally, this is the reason certain dolls and vent figures are built without upper or lower teeth (quite common, actually).

Teeth made of a narrow strip of white art foam could possibly be crafted and placed into position to give the illusion of upper teeth. I'd be willing to try doing that for you.

"Eddie Also"

"Thanks so very much for your excellent work on Eddie's head. He looks great and I feel like we have a new person for our shows. He'll keep his name 'Eddie Also'. You see, his father name is Eddie so he is 'Eddie Also'. Some things just can't be changed. Again, thanks so much for your care and personal touch." Will Mercier (The Uncle Willy Show / Boca Raton, Florida)

Eddie "Before":

Second time a charm?

Well, it doesn't happen often, but it does happen. I sold this vent figure on eBay, but the winning bidder (azgospel51) did not pay and did not answer any of my several email communication attempts nor was there any response when a case was opened. So - once again this happy fella has been listed for sale: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260414307219

Before you Open the Stage Door

by Steve Kissell

Five, four, three, two, one, IT'S SHOWTIME!...But wait, hold everything, have you ever observed the concert pianist rehearsing, the lead guitarist tuning an instrument, or the track star stretching before an event? They all have something in common. Can you guess what it is? PREPARATION.

Have we stretched our bodies in all areas so that if we take a spill or slip we do not injure ourselves? Have we stretched our vocal cords? To do that simply tilt your head back and sound out vowels and various words to warm up the voice box. Have you had some water to drink before the performance? Remember to bring your own bottled water.

A good entertainer will utilize recent local news along with the name of the organization sponsoring the event. Perhaps a few names can be memorized ahead of time. Jot a few down and put them in your performing case where you will be able to see them. Your audience loves a performer who can personalize an event. They will be impressed that you took the time to know where you are and that makes them feel that your performance is not a standard or stock one but a special event geared toward them. For example, you may mention the fact that the city just received an award or perhaps a new leader. Or you may want to focus on what item or event that area is famous for. Of course, sport teams and their records are always some favorites to mention. Just be sure to be kind and not too insulting.

Another important task before opening the stage door is what is called the "show glow." That is who you are and how you act before and after the performance. Are you meeting other performers and members of the audience before the presentation? "Show glow" is a simple smile or warm feeling that people observe and remember about you. They do not wish to see someone worried, rushed or abrupt to them. Chill out as they say, enjoy the journey and know that first impressions really do count. So do your best, and remember that you are always on and above all . . . the microphone is NEVER off.

Before opening the stage door, be prepared by considering the following items. * Carry a small handkerchief in case of emergencies, such as cuts, or other surprises. Include this in your entertainer emergency kit. It should contain paperclips, black markers, flesh colored adhesive strips, super glue, black tape and the like. Each of these items will come in handy in stage emergencies.

* When possible, do your homework before hand.
* Pack additional performing material. You never know when you might be asked to fill in for an unexpected or extended amount of time. Are you prepared for a well-deserved encore? Will you be ready? Just imagine what a great help and relief to the conference producer you would be!
* Do you know approximately how long each routine lasts?
* Have you practiced your timing?
* Have you checked to see if you need any extension cords?
* What kind of microphone are you using and do you know how to operate it? * Who is introducing you? Do you have your intro prepared?
* What about the lighting? Have you marked the floor where the audience will be able to see you? * What kind and color of backdrop are you performing in front of? You should be wearing a contrasting color so that you don't appear as a floating head.

Your last bit of preparation before entering the stage is to pray. Remember to thank God for the great job that you are about to do. Thank Him for the joy of laughter and wonder that you are about to bring to that very special audience! Now, open the door and break a leg!
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Reprinted by permission: www.FamilyEntertainersWorkshop.com , www.ClownJam.com and www.ClownVegas.com

Now the fun begins!

The hard part is over - these "cereal box puppets" are finished with mechanics installed and tested. Both the eyes and the mouth open and close from control levers in the back. Only now can I glue the cereal box covers into place which finishes everything off. What's all the black on their wooden faces? Just black paint to hide the fresh cut wood edges of the plywood. Much easier to paint before the unit is covered.

A Night At The Museum?

A night at the museum? Nope - just the scene in my workshop tonight when I turned out the lights at quitting time. (Who knows what goes on after I lock the door!)

