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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
I am preparing to learn to be a ventrilaquist and I have a question.
Is it best to control the dummy's movements (mouth, eyes, head, etc...) with your dominant hand, or with your non-dominant hand? Thanks for your help. Regan
Mister Mystery
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Doug Higley 1942 - 2022 7152 Posts |
The hand that will 'feel' less tired over the long haul of a show.
When I did puppets, I had a heck of a time holding my left arm UP for long periods...it was the less dominant (I'm right handed) and always got a 'crick' in the muscle (so to speak). Also with vent consider which way your head is most comfortable in the 'facing' direction as you will be talking to the figure...me I fell more natural to my right. Also what will you be doing with the 'unused' hand? Magic tricks? You may need the 'working' hand for manipulation of other than the controls. What does all that mean? Nothing. For you...how does it FEEL best. In no time you'll be using BOTH knees with ease... Doug
Higley's Giant Flea Pocket Zibit
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Thanks Doug. That was very helpful. There is so much to think about that it can seem overwhelming. I guess I will have to try it out and see what works best. Judging by your post, there may not be a perfect answer or solution. I had already thought that it would be nice to have my dominant hand free to do magic or sleights, however I believe I my non-dominant arm would tire easier. I hadn't thought about the head at all. I am more comfortable with my head turning left, so I don't know really which will work best for me.
Regan
Mister Mystery
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Doug Higley 1942 - 2022 7152 Posts |
Probably the head turning over the arm...your arm will get used to the control manipulation in the figure. Beside with a figure your arm is pretty much at 'rest' unlike an over the head puppet show.
One funny quirk I noticed...I was better at having the figure/puppet to my left even though it was not the natural way my head wanted to be...this made it easier to be looking away from the figure and not seeming like I was watching its every move and word. You'll get your own hang of it pretty quickly. And besides...the figure may just prefer a certain side over the other...they can become rather testy about that! Little buggers. Keep in mind though...you are just learning the HARD part...so being comfortable is the most important at this stage. Doug
Higley's Giant Flea Pocket Zibit
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Thank you so much Doug. I greatly value your advice!
Regan
Mister Mystery
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pixsmith Regular user 184 Posts |
I'll weigh in hnere as well -- I don't think it really matters, but some people have said that their non-dominant hand is easier to keep "independent" for want of a better word.
Toward the strength and stamina issues, after even just a week of rehearsal, it really won't matter at all. The resistance builds up pretty quickly. The biggest reason for concern about handedness might come from the placement of the controls -- I have found that things on the thumbside of my hand generally need to be little higher by comparison. Good luck with it. You do find new muscles that shouldn't hurt so much for the size they are! |
Doug Higley 1942 - 2022 7152 Posts |
"Independent" is a good word pixsmith. That's kind of what I meant about not always looking toward the figure as well. Good word!!
Higley's Giant Flea Pocket Zibit
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Thanks guys.
Regan
Mister Mystery
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damien666 Special user canada 513 Posts |
Hey there,
Just thought I would give my two cents here. I have been doing Vent full time for the past 12 years and I use my left/dominant hand. I use puppets as opposed to 'dummies'. About a year and a half ago, I noticed my hand starting to fall asleep onstage during my act and it eventually got to the point where 15 minutes into the hour show, I couldn't even feel my hand - it had gone totally tingly/numb. I started wearing a 'tendanitus wrap' which was a temporary fix, but then it started acting up a few months ago. So over time, I think that a person can do damage from doing the repitative hand opening/closing. I have started experimenting with braces to hold my arm in the position without putting too much strain on it. In hind sight, I think it may have been wise to learn to puppeteer with both hands so that one arm isn't getting all of the stress - plus it makes it possible and easier to eventually do two puppets at once if so inclined. Good luck! Damien |
Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Thanks a lot Damien. I will try to remember your excellent advice.
Regan
Mister Mystery
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Jim Poor Special user Fairfax, VA 676 Posts |
Resurrecting an old topic:
I'm looking at a puppet (one for starts, them more probably) for my Jungle Jim's Magical Safari theme. I was thinking about handedness and stumbled across this topic. I have a shoulder issue with my dominant arm that prevents me from holding it up or away from my body for any length of time. I'm thinking that I'll use my other arm for the puppet, which will also let me draw, write, etc with my dominant hand. I am also considering the idea of switching arms now and then if I can come up with a way to routine it. On a far out note, I even thought about two birds (or other bottom entry puppets) and two bird arm illusions at one point. |
Bob Baker Inner circle 1111 Posts |
A puppet stand might be helpful for you to rest weight of the puppet on.
Check here: http://www.dummyworks.com/accessories.htm Bob |
olivertwist Special user Nashua, NH 588 Posts |
Regan,
Like Doug, I favor using my dominant, left, hand. You could learn to do it with either and with practice you'd get it. I only do it part time and it's only a third of my act so I don't have the problem that Damien does (although I do have that problem with my fulltime work programming). Good luck with the vent. I hope you have as much fun with it as I have. Regards, Oliver |
Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Oliver,
I do enjoy vent! It has been a lot of fun. Thanks to some good advice I chose to use my dominant hand. I think it was the right (no pun intended) decision for me. Regan
Mister Mystery
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Matt_24 Loyal user 208 Posts |
Follow the lead of the greats (Bergen and Winchell) and become proficient using BOTH hands.
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Different puppets are used on the left or right hand.
Although manipulation and strength are important it is also worth considering the side of your brain stimulated by movement. Also if you are doing some magic with the other hand. Certain things I do better with my left ...some with my right. Juggling and magic help develop use of both hands. Harris
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
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