There are many reasons to learn the art of ventriloquism. But here are ten of the best.
- You can get started quickly with only a puppet (aka dummy) and a mirror. There’s no expensive equipment to buy, no high tech components to hook-up, and no three day waiting period for a license.
- It’s the only way you can talk to yourself in front of a group of people and they won’t try and lock you up. It’s definitely the only way you can get paid for talking to yourself! Ventriloquism can be a consistent way to make extra money working evenings and weekends. You don’t have to quit your day job and the start-up costs are low.
- You and your kids might even want to learn vent together. Rent some of the Goosebumps Slappy videos and they’ll get on board. Or even better, read the books together.
- Ventriloquism is appropriate for any age audience as long as you plan your material accordingly. Preschoolers love fluffy bunny or puppy dog puppets. Senior citizens love the nostalgia of watching your act and remembering the good old days of Edger Bergen and Charlie McCarthy. Comedy club audiences will be shocked that you can use cutting edge humor with a vent figure.
- When you’re asked to speak at an event you won’t be on stage alone. Ventriloquism is good way for shy people to take to the stage. You might think you have to be a gregarious, extroverted person but that’s not necessarily true. A lot of performers are shy people in real life. But once they’re on stage with their vent figure they take on a whole new persona.
- You can be the life of any party. If you forget your puppet, get a magic marker and draw a face on your hand. It worked for Senor Wences. If you’re not familiar with him just use Google to find information and videos of his performances. You’ll be amazed. Remember what Shari Lewis did with a simple sock puppet named Lampchop?
- Life is too short not to try a few “out of the ordinary” experiences. Maybe vent has been on your “bucket list” since grade school. There’s no time like the present to give it a try.
- All of your creative talents, singing talents, and comedic abilities, can all be used in your vent act.
- It’s fun! And everyone needs a little more fun in their lives. Get out of the office and do something that stretches your imagination for a change.
- You can say things talking for your puppet that you’d never get away with talking for yourself! But use this one with caution when you’re performing at your annual office party. Remember, no matter how great the illusion is, your boss will eventually realize it’s only you.
These are only a few of the reasons to try ventriloquism. Once you start performing your act you’ll find dozens more.