Role models?!

From Joe Radle

Tammy made he debut at a lovely home in Bedford, Virginia, yesterday where a lovely luncheon was held in her honor. Many friends attended her coming out party. Just a few of the folks that came out to wish her well are pictured. There were considerably more but we couldn't fit them all in the picture.

There were the normal questions, of course, like: "Where did you come from?", "What grade are you in?", and small talk and banter. However, Tammy began pulling their leg when they asked her what she wanted to be when she grows up. She had them going for awhile, telling them, with a straight face, that she wanted to be an "Executioner! "

She went on to explain that not a lot of folks were applying for such jobs, and the pay was good, and there was a lot of time off. She told the crowd that Tyrone had built her a miniature electric chair and a guillotine, and she had been practicing her knots from the Girl Scout manual, for when hangings would be required. She had them convinced, I think, that she was serious.

These two were acting more like the children from the Adams' Family rather than cute little role model children. They both finally told everyone they were just kidding and everyone had a good laugh.

Custom Carrying Cases

Questions: I need one new Vent Case. What is the price of medium size case, and what interior colors do you have? What is the price of large size case, and what interior colors do you have? The local vents here all tell me to buy largest size case; but I've bought both the medium case from you for a Selberg figure, and one large case for a vintage figure and they fit fine. Do you think I want the medium case, and if yes, what interior colors available? What is best way for me to order this from you? Mail you order with check, or use Pay Pal or ??? Thanks again. I think your cases are first rate! Tom
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Answer: I'm going to guess you'll need the medium (#355) case, but the only way to know for certain would be to measure the folded length of the figure itself. You'll find measurements of the custom cases that I stock, with descriptions, photos, and prices here: http://maherstudios.blogspot.com/2008_11_01_archive.html#882502278915460187

Standard lining colors: red, blue, or purple. (I could provide other colors, but there would be a $15.00 surcharge.) Cost of shipping is included in the price. Check or Paypal is fine, but the quickest and easiest way to pay would be PayPal. I could send you a PayPal invoice once you've made your selection. Clinton

Lowering eyebrows

I have a request from a customer who wants his figure modified in some manner so it can appear "mean" and/or "sinister". While I'm not an enthusiastic supporter of vent characters of that type, I do know there's one animation that is perfect for portraying that emotion - eyebrows that lower. The effect is dramatic. When combined with words, the figure will take on the desired unfriendly personality. Even the permanent smile on the face (which so many figures have) seems to turn sarcastic! Quite amazing!

Puppet making equipment

I just came in from the shop where I was working on orders for two talking cereal box puppets. You can see how I spare no expense for the special equipment needed to hold the eyes in place while the glue dries!

Finished!

Bear sighting!

Pest eradication? Nope - just decided as long as I was giving Mr. Wise Fellow (owl) a protective coat of marine finish, my Backyard Buddy (bear) should share in the fun. This fellow cooperates to the fullest, which is more than my Littleton neighbors to the East can say about the real life bear who meandered down from the mountains into their backyards last week! Officials made a reverse 911 call warning residents of a bear in the neighborhood, advising people stay in their homes. The result? You guessed it - so many people came outside in an attempt to see the intruder that officials also to deal with crowd control! Last I heard wildlife personnel were planning to trap the wayward animal and return him to the hills.

When I asked my backyard buddy what he thought of that exciting event, one could have predicted his response:

Basswood questions

Question: Please excuse my ignorance, but over the last few days I have been reading my ventriloquist books and one chapter of "Winch's" book talks about figure's made of "Basswood". Is it like the Balsa wood that we use to build model planes, boats and cars?

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Answer: It seems like another lifetime, but I loved working with balsa to build model airplanes. Balsa is so easy to work with. I do keep a few random pieces of Balsa in my shop as it does fill a need infrequently. But it is much lighter, softer, and more fragile than Basswood and it also has more pronounced grain. It would not be a good wood for 3-D carving.

Note: American basswood is an important timber tree, especially in the Great Lakes States. It is the northernmost basswood species. The soft, light wood has many uses as wood products. The tree is commonly planted as a shade tree in urban areas of the eastern states where it is called American Linden.

