Something Different
Ordinarily I write thoughts on ventriloquism, the business and tips for vents. This week though, I wanted to share something that came to my inbox. It was PR for a UK group called Two Door Cinema Club. I'll share their PR release, along with some thoughts...
If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me
I was reading a post on company values. I'm a firm believer that if you look just inside your own art that you stagnate. You begin to copy others or become a slightly altered alternative. The more you read, the more you know. The more you study other forms...
Your Audience
Have you ever gone to a show and been underwhelmed? I know I have. I was performing at a county fair a few years ago. All my shows were well attended. Laughs were coming fast and people were "with" me. People were returning again and again. They would...
Being A Professional Ventriloquist Is Tough
I was 21 years old when I became a professional entertainer. Today, I am closing rapidly on 57, which means I've spent the last 36 years of my life trying to earn a living by making people laugh. Wow, 36 years! I had hair! And a 1974 light blue Ford Pinto...
Another Look Inside The Maher Mailbag
Today I am once again opening my mailbag to share another of the most frequent email questions I get.As with the last time, I have merged several recent emails together to create this. I don't want anyone to feel as if I am singling them out. Each email I...
I Want To Be Famous
If I seem to hit on this subject a lot lately, it is because I see things happen and get emails about how to become famous almost every day. 20 years ago, ventriloquism wasn't as popular as it is now. People wanted to learn the art to have fun. But today,...
My Favorite Movies – And What They Taught Me
Everyone has favorite movies.It may be one you saw as a child. Or one you watched last night on television.In this post I want to share some of my favorite movies and what I have learned as a result of watching them.The movies will be in no particular...
I Want It All … And I Want It Now!
Queen sang these lyrics in 1989 and had a hit.The words still sum up today's culture and the instant gratification that comes from a perceived privilege that many share.Today, people see Darci Lynn win America's Got Talent and think - I can do this too!I...
Memorial Day
Photo by Justin Casey on Unsplash On Memorial Day, citizens of the United States celebrate Memorial Day - a day when we remember and honor our veterans. Then we grill out, eat and drink. Putting aside any feelings of animosity and reasons behind any...
11 Bad Ways to Promote Yourself.
You have spent some money on vent.You learned how to do it. You bought a puppet.Now you want to earn some money performing.Everyone offers advice on how to get shows. So I thought I would turn the tables.Here are 11 bad ways to promote your act. 1. Tell...
