May 5, 2014
For those not familiar with the term “knee jerk” decision , let me explain. A “knee jerk’ decision is a decision that you made without thinking things through. We sometimes react to things emotionally, without the use of our good sense and reason, and then have to...
Apr 28, 2014
What the heck is Mark writing about when he starts his column with a Latin phrase, “pro bono”? The Latin words mean “for free”, and that’s what we are going to tackle today, how to use this as a strategy for getting paid jobs. When I moved to Florida I had absolutely...
Apr 21, 2014
Everyone of us in our field of show business needs clients. But how do we do we get them, and how do we hold on to them once they are found ? That’s where these tips about prospecting for new customers will help. Let’s take a look at what we can do to help...
Apr 14, 2014
In my first installment about audience warm ups I mentioned where the idea came from to warm up your audiences. Fairs, television, and live performances all used this great idea, so why not vents? Being a children’s ventriloquist specialist I found this to be...
Apr 7, 2014
I first was introduced to “warming up the crowd” when I was hired to be the opening act at fairs for some big name Nashville stars like Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, The Oak Ridge Boys, not to mention a few rock ‘n’roll legends like Chubby Checker, Jan and Dean, and...
Mar 31, 2014
I am a vent that likes to add spice to my act. I truly enjoy working with puppets as that is what the audience thinks of when they hear the word “ventriloquist”. But you can also add some dimension to your shows by learning how to do some “vent specialties” or...
Mar 24, 2014
Any working professional ventriloquist, or even part-time vent is always looking for the best ways to get out their message. With the advent of the internet many performers have tossed away the idea of advertising by sending out a postcard or brochure. It is so much...
Mar 17, 2014
On more than one occasion I have been asked about what do I do about returning dates or engagements. Do I use the same puppets, or do I go off in a totally different direction and use something else? Let’s tackle this situation in this post. First, you always have...
Mar 10, 2014
I have often been asked “When is it OK to do a FREE show?”. Some would answer “Never!”, but I think this is something a performer has to deal with personally. I never say “never” to a free show. Please allow me to explain… Many times there are causes you believe in...
Mar 3, 2014
Impromptu ventriloquism isn’t something many “vents” have thought about. As we have found out from most entertainers, occasionally you are introduced to someone and it’s mentioned you are a ventriloquist. Often the person will ask “You’re a...
