I was scanning through YouTube the other day and a realization hit. There are a ton of free ventriloquism tutorials videos on the Internet.
BUT …
Most were about lip control and labial techniques.
If you are a ventriloquist, you know there is more to this art than just how to talk without moving your lips.
Those that want to learn should be aware that lip control is just one part of the illusion.
Where do you learn about character creation? How about conversational techniques? Voice levels? Proper breathing? Creating a resonant voice? Proper mouth sync techniques? Manipulation? Splitting? Key phrases? Plus so much more …
These all help to create the illusion you are talking with someone else.
YouTube Taught
If you went to a doctor who said, “Don’t worry, I learned how to do this brain surgery on YouTube. Nurse, get me a butterknife, a bendy straw and a twist tie …” you would probably leave.
Yet for some reason, some “performers” think they don’t need special training.
Magic, clowning, ventriloquism, juggling and other variety arts all seem to be considered pretty easy by YouTube “experts”.
Correctly performed, they are not.
I’ll never forget the knife thrower that learned from a YouTube video. In fact, I think his parole hearing comes up soon.
The problem with “easy” is some who were not properly trained, think they are qualified to teach.
True, we can all share some knowledge. After all, a teacher only needs to know a little more about a subject than the person you are teaching.
It would help if the teacher had a solid foundation and wasn’t spreading bad information.
When I started ventriloquism, I got hold of every book, course and video I could get my hands on. I learned something from each one. Even if what not to do.
But it wasn’t until I sat down to learn with a professional ventriloquist that everything came into focus.
Beyond that, I learned from the school of hard knocks over 1,000’s of performances.
I try to share this knowledge to help shorten other people’s learning curves. The Learn-Ventriloquism course has been a huge part of that.
Even though I still feel it is the best course available, I also believe we should continue to learn from many sources.
There are days I pull out my Maher Course of Ventriloquism lessons and read those. I still find things that surprise and interest me.
So the point of this is:
If you love the art of ventriloquism, learn how to perform it correctly. Then study as much as you can so you continue to improve and grow.
And if I may be of help, please let me know.
Have you seen the Jeff Dunham “How To Do Ventriloquism” Videos?
They are an excellent start for anyone interested in vent. Check them out!