All forms of wood carving - relief, chip, wildlife, figure, and whittling - demand certain requirements. Though any wood can be carved, very few offer a grain structure that produces superb results. A woodcarver looks for wood that displays an even grain and consistent density. For the best results, you must cut with the grain. Thus, you want a straight grain. If the grain is irregular, you might not know its direction. For this reason, woods such as basswood and butternut have become woodcarvers' favorites. http://www.americanbasswoodcarving.com/

The Columbine is Colorado's state flower and this week I have a plant blooming gloriously just outside my shop door. You know how much I enjoy spending time in my shop and that would be true even if it stood alone on barren land. But being greeted each day with a bit of beauty from the hand of the Creator is a bonus blessing!

Quick change artist!

Question: Hello Clinton: I was wondering, could I purchase just the head of another figure with the lever controls and transpose it onto the body of my present figure so that it appears to the audience that I have another vent figure?
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Answer: Yes, I can sell you the head only. But the savings may not be as great as you would imagine since the majority of the work required to build a vent figure goes into the building of the head. Generally the cost of the head only is about 75% the cost of a complete figure. Interestingly enough, it has been my experience that ventriloquists more frequently purchase bodies only. I know vents who have two and three bodies for one figure (and I am one of them). The reason is quite practical, actually. It saves a great deal of time when changing clothes on a figure ... one body can be dressed formally, one casually, one in costume, etc. To change clothes, just move the head to another pre-dressed body!

"Twins"?

"Tammy" said goodbye to my shop just a few days ago and has now arrived at the residence of Joe Radle which will become her new home and family. Joe sent this picture, telling us "Tyrone" has agreed to accept "Tammy" as his twin. I understand "Tammy" has given her qualified approval of the arrangement...seems she's insisting "Tyrone" must first comb his hair!

PS: Tammy will make her debut on Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 at a big party get together in Bedford, Virginia. Tyrone will help her along and the two should be a hit with the seniors that will be attending her coming out and welcoming party.

Whooo??

30+ years ago this ceramic owl was our son Kevin's gift to his mother for Mother's Day. The majestic bird has nested at our home over all those years, sometimes indoors and sometimes outdoors. As a result he was showing the passing of the years with dozens of flaked and chipped feathers. So today, a refurbishing and complete repainting of the owl was one of my shop projects. He'll receive several coats of clear marine finish over the next few days and when the job is completed he will hopefully look as though he just stepped from the pottery showroom.

For those of you thinking, "Why is Clinton working on an owl when he should be working on my order for a vent figure?", I suppose I should hasten to tell you I painted four ventriloquist figures today also!

Character sculpting

Question: Dear Sir: Does this book teach you to make ANY dummy? I want to make "Slappy".

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Answer: This book contains a complete set of plans for building a professional ventriloquist figure. Illustrated by the author. 40 pages that include diagrams for standard animations (moving mouth and side to side moving eyes, plus several extra effects (eye closers or winkers, raising eyebrows, upper lip movement, stick out tongue, wiggling ears, hair raiser, hand shaker, knee lifter, heart thumper). If you have a workshop and are handy with your hands, you’ll find this book perfect for your needs. Or, if you’re just curious as to what makes a ventriloquist figure "tick" you’ll find this an informative and fascinating read.

However, it does not teach the art of sculpting specific characters. That, in my mind, would take a separate skill in and of itself.

You will find this book for sale here: http://maherbookstore.blogspot.com/ See the Index listing under "Build It Yourself."

Eli

Question: Would Eli look okay with a slight receding hairline, being an old man with a little more hair near the back? ( I will leave it up to you.) David

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Answer: Slightly more receding, yes. However, I like to install access doors into the back of the head and I need to cover it with hair. It is possible to to make the head balding or totally bald with no door, but if a ventriloquist figure with totally sealed head has any need for inner repairs at some future date, that will result in a great deal of extra work for the "doctor" and expense for the owner. Clinton

Note: For pricing and to see more of the characters I offer: http://www.maherstudios.blogspot.com

Cookin' up comments

Just in time for the summer grilling season, here's another novelty puppet built by Kevin Detweiler. A "talking" BBQ grill! When it's showtime, let this puppet help you cook up something extra special. Rare or well done - he can provide both!

