Ventriloquism
Do you hate ventriloquists? A lot of people do. Some people can’t stand comedians with puppets, even if others find them super fun to watch. It may seem surprising, but there are many things about ventriloquists that make people avoid them.
Read on to find out why!
Why Some People Hate Ventriloquists:
There are a variety of reasons why people do not regard ventriloquism as an enjoyable form of entertainment. But most of these reasons are a result of misconceptions and faulty ideas, and preferences.
Many people were first exposed to ventriloquists in movies and television shows. Most of the times, these depictions are far from the truth. The ventriloquist who believes their dummy is real is the work of movie fiction. Ventriloquist figures do not take on a life of their own either. These portrayals of ventriloquists have resulted in a dislike of the art.
Another reason for the dislike of the art form is the use of life like puppets and ventriloquist figures. Some people find these figures creepy. Others experience the disquieting symptoms of Automatonophobia. That is the fear of anything which resembles a real life form.
Some people hate ventriloquists because they feel that their acts are not entertaining. Or even worse, boring. That may be caused due to experiences with unskilled performers who have not mastered the technique of the unique art form. There is nothing sadder than watching a bad ventriloquist.
Corny and outdated jokes by ventriloquists are another reason why people avoid ventriloquist performances. Old scripts performed by amateurs has established this stereotype in the minds of many. Others have seen ventriloquist comedians that are abusive or use foul language. These impressions make it difficult for them to keep an open mind. Just as all singers are not the same, neither are all ventriloquists!
Changing Dynamics And Growing Fondness For The Art Of Ventriloquism
Over the years, this art form of comedy puppet skits has evolved. Today it has become one of the most unique and increasingly preferred styles of entertainment.
One reason for this change in popularity is a renewed love of puppetry. The Muppet show took puppetry to new heights. Puppets became cool again, and that trend made the art of ventriloquism more interesting.
Professional ventriloquists began to focus on characters that held a wider appeal with audiences. Some of the best examples are Jeff Dunham’s Bubba J, Peanut and Achmed. These puppets have warmth and a greater depth to them, which makes their performance fun and entertaining. Dunham’s world-wide success proves this.
Ventriloquism is now taught with updated methods. This allows students to hone their skills to ensure quality entertainment. Interactive and virtual teaching has helped budding ventriloquists develop a solid foundation. This has served to make their live performances better and more entertaining.
Added exposure to quality performances are available both on television and the Internet. This increased visibility also makes the art more popular with live entertainment audiences. Professional ventriloquists are easily holding their own in the industry. They often generate more laughs per minute when compared to other forms of comic entertainments.
To counter the fear of automatonophobia, many of today’s ventriloquists opt for a soft puppets. This makes the act less scary and thus agreeable to a wider variety of audiences.
Another reason for the growing appeal of this unique art of entertainment are memories. Many of today’s audiences have grown up with Shari Lewis and Lambchop. Others may remember the NESTLES jingle, even if they don’t remember a ventriloquist made the song famous.
The change in the current form of the art has changed many perceptions of ventriloquists.
If you’d like to change perceptions and try something truly different, contact Tom Crowl today. Tom’s comedy ventriloquist show will highlight your event and keep everyone laughing.
Ventriloquism
Want to be a ventriloquist like Jeff Dunham, Terry Fator or Paul Zerdin?
Not Sure Where To Start?
Here are 3 Must Have Resources For Ventriloquists To Help!
There are a lot of on-line lessons and videos available. Some are free while others require payment. If you want to learn how to be a ventriloquist, here are three must have resources to help you learn to talk without moving your lips.
Learn-Ventriloquism.com
To be a ventriloquist, you have to understand how the secrets of ventriloquism are accomplished. There is a lot going on to create the illusion that a puppet is alive.
Most free YouTube videos focus on how to say letters and words. Ventriloquism is more than talking with clenched teeth or tight lips though. A ventriloquist has to understand how sounds are made. The voice of the puppet needs to be understood and must carry so the audience can “hear” what your character is saying. This requires adding a resonance to your voice.
