Oct 20, 2015
Okay blog readers – I have a question. How important is it to you that you can comment on the blog? I have to ask, because one of Mark’s post has pulled in over 237 comments. 235 of those comments are spam. How can I tell? Read these and tell me what they...
Oct 19, 2015
One of the things I enjoy doing is working out ways to combine comedy props with ventriloquism. Some of the props can be very elaborate, while others are simple and can be used for a quick gag. Let’s explore this just a bit. Any time you can add a different twist to...
Oct 12, 2015
One of the first things I learned when I started into vent full time over 35 years ago was the slogan “pack flat..play big”. It means to have props that can break down for easy storage and easy transportation, yet has a big impact on audiences. Now not everything can...
Oct 5, 2015
What do you use to transport your characters? Do you use your favorite carrying bag or suitcase as part of your act? Let’s take a look at what some vents use and see what YOU may want to utilize for maximum effect. I have a variety of things I use when I am...
Sep 28, 2015
What is originality? How can we be sure we are being original in our acts or shows? Are we borrowing, knowingly or unknowingly, for some one else? I will give you some “food for thought” in this week’s installment of the Maher blog. What comes to mind is the old adage...
Sep 21, 2015
We all need guidance, especially when we are trying to master something new. To learn something is to understand the complexities of what makes it work. That’s why it so vitally important to get the proper training from an EXPERT in the field. That’s today’s...
Sep 14, 2015
I am a great believer in self-motivation. After all, if you can’t motivate yourself, who will motivate you? I always enjoyed listening to Zig Zigler, a wonderful speaker who always had great words of encouragement and business savvy. Zig’s most memorable statement to...
Sep 7, 2015
I’m observing a pattern that distresses me in the vent community. Our younger vents, and I mean ones in the teen years, are starting to rely on “blue” or suggestive instead of clean material in their dialogs. I’ve seen it at the Ventriloquist ConVENTion and I’ve...
Aug 31, 2015
Here’s a question worth thinking about…what good is it for you to have a vent mentor, a coach of your very own? If you silently thought “Plenty!” you are on the right track. Reading and watching materials on ventriloquism is a must, but there comes a...
Aug 24, 2015
Hey everybody, it’s Tom this week. Mark is on the way home from shows in Indiana and didn’t get a chance to write a post. He asked me to help out. So this won’t be your regular blog article! I want to share TWO bits of exciting news: #1. We are...
