Why, oh why?

Have you ever started on a project and then about half way through thought, "Why did I start this? - It's more work than it's worth!" Then the question is, "Do I continue, or forget it?!"

I had a couple "human hair" type doll wigs purchased as samples but never used. They are not designed as I would like for use on a figure so I've kept them stored away. Last week I decided to try at long last to fit one to a figure. At the point when I took the photo of this fellow, I'm setting the figure aside for the day ... "What was I thinking!"

(To be continued ...)

Vintage Suit for sale

A number of years ago Dave Miller found a seamstress to sew a classic design suit for his vent figure. I liked the look so well, I purchased several to be offered with the Miller designed figures being built at that time by Lovik, figures which we sold through Maher Studios.

I still have two of these hand sewn suits. The suit this figure is modeling is now sold. The second (not shown) is of brown color tones. They are two piece outfits (coat and pants), new and unused, and will best fit a 36"-38" figure. $45 PP.

Vent Magazine?

Question: Do you know if there is any vent magazine out there a person can subscribe to? Bob S.
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From Mr. D: As far as I know, there is no one currently publishing a printed vent newsletter or magazine. The age of the Internet and ever increasing postage costs have pretty much put an end to print publications for ventriloquists.

Lester's roots

Last week I received a couple inquiries as to who made Willie Tyler's Lester. Seems there are several speculations.

Lester was made by Madeleine Maher with mechanics installed by her mechanic, George Eazer. I don't know the exact year Lester was made, but it was before we purchased the business from Mrs. Maher in 1969. She actually built two Lester figures for Willie, one to be used as an emergency backup.

In 1972 (or '73) I built an extra body for Lester. But the Lester I've seen Willie use more recently has hands made by someone other than Mrs. Maher or myself. (Which is an example of why I always tell people to use reservation and caution when trying to identify the maker of a figure by its hands.)

Florida Vent Get-together

From M. A. Denny Denemark

All the central Florida vents got together last Sunday at a meeting hosted by Ed Thomas at his lovely home with special guest, Jim Teter (photo), who dusted off a few of his presidential figures for his lecture. Also had performances by Mike Palma, Donald Woodford, and Tom Dahl. A very inspiring day. Jim Teter was awesome.

The same difference...

While taking a bike ride through Denver city park with his wife and step daughter a couple weeks ago, Andy Mrkvicka saw this fellow (picture) and his vent figure. Naturally he had to stop and strike up a conversation. He learned the vent's name is Nelson Camacho, and he got his vent figure from Maher Studios some 30 years ago!

I remember Nelson well. He was, and still is, a street performer who works the streets of Denver and Boulder during Summer months.

It's fascinating to me to observe how vents tap the earning power of their art. For a couple you know well, it is paying millions, and there are dozens earning thousands of dollars each year. Then there are some like Nelson, happily working for pocket change day by day. And as a result of their efforts, all experience the same reward of seeing smiling faces - there's no way to put a price on that.

Milestone event

Congratulations to K. S. Gode (India) who has completed his 400th figure (shown here). A remarkable achievement every figure maker will agree upon and admire.

Re-body report

From Bob Albano

"Dear Clinton,

"Bobby Biscotti's 'new' old body arrived today. Terrific job!

"Painting the hands makes a huge difference! No need for new hands as I had previously thought.

"Thank you for adding the Detweiler magic touch to this!"

Before (left)

After (right)

Preparing for Asia trip

Bob Walsh sent me a link to his latest ventriloquist video using two dummies in an interview with TV48 host. Bob Batcher. These two figures (Grandpa and Mahoney) will be going to Hong Kong and China with Deputy Bob in a few weeks.

There, they will be doing character, safety and faith shows in Asia. They will work with Hong Kong Youth For Christ, and local schools in Yunan Province, Sichuan Province and Beijing. I have to admit that it is exciting for me, here at home in Colorado, to see "my boys" preparing to make their impact on the other side of the world! Thank you, Bob!

You can see the aforementioned video here: http://youtu.be/xGDXidWTgpg

Felled by distant relative

From Cindy Maluschka

Since I wasn't using my professional doll when I was in college, I gave "Dennis" to a friend to take to Peru to be a missionary. He taught 2nd grade children for many years. When she came back from Peru, and without checking with me, she gave him to someone in her Mississippi home church who was interested in continuing with him.

When I recently got the ventriloquism "bug" again, I called the lady I had given him to and learned Dennis had found the second loving home. She called to see if he was being used, in hopes that he might be returned to me, That is when we were both saddened to hear that their house had been heavily damaged by hurricane Katrina. A tree had fallen upon and into the house, landing directly on Dennis! It was a little "poetic" but it felt like a true friend had been lost.
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Note from Mr. D: I am communicating with Cindy about possible options for replacing Dennis,
the first vent figure I am aware of that was destroyed by a falling tree!