You will need to study the art of manipulation so your ventriloquist puppet comes to life. Realistic movements allow audiences to suspend their belief. Puppet manipulation is not left to chance; professional ventriloquists work out every move before they walk on stage.
The ventriloquism course at http://Learn-Ventriloquism.com covers 36 video lessons and two bonus articles. The members area features an active forum where students can ask questions, share new ideas, get helpful critiques, seek advice and make friends with others on the same learning path.
A solid foundation in the skill is important if you want to be successful in the art. This online course will help you shorten your learning curve, teach you proper techniques and get you in front of audiences with more confidence in your abilities.
MaherStudios.com
Maher Studios is a legend in the field of ventriloquism. The business was started in 1934 by professional ventriloquist Fred Maher and is still active today. Now operated by professional ventriloquists Mark Wade, Ken Groves and Tom Crowl, Maher Studios has adopted an educational focus.
To be a successful ventriloquist, you need to create a believable conversation with your puppet. This requires learning to think and write funny material. Ventriloquists who use jokes off the internet or out of joke books never get very far. Maher has a whole range of original scripts that help you understand the writing process and give you great material that you can adapt to your own act.
Mark Wade’s Comedy Writing For Kid Shows offers writing tips for anyone working children’s programs. You’ll also find information, videos and on-line courses to help you learn how to run your ventriloquist business.
Once you have a solid foundation, http://MaherStudios.com is the place to improve your skills and education.
The Vent Haven International Ventriloquist ConVENTion
The Vent Haven Museum is a non-profit organization based in Fort Mitchell, KY. Some of the most famous ventriloquist figures in the world call the museum home. With over 900 figures and other ventriloquist memorabilia on display, it is a wonderful place to explore.
Every year, the museum hosts a convention in nearby Hebron, Kentucky. Professional ventriloquists turn away work in order to attend! It is your chance to meet stars of ventriloquism like Jeff Dunham, Terry Fator, Jay Johnson and more. The convention sponsors workshops and lectures on all phases of the art.
More than an educational experience, the International Ventriloquist Convention is similar to a family reunion. You’ll make friends for life and walk away inspired to act on your dreams of being a great ventriloquist.
Through these three must have resources, you will find easy access to tons of other ventriloquist information and assistance. From dealers to performers, it is all ahead of you. The best way to start is by clicking the links above.
Looking for a ventriloquist for your next event? Contact Tom Crowl’s office for availability and pricing.
Ventriloquism
In a recent article, we shared ten of the top ventriloquists working today. Expanding on that list, we’d like to discuss more ventriloquists who are at the top of their game. These ventriloquists are listed in no particular order.
- Dan Horn – Dan is an amazing American comedian with puppets. His skill as a ventriloquist is exceptional. For years Dan was the featured live entertainment on Princess Cruise Lines. He has entertained audiences around the world. Other ventriloquists respect Dan’s skills as a puppet manipulator. Dan taught puppet manipulation for the International Ventriloquist Convention and the Japanese Ventriloquist Association.
- Sammy King – Sammy is a legend in the world of ventriloquism. His act with Francisco The Mexican Parrot was featured in Las Vegas Reviews and the Crazy Horse in Paris. Sammy suffered a setback when his vocal chords scarred. He has just started performing again on a limited schedule in Branson, MO.
- Jim Barber – Jim has had a successful career in ventriloquist comedy. His early career included television performances and college tours across the United States. He settled in Branson, MO and became partners in the Hamner-Barber Theatre. His comedy puppet skits provided comedy relief between the Hamner’s major illusions. And magic. In 2013, Jim retired from the theater and began performing on cruises again. The ventriloquist community respects Jim for his skills as a showman.
- Todd Oliver – Todd Oliver was a semi-finalist on America’s Got Talent. His talking dog act captured the attention of the viewing public. Todd’s originality, stage presence and generosity are known throughout the world of ventriloquism.
