I have never tried this. I didn't even think it was possible. I understand that some vents are very successful in this format. My question is what is the key to successful walk around ventriloquism.

Brad

I have done quite a bit of walk-around ventriloquism and really enjoy it. I use my Axtell dinosaur as the puppet that I do walk around with and she works out nicely because I can hold her sort of like a baby and still have my left had free to hand out stickers etc. The dinosaur is always a good one for talking with children and the kids love her. I have not used a waistband amplifier before but just bought one to use at upcoming events.

I love walkaround vent. Some say it destroys the illusion but I have never had a problem doing it. People will talk right to the puppet, almost like I am not there. I am also talking kids as well as adults.

Thanks ljlvent and Neal for both of your responses. I guess destroying the illusion is my main concern.Can you be so close to people and still be an effective vent? Should I forget about the vent part and just put the focus on the puppeteering?

Regarding the illusion, Bill DeMar says that the puppet's mouth needs to be one inch from yours for every foot that the audience is away from you. In other words, if the audience is 12 feet away, the puppet's mouth can be 12" from yours. If the audience is 6 feet away, the puppet needs to be 6" from you. I honestly don't know if that is true, but it's what Uncle Bill says.

I've done vent with the puppet in the usual position with people as close as 3 feet away, and no one has said the illusion wasn't there. Anyone else have experience?

Bob

Bob - I'd disagree with Bill on this. I believe the audience should be about 8 - 10' from the stage when working a stage show. Walk around, not my area.
Tom

Since it's hard to tell where a sound is coming from (one of the main precepts of vent, anyway, eh?), I can walk right up to people with Louie and, as long as I'm carrying him, get away with it. He's always gonna be closer to me than they are.

-Philip