Philip;

Has there been any decision on choosing a name for the duck and Tator?

Sorry for confusion Buzz. My name is Mike...I was just suggesting some duck names to Phillip.

Thanks for your offer, Buzz. I'm really busy these days but maybe at some point. Cool. Have you studied the Maher Studio Vent Course? I also enjoy Mark Wades book.

Mike;

I have the Maher Studio Vent Course, three of the Mark Wade’s videos, about 60 of the Clinton detweller booklets encompassing various subjects on Ventriloquism.

I practice on a voice recorder while driving and video my routine so I can beat myself up on how slow my progress is.

Vent is not an easy skill. But worth the practice. I've been practicing for 35 years and my skill level is slightly better than beginners skill level. Vent is currently not in my show because I still feel my skill needs a lot of work. I'm a master balloon artist and a great comedy magician. As I said in my previous post I really LOVE vent but at this time I'm still at a beginners skill level on vent. It's been a slow process for me. I will practice my vent work so one day I'll put it in my show. At this time, I have lots going on in my life so my vent practice is on hold.

I own a couple Axtell puppets and Selberg's Smitty. I've performed several vent acts over the years and written a few sketches.

I would suggest to never give up and the Maher course is the best. I also really like Paul Winchells DVD. Paul teaches the vent alphabet I use.

Buzz...

No. Haven't had the time. We had a major snow deal here today and my foster son got stranded with a dead car. They were closing streets and I realized, looking out the front window, that they seem to have taken away my street.
Only snow.
Eventually got him a ride a few blocks from where he was to a hotel...got the bill paid by phone...got him settled in.
Lotsa other stuff goin' on, too.
Thank God for the Internet. I did a lot of business through email today!

But, no...I haven't had a moment. So there's still time to make suggestions! (bwahahahahaha)
And I agree...the Maher course is wonderful (I didn't formally take it...but I've got it here)...and the Winchell DVD is great as well. I own it, too.
I learned through books...Alexander Van Rensellaer's (That's not how to spell it, but the book's in the other room!)was the first one I had...plus Winchell's book (I've still got a first edition copy of that, too)...and a lot of trips to the library for books on vent and observation of Winchell's show and vents on the Sullivan show.
And lots and lots of shows.
Don't do as many shows these days. But keep in practice with the few I still do.

-Philip

Mike;

Are you working as a balloon artist and a comedy magician full time, or do you have a weekday job?

Philip,

I agree about the internet, it’s fascinating what I can do now that I could not do fifteen years ago.

My whole advertising agency has changed the way we conduct business in today’s market.

At least I don’t have the snow problem you have; my biggest challenge was putting the top up on my car because it’s raining here now.

I am still attempting to find a last name for Dan, and I have tried, but can’t come up with a suggestion for your Tator.

I see by Dan's website that there's another vent with a crotchety old man named "Cooter," just like my crotchety old man figure. I don't care. I'm keepin' the name. He's had it for a couple of years now and he's gotten used to it.
Names are tough. My son still gives me trouble on the name of one of my plays. He hates the name. I couldn't come up with anything better.
Well...better start thinking about gettin' dressed and gettin' out to dig my foster kid outta the snow.

-Philip

Philip, are you talking about Dan Payes web site?

were you able to dig your son out if the snow?

I got him dug out.
No, I was talking about Ventriloquist Central.
Good lord, it's 2:39 a.m.
I've been partying with old show business friends.
I need to go to bed.
G'nite!
:)

-Philip

Hey guys..thanks for the kind words about my book / DVD's. An overlooked book is "Ventriloquism Of Today" by Paul Stadelman (I think you can still get it thru Abbott's Magic Co.) . Although Paul's press clippings are a bit dated, it's interesting to see what was done in the past with them, but the real payoff comes with the information Paul offers. Also Paul Winchell's book "Ventriloquism For fun and Profit" is great and please don't overlook any comedy writing books.

I'm excited about this for all of you!

Mark
markwade@kidshowvent.com

Mark;
Based on your recommendation of Paul Winchell's book "Ventriloquism For fun and Profit" Tom pointed me in the direction to purchase it and I just ordered it

Thank you

I think I'm down to a few on the Tater figure. Maybe Binky, Niblet or Nugget. Any preferences?

-Philip

Thumbs down on Binky,

Thumbs up for Niblet or Nugget

How about a variation on Tattor - Taddor?? Potattor?? Tattornator?? Maybe after I wake up I'll think more clearly and submit some better names:o)

Philip, what name have you decided on?

I'm pretty much settled on Niblet for the Tator figure. I keep hoping for the perfect name for the duck, but I may just name it "Wanlu," we'll see.

-Philip

Here are a few to consider for the duck:

D'Artagnan

Waddlesworth

Dizzy

Lucky

Moby

Webster

Limoncello

Thanks, Opus.

-Philip