Sarah Jones – Australian ventriloquist Sarah Jones is a shining example of a top ventriloquist. Her sense of humor and shy appearance offset the characters she brings to life. Sarah entertains at clubs, on cruises and at Fringe Festivals.- Ken Groves – One of the best ventriloquist comedians in the United States, Ken is known as the “Lips Of Stone.” Ken is the author of two books on the art of ventriloquism. Groves is also part of the International Ventriloquist Convention’s management team. This role has helped him influence many of the future’s top ventriloquists.
- Willie Tyler – Willie is best known for his 1970’s McDonald’s commercials. A featured act with Motown, Willie became a star of television and comedy clubs. His act headlined throughout the United States.
- Jimmy Nelson – Jimmy is the Dean of American Ventriloquists. As spokesperson for Texaco, he performed live commercials during the Milton Berle Show. Later, Jimmy became a spokesman for Nestle Chocolate. He and his characters made the N-E-S-T-L-E-S jingle famous. Today Jimmy performs a limited amount of shows near his home in Florida.
If you are looking for a funny ventriloquist comedian for a live entertainment event, contact our office. Tom Crowl is also one of the top ventriloquists working today. If he isn’t right for your event, we will help you find someone that is.
Ventriloquism
Why are the top ventriloquists considered by their clients and peers to be among the best? As an event planner, it is important to know before you hire a ventriloquist.
When looking for entertainment for an event, a ventriloquist could be the perfect answer. Ventriloquist comedy is popular right now thanks to television and the Internet. Billions of YouTube views and Comedy Central specials, have exposed the public to the art.
Ventriloquism is seldom seen in a live entertainment setting. The number of magicians, jugglers and even mimes dwarfs the number of professional ventriloquists. Why? The art of bringing puppets to life through ventriloquism is a difficult skill to master. If you don’t believe us, watch a bad ventriloquist. It is a painful experience.
When you watch skilled ventriloquists, you suspend your belief and accept the puppet as a separate entity. Funny comedians with puppets generate tons of laughter customized to your audience and event.
If you want to add ventriloquist comedy, here is our list of top ventriloquists to consider. (This list is in no particular order.)
- Jeff Dunham – Jeff is currently the highest grossing touring comedian in the world according to Forbes Magazine. His irreverent comedy sets Jeff apart from his peers. Thanks to the creation of Achmed The Dead Terrorist, Jeff’s fan base now spans the world. His television specials on Comedy Central set viewing records for the cable station.
- Terry Fator – Terry struggled for decades before gaining fame as the winner of America’s Got Talent. His ability to do impersonations is uncanny. As a vocalist, Terry imitates musical hits that rival the originals. Using ventriloquism, his puppets sing in the style of top music stars.
- David Strassman – David is an American ventriloquist who gained fame on the other side of the globe. He plays sold out theater shows in Australia, New Zealand and England. When he returns to America, he enjoys his anonymity. David is most noted for developing strong personalities for his characters.
- Paul Zerdin – A U.K. ventriloquist, Paul is a favorite on television, at theaters and in Fringe Festivals. Paul is often found entertaining on the Disney Cruise Line. His peers know Paul for his quick wit, impeccable skills and charm.
- Nina Conti – Nina also hails from the United Kingdom. Nina’s comedy with her puppet Monk has brought her television fame in both the U.K. and United States. Her incredible ability for ad-libbing material, earns respect in the ventriloquist community.
- Jay Johnson – Jay gained fame on the ground-breaking television show SOAP. In 2007, Jay was nominated for and won a Tony award for his one man Broadway show, The Two And Only. Known in the ventriloquist community for his excellent technique and rapid-fire delivery, Jay is a master of the art.
- Mark Wade – Mark Wade is America’s Foremost Kid Show Ventriloquist. For over 35 years, Mark’s programs have inspired and educated children. In the ventriloquist community, Mark is best known for helping other ventriloquists improve. Mark has authored several books on ventriloquism. He is also the executive director of the International Ventriloquist Convention.
- Taylor Mason – In 1990 Mason was the grand prize winner on Star Search, earning $100,000 and notoriety in the comedy world. Ventriloquists respect Taylor for his relaxed performance style and clean comedy. Taylor also has incredible musical talents envied by many.