Featuring a true ventriloquist-style moving mouth, along with side to side self-centering eyes, he'll get your audience fired up from the get-go. If things get too HOT, in his right hand you will find a hose that really squirts water! (From a water bulb you squeeze within.) Your hand enters the back, where you will find (2) levers, one to operate the mouth and one for his eyes. EASY! He is ready to help you clean up! Great for all ventriloquists! Now listed on eBay auction where you can see additional pictures:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140320877231

Vent Summit

July 9-12, 2009 Denver, CO

One Way Street is pleased to announce a new event for the summer of 2009. Vent Summit will be a gathering for ventriloquists in beautiful Denver, Colorado. This will be a unique opportunity for ventriloquists to focus on their craft and how to best utilize it to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Several top Christian ventriloquists have already been confirmed as performers and presenters, including Judy Buch, Tim Cowles, Doug Nearpass, and Liz VonSeggen. Among the many workshop opportunities that will be offered will also be several opportunities for VIT (Ventriloquist In Training) members to continue working toward their next certification level. Attendees will also be challenged in their spiritual journey.

For more details: http://www.onewaystreet.com/category/316

Nursery Rhymes with purpose

By Steve Engle:

I'm always pleasantly surprised as how well nursery rhymes that have a humorous twist or ending go over with an audience...even adults! I've been using several humorous ones for years. The little volume, "Mother Goose 'Say No' Nursery Rhymes is written to use nursery rhymes to teach or reinforce lessons for children on topics such as drugs, health, ecology, etc.

I call the recycled rhymes "Dialogue Vignettes" because - though they are complete in themselves - most are short. They are intended to introduce a subject, add color to a routine, or as a discussion starter. Vignettes: Humpty Dumpty, Little Miss Muffet, Jack and Jill, Old Mother Hubbard, Jack Be Nimble, Old King Cole, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Little Jack Horner.
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Note from Clinton: This book is $6.00 postpaid. mahertalk@aol.com

" Bless you, my son ... "

Discouragement

Question: How can I keep doing this vent without getting discouraged? Is it a common occurrence for an up and coming vent to be discouraged?
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Answer: Thanks for sharing your frustrations. I think periods of discouragement can be a common experience for beginner ventriloquists. Hopefully of short duration. I remember those days when I felt I was making little or no progress with my practice. It was at times hard motivating myself to practice after that initial excitement faded. Then I would do a show and someone would come to me afterward saying, "You're so much better than you were last time." ... what an encouragement! That's when I realized I WAS making progress even though it was not evident to me during the sometimes lonely routine day by day practice. And the motivation and excitement would return.

Best and most fun practice? Prepare for a performance.
Best way to become newly motivated? Give a performance.
Need encouragement? Volunteer a show.

It is by giving you receive.

Reader comment on "It's Just a Puppet"

From Dennis Meeks
aka Bubbles the Clown

Regarding your post ""Its just a puppet". I have found that most comments such as,"You're really talking" and "That's really a puppet" is an expression of doubt. When SKIP, my figure, looks at me and says," Why does he think that I can't talk?" and when I answer him with,"I don't know why he thinks that you can't talk", I usually get the "look" maybe I was wrong.

It IS a compliment as a ventriloquist, but I try my best NOT to spoil the illusion and seldom do I find myself challenged more than once. Never do I solicit another opinion or open a dialogue with the child, it just becomes a conversation between me and SKIP about him.

A magician doesn't tell the secret of his magic illusion, should we as ventriloquists? There my be no secret in ventriloquism but there is illusion. In his own mind, the child could always think,"See, I was right!" but never says it.

Twice Recycled!

It was during the late 1970's when Dale Brown asked me to build him a figure with open and close eyes. He planned to use it for a short bit at a banquet. The bit was such a hit he continued to use the figure off and on for a period of time, until his daughter, Lauren, decided to try her hand at ventriloquism. At that point Dale had me rewig the figure, changing it to a female. Thus, recycled once, the figure took on new life through the hands of its second owner.

But as is sometimes the case over passing years, and Lauren's interests changed, the dummy ended up sitting in a closet, unused. Until last year when it was time for yet another change. Several, in fact.

Dale is on the marketing board of their local civic theatre and the theatre's artistic's director's daughter, who was nine, really wanted a dummy and wants to learn ventriloquism. So her Dad, with Dale, conspired to give the figure (with Lauren's permission) as a birthday gift to what would become its third owner. Only she wanted a boy, not a girl.

