Have A Rehearsal Routine
I am in the process of learning an entirely new school show that I will take to Indiana shortly to present to elementary schools. The subject matter is about energy savings, you know, turning off lights, making sure the windows are closed tightly (air conditioning...
Blocking Your Show Is Important
Ever see someone arrive at a date and NOT know where every prop, every puppet, every EVERYTHING needed to go? The poor performer/vent looked lost and frustrated and this set the stage for things not to go well. That's because they forgot to do blocking, or setting up...
When To Say “No” To A Show
If you are like most performers you always want to work as many shows as come your way, and that’s understandable. But there are times when a show is not a good fit for you and you and the client will both be dissatisfied. There are times when you must simply say “No”...
“The Confidence Factor”
Many things have been written and recorded about having confidence, but this is never so true as it is with performing. An audience can sense almost immediately if you have confidence in yourself as a performer (and as a person ... ) the moment you walk on stage. I...
“Give The Customer What They Want”
How many times have you gone to see an entertainer who only entertains themselves? If it’s a magician, he or she does tricks THEY like, not what the audience wants to hear or see. Or a juggler who does the same act as the rest of the jugglers, or a VENTRILOQUIST who...
BACKDROP CURTAIN OR NO BACKDROP CURTAIN?
One area of discussion that crops up from time to time is whether or not to use a backdrop curtain or go without. I think it depends upon what kind of a show your are doing and where the show will be staged. Let me explain ... For years I did not use a backdrop...
MAKE YOUR CLIENT COMFORTABLE
Now before you read this headline and think I am advocating buying a sofa for your customer, let me explain. Although WE know how much time it would take us to set our show and be ready to perform, the client is always the “nervous one” about your arrival time, plus...
“BE YOURSELF” THE BEST ADVICE!
One of the best pieces of advice I have heard from my wife, my Mom and Dad, and my good friends is “always be yourself!” Nothing can any more true than that ... on a personal and professional level. I have seen many amateur vents emulate vent heroes to the point of...
THE “BIG 3” OF A SHOW
Every good ventriloquist show has what I like to call the “Big 3”, a beginning, a middle, and a definite end. It makes sense when you create the show, and it makes sense to the audience. Your audience doesn’t go away dissatisfied because psychologically they felt...
The “Professional Touch”
Many things go into making a professional. Some of the things seem to be just common sense, while others are habits you need to learn to train yourself to be a pro. Let’s explore a few. • Eating At A Banquet or Gig - I always like to keep a professional distance...
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