- Lynn Trefzger – Lynn is a hilarious female ventriloquist. She often entertains at colleges, on cruise ships, in theaters and on television. The ventriloquist community knows Lynn for her amazing skills and professionalism.
- Tom Crowl – Tom has earned a living making people laugh for over 30 years. A corporate comedian ventriloquist, he travels the United States entertaining audiences. In the ventriloquist community, Tom is best known for his groundbreaking online ventriloquism course. Through virtual lessons, Crowl has taught ventriloquist skills to other entertainers around the world. Tom is also a founder of the International Ventriloquist Society. The I.V.S. is the art’s only professional organization.
If you want a standup comedian with puppets for your next live entertainment event, contact our office now. Tom is friends with most of the top ventriloquists in the world. He will be happy to help you select an act that will make your event a success.
Ventriloquism
Corporate Comedy Ventriloquist Gets W.S. Berger Award
On Saturday, July 19, comedy ventriloquist Tom Crowl was a recipient of the W.S. Berger Award. The award is presented for outstanding contributions to the world of ventriloquism. Tom created the first on-line virtual ventriloquism course in 2011. The time released lessons teach students how to be a ventriloquist. It quickly became the most recommended course in the art. Based on the success of Crowl’s course, he was invited to become a partner in Maher Ventriloquist Studios. Maher is the oldest, most respected name in the community. Maher Studios has instructed students since 1934. Many of today’s biggest names are Maher graduates. Since joining Maher, Tom has helped the company create exciting new products. Among Maher Studios’ latest offerings are:
- Ventriloquism Courses that teach interactively
- Video courses that teach people how to build professional ventriloquist dummys
- Performance Scripts
- Instruction to help ventriloquists improve their programs.
Crowl also plays an active roll in the Vent Haven International Ventriloquist ConVENTion. The conVENTion is held annually in Hebron, Kentucky. It is attended by ventriloquists from around the globe. In the past year Tom has received press coverage from Florida Today, the Washington Times and other national papers. Articles feature his unique performance and teaching style. He continues to travel and entertain nationally with a corporate entertainment program. The W.S. Berger Award was named after William Shakespeare Berger. Berger founded the Vent Haven Ventriloquist Museum. The museum displays famous figures and features information and exhibits on some of today’s biggest names. Famous ventriloquists highlighted in the museum include Jeff Dunham, Terry Fator, Jay Johnson and many others. To learn more about Tom’s corporate entertainment comedy ventriloquist program visit: http://ComedyVentriloquist.com/ventriloquist-usa
Ventriloquism
Ventriloquist Tom Crowl flies around the United States to entertain at corporate events. The corporate programs are focused on his clients and audience. This makes each performance a unique mixture of laughter and message.
In his spare time, Tom is also an advocate for the art of ventriloquism. He believes that better instruction creates a better ventriloquist. In 2012 he released the on-line virtual ventriloquism course: Learn-Ventriloquism. The course provides 36 lessons on the art form. Many students are already earning extra money performing. Several have aspirations to become professional ventriloquists.
New Online Ventriloquism Course
Last year, Tom was invited to partner with fellow professional ventriloquists, Ken Groves and Mark Wade, to run Maher Ventriloquist Studios. Maher Studios was created in 1934 by professional ventriloquist Fred Maher. Maher developed the Maher Course of Ventriloquism which became the gold standard in the industry.
Working with Groves and Wade, Tom helped to create a new Maher course, which introduces technology to make learning ventriloquism easier than ever before. The course consists of nine lessons and Skype video coaching from all three professional ventriloquists.
Below is a recent newspaper article on Tom’s involvement with Maher Studios.
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An in demand comedy ventriloquist, and now educator of future generations, Crowl stays busy and is fully immersed in his passion.
If you are looking for clean corporate comedy for your next corporate event, contact the comedy ventriloquist that teaches the art to others! Tom provides a free corporate event consultation to determine your event needs and see if he would be a good match for your audience.
