Hi All,

It seems that many contemporary vents, if not most, use stands in their acts (e.g., Dunham, Fator, Horn, Strassman, Zerdin, etc.). As can be seen in videos of his act later in his life, Edgar Bergen also used one. But there are exceptions, such as Lucas, Johnson, and Tyler. From what I've gathered from her various videos, Conti seems to switch depending on the act.

Earlier in my vent experience I used one but not too often. I either sat on a stool and had the figure sit on my knee, or just stood and held it. All positions worked just fine for me. I'm currently having a soft puppet made, and I'm debating whether to buy a stand or not. I like to travel light, plus with a soft puppet I usually like to hold it while I stand. While it does limit my free hand, I find that I can manipulate the body a bit more with my arm underneath.

What are your preferences, and why? For those who use stands, what are the advantages and disadvantages?

I use both stands and holding the puppets. It depends upon what puppet I am using and how the puppet is built. Some are easier being held, and also the weight of the puppet makes a difference. I don't sit down as it impedes the use of the diaphram (sp) muscle which allows vent breathing and projection.

That's my 2 cents worth, Keith!

Mark
markwade@kidshowvent.com

I have been having a love-hate relationship with stands. Sometimes I use it, sometimes I don't. I guess it really depends on the performing style of each vent.

These days I don't use stands. The figure sits on my knee, and I'm either sitting on my home-made stool (like Lucas and Tyler) or standing with my right foot on a chair (like Nelson and Otto of Otto&George). Yeah it's old style, but I'm liking it very much.

The advantage is that I can put additional movements on my figure by swaying my right knee.

If you want to travel light but still like to use a stand, you can just bring with you the top (where the figure sits) and just use the venue's mic stand as its stand (but make sure first that the venue has one).

I have a stand, and I've used it, but not a lot. I started out just holding a figure, and with also having the traveling light thought in mind, it's the way I've pretty much continued with.

Years ago, I tried to do a survey about the use of stands, didn't get an overwhelming response, but here's the results of what I did get;
http://dickensndave.bravehost.com/stand.html

I use my travel cases as stands.
Works for me. Its good to give your puppet a stage of his own!

Colin Dymond
http://www.aceofdiamonds.co.uk

Thank you for your feedback, Mark (that was worth MUCH more than 2 cents!), Ony, Dave, and Colin! Much appreciated!

Dave, I loved your survey results. Thank you. Funny that we thought of similar titles to our posts (Shakespeare goes a long way). I enjoyed reading the different views.

I'm actually a bit surprised. I thought the overwhelming majority of vents would prefer using a stand. I've decided, instead of buying a stand and not ending up using it, to wait until I receive my new puppet and see what position works best.

Thanks again guys!

I started using a stand a few years ago after many years of hard figure on knee. For me, it gives greater ability to move the puppet around. Also, I believe that putting the puppet on a stand gives a greater impression of "puppet independence" from me.

Bob

Thanks Bob!

As usual, this thread is filled with some great input from some great (and talented) fellow vents. Thanks!

Jonathan

I usually use a headset for all my shows. The reason is that some of my routines requires me to move a lot and the mic stand will stand (pun intended) in my way.

However, I am flexible enough if the performance venue did not allow me to use a headset.

It happens to me a few times. There was one time where I was stuck in a traffic jam and reach the venue 5 minutes late. Before I reach the venue I called my client and ask them to prepare a mic stand and put it on the stage. I reach the venue, pass the music CD (with instructions) to the soundman, pass the introduction sheet to the Emcee and I'm ready for show in just... 1 minute. I'll just need to skip all the actions when I use the mic stand, that's all.