One question comes to mind. How Hard is it to incorporate magic and Vent. Don't want to get over my head. Love the idea of being able to teach kids through Vent work, but really I just want the kids to have a Great time.

What are some estimated time frames in learning vent work and what are some good resources. Seen all kinds of books and videos and event cassette tapes. I don't want to waste a lot of money on such if there is something better.

As a parent of 2 toddlers money can be an issue with my hobby. So I like to research and ask a lot of quesions before I purchase anything. Thanks again for any thoughts and help.

Vent work, even though I don't do it but I am studing it, really hindges on your ability to make the puppet believable. The movements and jestures, not the movement of the lips. Even the greatest moved his lips but they could move the puppet with percision.

The puppet can whisper in your ear and you can be the translater. As with magic, your as good as the time you put into it!

Although, as a ventriloquist now with over 33 years experience, I must say that lip control IS important. Edgar Bergen had excellent lip control in his younger days. It was only after years of doing vent on the radio (?) that his lip control fell by the wayside, as evidenced by the films and TV appearances he did. If you're going to learn it, why not do it right, with excellent figure manipulation AND lip control?

I would recommend two books in particular:

Paul Winchell's "Ventriloquism for Fun and Profit." Many magic shops will have a copy in paperback.

"Ventriloquism in a Nutshell," available from Maher Ventriloquist Studios, PO Box 420, Littleton, CO.

As far as a time frame--depends on your willingness to practice regularly, and your aptitude for lifelike manipulation of the figure. Anyone who puts in 15-30 minutes a day for 3-5 days per week should be well on their way in a couple of months.

Sorry Scott,

I was acting like the stupid jerk who wants to do magic for money in ten easy minutes. You're right, vent work, for it to be done right, like magic, requires time, practice, rehearsal, and presentation.

Thanks for the two books on Ventriloquism. I trust your judgement. I will order them.

Hey, Den, no harm, no foul! No worries.

Hey slow-mo,

Try a rabbit in the hat puppet and the book realm of the rabbit. It is a Puppet that does not talk, but it will steal the show!

http://www.onewaystreet.com

This is a way cool prop, and pretty straight to learn. There is even a prop kit, but to be honest, you can make everything yourself. I got the kit, as I was to lazy to make the items.

Kevin

Thanks for the info, I will be checking this out.
SloMo

Just bought and viewed Paul Winchell's "How to Become a Ventriloquist". Ventriloquism for Fun and Profit.

I have three words...Excellent...Excellent...Excellent

A must have for beginners and working Vents.

Six Lessons:

• Speaking Without Moving Your Lips
  
• Pronouncing Difficult Letters
  
• Creating a Personality for your Dummy (Building Character)
  
• Manipulating the Figure
  
• Creating New Characters with Costume and Make-Up
  
• Throwing your Voice
  

Loved it! Recommend it!

I believe that the most essential thing is to breath life into your puppet. I do a bit of vent and I wish my lip control was great but it's not (yes, I know, it's a practice thing). If you are presenting an adult show they may be more critical of your lips but when I vent for kids they light up at the sight of a puppet.

The puppet must have a life of it's own, looking around, etc. and not the same as you.

SloMo, use a puppet with your toddlers and see how they react. My daughter is 11 and she still asks if Mycroft the monkey can come out for a visit.

If cost is a factor (ain't it always) try checking out the local library.
They usually have something on vent work and puppets.

Cheeers
Maynooth

Unfortunately my library stinks when it comes to this. I have already checked. But you are right about the puppets life like.

Both my kids love when I play with their puppets. And they are not as critical of my lips moving. But I am still practicing.

Since I am still in magic and Vent for a Hobby. I can practice a little each day. But I would also like to vent for adults as well as perform magic. Kids are who I really want to entertain, but occasionally I like to work for adults also.

Thanks again to everybody For their replies. Your help is appreciated and never ignored.

:magicrabbit: SloMo

Re: Libraries.

Check into World/Cat through your library.

You can get unbelievable loans on books/C-D's/ and videos with great ideas on magic, vent, clowing, juggling. You may have to wait a while, but it is worth it. Then if you like what you see you can purchase it through a local or internet dealer or at the source.

You can choose to pay a small amount, or when
applying for the item click on 0 for the cost you are willing to pay.

The last vent item I got was Bill Boley's book on Magic/Vent.

For online talks to some of the best vents try Yahoogroups.com and look to World/Vents Group.

Harris

Scott,
I did not realize that my hero Bergen once did have good lip control. I do know that he breathed such life into Charlie (and others) that in less than 3 seconds, it did not matter; no one watched--a different form of misdirection. They were glued onto Charlie
I did recently learn about the number of years he performed prior to becoming famous; he did Vaudeville for several YEARS, 3 or more appearances a day!
Marty K
I