Hey guys, consider this a follow up to Deddy's post. I've managed to overcome the problem about finding the right voice but its about finding the right character. I've gone from Vern the bird to The axtell chimp to the magic drawing board but I've still not found MY VERY OWN character. I'm a loyal Axtell fan and knowing the wonderful works of art he produces, I'm thikin of an Axtell puppet. Bird puppets are fine but its growing a lil too common here in Singappore. What are your advices on finding your character...and how do you play it?? Help appreciated as I wanna start adding ventriloquism back to my shows. Cheers!

You can never go wrong with the Old Storyteller.

He is a hit in every one of my shows. So many ways you can take him. Check youtube for several of the vents using him.

Donald
http://www.woodynfriends.com

I think it is depend on what you have on your mind for your partner.

Lets take Vern the Bird for instant, he can be she, Vern can be a crazy bird or a lazy bird, he can be an old bird, or he don't like born as a bird, but want to be a tiger and so on. Let your creative juice flow.

So which one do you think will fit with your character or your act? Then built his/her personality through his/her movement, voice, words, etc.

Regards,

Budi Ha Ha

I started with my boy character being a reflection of myself (as a child).
It is much easier (for me) to create something with a mix of reality that gets exagerated. Other characters were developed based on types of personalities...(shy, aggressive..forgetful....)

There was a great character worksheet on World Vents that I have drawn from.

I agree character is as important (if not more so) than lip control...

Actually a couple of my characters are not done with ventriloquism...

Movement to match character is also crucial.

Recently I brought back a gibberish speaking dialect that I interpret to answer any question from the audience. It is based on a routine we did as part of an Improvisation Troupe..(Comedy Sportz back in the 80's)

Harris "still learning" deutsch

Kyle...you are very wise to stay with what is working for you. I'm amazed that our birds are becoming common in Singapore.... WOW! Have you considered a Custom Axtell puppet? We make custom puppets for a lot of people...usually one a month. With the US dollar so low....what better time? Also don't forget the incredible revolution coming soon with the remote control puppets! http://www.axtell.com/remote.html

Ax

I'd love a custom. however Steve, the problem I face is I cannot decide what kind of puppet I wanna to use. I've even thought of a classic boy character that a cheeky fella...but still... I don't know what character. Dusty the dragon has been on my wish list for a looong time but my fear is that he may be jus like my drawing board or vern or chimp, collecting dust at home. I don't want a situation whereby I get another dummy but it jus stays in a trunk coz I cannot 'connect' with the character on stage. I was head over heels about the magic drawing board coz I felt it gave me the versatility to use any character voice and CHARACTER itself... but on stage, the kids did not really connect with the performance. They went wild when the board started to animate but as soon as he started to talk and converse with the audience, the excitement slowly died down. plus, the drawing board is also a very common puppet here in singapore. The most common ones here are the Axtell DoDo birds, the magic drawing board and obviously, Vern. In short, I'm jussuper dooper confused. hoping for some good adivce from the the pros. I would love to be an Axtell ambassador here in Singapore so I'm gonne stick to Axtell Characters...Dusty the dragon is number one on my list..

Kyle,

Have you joint a theater/drama workshop/training?
You will learn how to put the soul of your character and how to make an action and reaction.

And if you don't believe your character, how come your audience will believe it?
This is just like magic trick, if you believe the magical effect that you have done, your audiece will believe it too!

Hey Budi haha, Ia theatre trained and I have been acting on tv and on stage since I started magic as well. The concern is finding the right character. Its jus too many ideas I have to sit on one.

Maybe Steve can make a list of what has NOT been a big seller in Singapore.

Looking at your avatar, you seem to personify that 'Cool' look. Maybe the 'Cool' guy just doesn't meld with a silly bird.

Maybe you need to keep the 'cool' flavor by have an Elvis type...or even a Lover Skunk (like Pepe Le Pew)...puppets that can compete with you and talk what you want to talk about. Maybe you don't care about Birds or their jokes. I don't know if I'm coming across in an articulate manner but...lets say this...IF you are a 'cool' kind of guy...would you go out for a night on the town with a dorky goofy friend (bird)? Or would you, for a night of fun and girls, go out with a friend who can complement your looks and can also attract the girls...

If you are the Village idiot...would your partner be a sophisticated guy in a tuxedo? Nope. Edgar and Charlie complimented each other's looks and persona. Of course that's why when Mortimer came out he was such a stark contrast...but only for a brief interlude.

Think on it.

Or You could get Doug Highley Shrunken Head with Demented All Seeing Eye....and give it A french Accents

:)

Actually, the "cool guy" personality would be an interesting contrast.

How about a guy who is trying to be cool but is stuck with this bird someone gave him. Maybe they told him his magic acts needed birds?

Anyway it would still be a personality contrast.

FINALLY found my answer! THANKS TO DOUG HIGLEY! Your reply sparked off a great idea! Its a cool smooth talking character that constantly hits on the girls. It would still play for children( tats wat its meant for though) when the character tries to be the boyfriend of some of the girls. other than that, he can be a little obnoxious. I jus have it in my head and I think it best fits the Ax dragon...THANKS DOUG!!!!!!

I only know what I 'see' in the avatar. I'll consider that a 'hit'.

You're most welcome!

Don't forget, he's cool but his breath is 'HOT', his moves sizzle, he's great to have around at a Steak BBQ...he just got in from Japan from visiting his cousin, Godzilla. He's so cool he smuggles Chewing Gum into Singapore. haha. Have fun.

HAAHAHHAHAAHAHAH!!! cool... you know the chewing gum bann here...

Then it is good!

You can try every ideas (using MDB for example) then choose one! No one can make the choice for you. No one is know about you, better than your self.

Now you have decided a kind of character! Good! Stick to it, try to develop his character and your script. Let your creativity flow. Try to think for several condition, what is your figure reaction if the girls audience give nasty look. How about your reaction to that situation?

Then test your character to your target audience. If it was failed, try to evaluate why it was failed, don't drop the character too fast. Give him another try. And good luck!

Many thanks Budi. I guess the keyword here is to keep doin it till its 'right' for you. Persistance pays off...

Even Edgar Bergen, in his vent instructions, suggested that new vents should stick to ONE character he likes--until he developed the character/personality fully.

Bergen used Charlie McCarthy for around a dozen years--just Charlie!--before he added Mortimer Snerd and Effie Klinker in his act.

Sounds good...i've settled on the character already... whats left now is to save up for Dusty the dragon

Good Choice!

Click here to view attached image.

Kyle -
Dusty Dragon is a great character. The smoke option is also very neat. I use it as the dragon is leaving. The surprise of him blowing smoke always increases the applause.