So once again the dummy came back to me for a wig change. I also gave it new springs/strings and paint job. Along with a new boy's wig. (photos here) Once again it has been "recycled", totally happy with himself, no loss of identity - no therapy necessary. (But the story of his recycled "life" could leave others a bit confused!)

"Clipper"

The Knee Pal character, "Clipper", has always been one of my favorites. So when this one (right) came to me for a "do-over" it was a pleasure. I installed self-centering mechanics to the eyes, repainted the head, and added a new wig (left) per the owner's instructions.

Today he will begin his journey home. Travel safe, my friend!

If you would have peeked into my shop yesterday afternoon, this is the sight you would have seen - all patiently waiting for their individual photos.

First words...

Comment: "Hello! I was just on your blogspot (can't get on as often as I want) and it's always great to catch up with the family news! Wow! You are great-grandma and grandpa! Congratulations!! Another whole new adventure! How long will it be until you make Jaci talk? :) Karen

* * * * * *

Reply: I'm sure her grandpa has already beat me to it! Clinton

Before and After

What a difference a few simple changes: Added color to cheeks and lips plus a new "do". Sometimes dummies need a "pick-me-upper", too!

Mother's Day report

When I told a friend I took Adelia to the Colorado Rockies baseball game yesterday as her Mother's Day gift, my friend replied, "Was that a gift for her or for you?" To which I replied, "You don't know my wife very well, do you?" Yes, I'm married to a sports fan - we had a great afternoon. And the Rockies won, which made it even better!

"Detweiler's Live" DVD

Question: How can we get ahold of your dvds? Other people have been watching your old church shows at our house, and now they want copies of their own, and one friend wants to show them at her church's vacation bible school. Shannan
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Answer: The DVD's you are asking about were produced by Kevin and Sonja Detweiler. There are three different live programs. Action packed fun with a message. I have them all in stock. $10.00 each postpaid. All you have to do to order is send me an email: mahertalk@aol.com Clinton

Home on the Ranch!

From Tammie: Greetings! I arrived home from a trip to find "Rodney" waiting for me. How special! He is great and fits right in with our little family.

Hannah and I had a busy day yesterday. After ten years I decided it was time to put a new floor down in my shop. It was a weather-perfect day, which almost made the job a joy.

It's Only A Puppet

From John Byrd

Recently, I have tried being proactive with kids. I start by asking if they know what a ventriloquist is. I explain that a ventriloquist has three jobs. 1. Talk without moving his lips, 2. Make the puppet seem like he is alive, 3. Be funny and entertaining. I also tell them that they are an audience and an audience has some jobs also. 1. Laugh when something is funny, 2. Clap when I bring out a puppet and when I put the puppet away, 3. Pretend the puppet is real and enjoy the show, 4. Do not talk to others during the show because they may not hear something funny.

Sometimes kids still interrupt and say "that's not a real bird, that's a puppet." Then I can gently remind them that we talked about puppets and that my job is to make them seem real and their job is to pretend that they are real and to enjoy the show.

That process has worked well for me so far.
John Byrd, Ventriloquist
http://www.john-byrd.com

"Its just a puppet"

Question: It seems like every time I perform I get a kid who always says "That's just a puppet -it's not real." I really need help on this one. Please help me overcome this. Can you offer several tips, experience's that will help? It's similar when I do magic - there's always a kid that says, "It's behind your back. I know how it's done." It can be really frustrating. How can I turn this around?
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Answer: What you have experienced is a very common response. There seems to be one child in every audience that will "challenge" you with what he/she thinks is their great discovery. Unlike magic, there is no "secret" involved with ventriloquism so my personal response was something along the line of, "You're right - and my job is to help the puppet speak (or, act real/alive) - how'd he do?" The child initially believes they've discovered the big secret of the fact that the character is not alive...it's just a puppet (which is actually a compliment to the performer). And the child expects a defensive response. By affirming their response you retake control. I've even gone further by telling the child, "you're very observant - I'll bet you would make a good ventriloquist. Have you ever thought about learning?"

Encouraging compliments and response - now that's where the real "magic" is found!

Carrot-top?