Maher Student Comment

"Thank you for sending the Mid Course (Basic) Certificate. It arrived in the post yesterday about lunch time and when I opened it I felt very proud of myself. After all, that study does take time. Thank you for correcting my answers to the questions I got wrong - by doing this correctly will help me make it right and succeed more as a ventriloquist. It's all good." Tyne Gravolin (Australia)

"Thanks, but no thanks"

Question: How much would you charge to mechanize a mouth in an original casting? Joe C.
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From Mr. D: When it comes to a puppet making, I find it difficult to resist a challenge - a "weakness" I have come to regret more often than I care to remember. Whatever the project, building the prototype requires the most time, creative energy, stress, trial and error, and there is no guarantee of success. If you were presenting me with a casting I had worked with before, I would gave an idea of what I was in for. But with an original casting such as yours, intriguing as I find it to be, it does present enough unknowns that my better judgement (and already full shop schedule) tells me I must decline. But thank you for the offer, and good luck with your project!

Coin comment

"I couldn't let another minute go by without thanking you for your kind gift of two of the newest coins. Our Canadian dollar and two dollar bills have been out of use now for several years, and we have a one dollar coin the same size, but much more dull than the 2 cent souvenir coins you've sent to me.

"Our dollar coin has a loon on the back, and has been called a 'loonie' almost from day one. Our two dollar coin is the same size, but with a copper centre, and a nickel-coloured outer circle. It became a 'toonie' right away. In many ways they're convenient for parking, etc., but they necessitate carrying a larger change purse that tends to get quite heavy in the pockets from time to time. The two-cent souvenir reminded me of our 'loonies' right away. Thanks again and Blessings."
Canon John Jordan
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From Mr. D: You are very welcome. I may be the "looney" here for having the vent coins minted in the first place, but I've enjoyed the project with no regrets. And if anyone is reading this who does not own one of the two-cent souvenir ventriloquist coins, all you have to do is email me and request one. They're sent free and come with no obligation other than to simply enjoy them.

Ahoy Mate!

Bill Duff asked about the possibility of using the size 2T sailor costume on his Popeye soft puppet. Having sold the Sunny & Co. soft puppets for several years through Maher Studios, I'm afraid size 2T/3T is too large for Popeye. Doing an inventory double-check I did find that I have two of these hand sewn sailor sets of clothes (photo left). They will fit a 32"-34" vent figure nicely. $30 per set, postpaid.

The photo on the left shows Bill and Popeye at the annual Popeye Picnic, Chester, Illinois, always the second weekend in September.

"Hands Down"

For years I went with the "standard" factory hands (left) on the Super-Supreme figures, but the size shape and detail of the "deluxe" hands (right) by Braylu are superior, hands down, so I am now using on all the 34" figures. It takes more time, but well worth it.

Shop Talk

Four different materials were used to make these heads,

but a little paint applied with care gives them all something in common.

New #248 Pro-Value 36" Figure

This is my most recent completion of the Maher "retro" figures. I have posted additional photos here: http://mrdsfigures.blogspot.com/

Maher Honor Roll Graduates

SUMMER 2011 GRADUATES:

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NEW MILLENNIUM BASIC MAHER COURSE

Ronald G. Arnold Jr. (TX)

Pip Carter (Australia)

Karen Climer (FL)

Tyne Gravolin (Australia)

Peter Hill (Australia)

Thomas Michael McClure (CA)

Kristine Myers (PA)

Takako Nagamine (Switzerland)

Steve A. Pataky (PA)

Hillary Saffran (AK)

Jamie Smith (WA)

Bill Warren (VA )

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NEW MILLENNIUM ADVANCED COURSE

Karen Climer (FL)

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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

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For more information about the

Maher 30 Lesson Ventriloquism Home Study Course:

http://mahercourse.blogspot.com/

Lesson One FREE 24/7!

When we turned off the Maher Studios computer for the final time in the Spring of 2006, I lost contact information for a number of vents. It was good to reconnect with Carla Rhodes last week. Carla told me, "Lots happening with my vent career - performing an hour long show regularly in NYC with a live band. Twisting the art form with new genres and having an absolute blast!"
(Photo by Hanna Toresson)

Maher Course - How does it work?

Question: I'm seriously considering purchasing the Maher Course of Ventriloquism, but I would like to know how it works. Eddie S.
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From Mr. D: The Maher Course teaching material consists of 30 printed lessons and one instruction/demo DVD. Everything is sent as one unit so you can then proceed at your own pace as your schedule allows. There is no completion deadline. Approximately every two lessons you will find "Self-check" tests to help you judge your progress and understanding. Lessons 15 and 30 both contain an exam to be completed and sent to our office where it will be graded and your answers commented upon as needed. Completion certificates are issued upon our receipt of these two exams. In addition, you can email me at any time with questions. See http://mahercourse.blogspot.com/ for further details including information on how to order.