Each of us has a favorite Ventriloquist. Let’s take a few minutes to examine our favorite. What makes this person so admirable to us? Is it their puppets? The puppets character? Or is it the Vents style of delivery and humor?
Take a little time to watch several videos of this favorite Ventriloquist. Take some notes on what it is that you really enjoy about this Vent. Next, take each point on your notes and ask yourself this question. “Since I like this ____________ part of his/her act, what can I do to improve my act by adding this little trait?”
Remember, we don’t want to copy the other Vent, but there is some reason why you so enjoy his/her style of performing. Since you enjoy this person, is there something about his/her act that would improve your act. Is it their range of voice? Is it the fact that they don’t move their lips? Is it the way that they manipulate the puppet? Is it the way that they seem to make the puppet come alive?
Are they playing the straight guy to the puppet, or is the puppet playing the straight guy to them? Does the puppet have an attitude that makes them funny or is the puppet sweet and adorable? What is there about the character that makes you identify with both the puppet and the performer?
We could go on and on with questions that you need to ask, but you can formulate your own questions about your particular performer and his/her puppet partner. Take this time to see what you really enjoy about this person and see what you can do to breathe more life into your performance with your partner.
Tell us who YOUR favorite ventriloquist is and why…below in the comments section. We’d love to know.
That’s all for now folks,
Steve and JET