I have found that I have a couple of characters that get a bigger reaction than others so they tend to become the stars.

My questions is - Is this because I have developed them more, and therefor, should I put more time into developing the character more on the ones that get lesser reaction?

IMO, a big YES, Neale.

I also have other characters that get lesser reactions fro my audience. And that's probably because they are not yet fully developed and practiced. That's why open mics are great. It's a ways to help "create" future star characters.

Maybe the question is do we as performers have a favorite character...that we focus too much on that particular figure/puppet and we neglect the other characters that we need to develop.

Im guilty

I do practice a lot with my kid figure that I neglect the routines and manipulation of the other figures...that is why I'm asking Ony to let me join him in his adult gigs via open mic

I need to develop my adult routine using Don Dominador and Mang Caloy and let the animal puppets handle my kidshows which is basically my bread and butter.

I am sure it is because we have a favorite character it becomes the audiences favorite. Fuzzball the cat is mine.

I think it is a level of comfort with the character that makes them a favorite. They are the performer's favorite because they know the character inside and out and are at ease on stage with it. It becomes an audience favorite because the routine is relaxed and flows - the comfort level shows.

Neale, for the second question, you need to decide how many characters you really want or need. Spending the time in development will pay off. Who knows - you may create the next Achmed!

As far as "favorite" figures are concerned, I love playing with my new figures.

Of course playing with a figure is different from actually performing with one.

Recently I love playing with my NEW puppets...2 Axtells...my duck and a new Payes figure courtesy of Doug Higley and Ony Carcamo.

Super Duck
http://wanlu.net/comicalduck.JPG

Axtell All American Bird and Gorilla
http://wanlu.net/gorgordodo.JPG

Mang Caloy, a Dan Payes head with a standing body built by Ony.
http://wanluthemagician.blogspot.com/2008/09/mang-caloy.html

But as far as actual performance is concerned...Nicolo (Poyner) is still my favorite. He's the one in my avatar.

So Neale, my guess is that we do have a favorite...the particular figure/puppet that is most fun to perform with.

I think it is true if it becomes our favorite, it becomes and audience favorite.

Youcan the Toucan from Axtell seems to really resonate well with my kids. They are instantly drawn to the large colorful beak.

Yes Nigel was a big hit from the beginning. I think because he is an every kid.

This summer I have brought more life to my second stringers and the result was pleasing. Every once and a while, I think about selling or giving away some of my puppets. I keep most of them, and gladly find uses. (Especially with the changing summer library themes)

Harris "married with puppets" deutsch