Hi All,

It seems this board is quite quiet, but I would appreciate some advice from whomever is around.

I'm just getting back into vent after many, many years of not doing it. I've definitely caught the performing bug again, and I wish to really progress and improve. Now, I'm not nor do I wish to be a professional performer. I have a fine day job. While I have performed locally around the community, I'm not looking to make money. But, that does not mean I don't want to be a really good ventriloquist. I want to be the best I can be, and I want to honor the art, not to mention I don't want to embarrass myself!

I currently use an "off the rack" puppet. It's really nice, cute, and has so far served my needs. But, I'm now considering getting a custom-made puppet. I have this idea that I won't be a "real" vent without a professionally built puppet. But, then, of course, cost is an issue. I also think how Nina Conti has done amazingly well with a toy monkey that many people have. Now, I am in no way comparing myself to her, but it does make me think of years ago when I played the saxophone. Many players obsessed about their instruments and were almost OCD about their equipment. But, there were always the more rational musicians who said it is always more about the player than the instrument. A great player can make great music even with a mediocre instrument.

I'm thinking it's kind of the same with ventriloquists and their puppets. So, I'm wondering what others think about this. Can a great vent still be a great vent without a pro custom-made puppet?

Today I'm 83 - at 14, Mom bought me a Jerry Mahony(sp?)- used for years - 1990 I built my own - muppet style. in fact he's sitting right across the room from me,- he doesn't talk back (yet) but good company in this 'isolation' and fun practice. I also made one from a nice size Lion Doll - able to open stomach -up into mouth with hand moving top and bottom of the mouth (mouth was separated ) so, maybe you could find something that would work like that.- wish my only P/C, a lap top could show pictures. Best Wishes - take care of yourself and Yours Ralph(russo)Rousseau

I don't vent but I do work with puppets.

Shari Lewis worked for years with a sock on her hand named Lambchop, so as long as you can bring the puppet to life then it works.

Yes, before I got Jerry, then MADE Rusty, around age 12, made a couple Sock puppets - Easy and fun. You have fun too. RR

Axtell is awesome...I highly recommend them.

I have a couple from Axtell but buy mostly from Pavlov these days.

http://www.pavlovspuppets.com/new_puppets.htm

Thank you all for your replies.

Well, Rusty is still sitting across the room from me - and with all this isolation - he still hasn't talked back to me. Funny, though, He's still a comfort -or am I going Mad ?? Ralph

Character and routine can count for more than a nice puppet. Sr. Wences and Edgar Bergen both used their hands with eyes drawn on them and an attached small body. Shari Lewis' Lambchop wasn’t much more than a sock. Ron Lucas used a sock-like turtle head with a board that had a shell drawn on it. Some figures can for sure get a reaction by their look, but after that initial appearance, the material needs to be there. Don’t get caught up in wanting a new expensive figure when you can do so much with less. They can be nice to have, but unless you’re at a vent convention, the audience is not going to know how much you spent on a puppet or who made it. They will, however, remember how funny you were and how lifelike you made the figure.

Very true, o2b2b2. Thank you.