I would like to learn ventriloquism. However, I do not know where to start. What do you suggest? I am not ready to invest in a puppet. I want to be able to do the work first. How do I learn, and where do I begin?

Samuel

Hi Samuel,

These are several steps that you can try.

1. Try to find books on ventriloquism in your public library, such as Ventriloquist For Fun and Profit by Paul Winchell or Ventriloquism of Today by Paul Stadelman or Ventriloquism for Dummy by Dan Richard or else.

2. Try to search and look at free ventriloquism lesson in several websites such as http://www.axtell.com/learn.html

3. Buy ventriloquism books or courses or videos or audio tapes from Ventriloquism supplier such as at http://www.maherstudios.com, http://www.onewaystreet.com, http://www.stevetaylorpro.com/ventriloquism.htm,
http://www.cornellpublications.com/ventr......deos.htm

4. Make or buy a simple moving mouth of puppet to an advance ventriloquist figure, from a home made sock puppet to a several thousand dollars vent figure.

5. Buy or borrow several ventriloquist dialog books.

6. Practice, practice, and practice, every where at any time, in front of mirror, in front of video camera, when driving, when take a bath and so on.

7. Try to make performances in front of real audience, including your family member.

8. Joint one or several ventriloquist mailing list such as Worldvents, Ventmail, Ventfigures and else, mostly in http://www.yahoogroups.com. So you can ask a lot of question and keep in touch with some Ventriloquists around the world.

9. Attend Ventriloquist Festival or Convention such as International Ventriloquist Festival at Las Vegas or Vent Haven at Kentucky or I-Fest at Illinois or else

Hope this help.

Regards,

Budi Ha Ha

The Art of Ventriloquism, By Trevor Burch

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The Maher course really works if you put the time in .......

I agree that the Maher course is a great tool for learning ventriloquism. I have not seen their DVD that you can now get with it however but I am sure it suppliments the material well. maher is a an excellent source for learning material. Also if you want dvds there is one by Bob Rumba on Ebay alot. Also try some of these books..
Magic with your voice by George Schindler
Ventriloquism for fun and profit by paul Winchell

was interupted and now lost my train of thought..hope these few ideas help some..

Chris

What's the time frame like on becoming a professional standard vent?

I have a vent gig on sunday and...just kidding.

But seriously...assumeing an hour of practice per day with low labial scripts (i.e. no Ms etc.) how long would it take do you think to learn this art form to a GOOD stanard?

Samuel,
You can go on http://www.venthaven.com you will find pretty much anything you need on venting to get you started. Steve Taylor's tapes are great as well as the Maher course. I have taken them both and they will get you going.
Going to a Convention is also very helpful. There they have classes and plenty of dealers to choose from to get a figure. Starting out I wouldn't invest a huge amount, just something to get you to learning how to manipulate the figure while you practice the talking.
Nick,
Like anything else the time you put into it is what you will get out of it. When I first started and even now I will be driving around practicing Vent. Nobody really notices because you aren't moving your lips.ha!