He's one-of-a-kind, that's for certain! Hannah (picture right) calls him Dillan, but we know the name is temporary. He's also unique in that he shares a birthday with Jaci, our great-granddaughter (see post below).

I'm padding a custom carrying case for him today and as soon as it's ready, Dillan will jump into the case (with some help) and be off to his new life and home in Pennsylvania.

Welcome, Jaci!

Our Grandson, Jordan Detweiler, and his wife, Stacy have today made Adelia and me proud great-grandparents! Welcome to our world, sweet Jaci (rhymes with Stacy)!

(Nothing I could ever say about ventriloquism could top this! :-)

This is erie!

Well, I guess I've finally arrived in this business. I've been recognized on the pages of Monster Memories 2009 Yearbook*! The magazine contains a feature interview with "Dr. Ivan Cryptosis" (Rick Bates). When reporter Dick Nitelinger asked Rick about the sidekicks (human and non-human) used for his television work, Rick Bates gave the following answer:


"During the late 1970s, my Dad decided he wanted to be a ventriloquist. He purchased a professional figure from the famous Maher Ventriloquist Studios. The figure is handcarved out of basswood by famed vent artist Clinton Detweiler. He also took the Maher Home Ventriloquist Course. This was one of my Dad's crazier endeavors. The dummy's original name was Johnny and was a pretty plain looking kid. He wore a plaid shirt, jeans, and cowboy boots. He spent the next 25+ years lying on my old bed at my parent's house.

"Dad wasn't very good. Neither am I. The difference is he took the premier ventriloquist course. I saved the money and hijacked the dummy. On 1 April 2006 , 'Professor Varnus Lupsecu' emerged. His looked changed-the result of a monstrous makeover: punk black hair with a fuchsia strip, scars, dark eyes, Fu Manchu moustache, goatee, black suit and red bow tie. I decided to team him with 'Tommy the Headless Ventriloquist.' I thought it kind of clever. Billed as 'Professor Varnus Lupescu and Tommy,' everyone goofed thinking the dummy was Tommy,- just like Frankenstein and the monster.


"Sadly, 'Tommy', because of all the costume issues, never appeared on 'Friday Night Frights'. That didn't stop the Professor. I took control of him, and while not on all shows, he does appear often-and at personal appearances. When I operate him I intentionally move my lips. Shane is always telling me that I'm the world's worst ventriloquist! It's one of our running gags. Dad is very proud. I still like the idea of the headless ventriloquist and may reintroduce 'Tommy' somewhere along the line."

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As my mother used to say, "Oh, me; oh, my!" And my day was going so well! Adelia and I learned long ago that while some Maher students make us proud there's the chance others may make us second guess our career choice. Once those dummies leave my shop, their adventures are out of my hands. It can be a scary thought! :-)

And here's another factual matter just for the record, I did NOT make the dummy referred to in this interview. No, "Professor Varnus Lupescus" appears to be a Lovik Knee Pal! So while I made the pages of "Monster Memories" it was not fully by my own merits - oh, me; oh, my!


* http://www.scarymonstersmag.com/

You go girl!

On Wednesday evening of this past week, Adelia and I went with our granddaughters, Nicole and Hannah, to Park Meadows Mall where an art exhibit open house took place featuring the artistic talent of several hundred Douglas County Elementary students. Hannah's original piece (bottom) was created with a difficult multi-step "Print Transfer" process, and was one of only three such pieces selected from the works of Trailblazer School students where Hannah is in 6th grade. You see her here displaying her blue ribbon and Artistic Excellence Award Certificate. I don't know who was the proudest at this moment - the artist holding the award certificate or the Grandpa holding the camera!

I don't know what professional career is in Hannah's future, but this is the way it begins. Art was one of my favorite classes when I was a student and look where the skill took me ... a career with dummies! (Never mind, maybe that's not the best example. :)

New Sooner resident

Since Hannah is on break from school this week, she has been helping me complete a long list of tasks on my "to do" list. Among today's jobs was the completion, packing, and shipping of this "Rodney" ventriloquist figure who is now on his way to Oklahoma where he will assist Tammie Durfey on her regular visits to the nursing homes in her community. Rodney does have a way of bringing out the smiles on those faces nearest him - they are going to love him in the "Sooner State!" In fact, we overheard Rodney's eager comment, "The sooner the better!"