One of the most important things for all vents is to keep their skills up, and to continue to grow in our art. The BEST way to do that is to attend conferences and conventions where you can observe other ventriloquists.
True, you can learn a lot by watching a DVD or reading what someone has to say about vent, but it’s not the same as being physically “right there” to observe and later to ask questions. The little things the a great vent does on stage makes a huge difference, and often DVD’s are edited due to time constraints and you miss much of that.
But why else should you go to a conference or convention? It’s the camaraderie that you can only get at a convention. It’s nice to be around the pros but it’s even nicer to be able to be around fellow vents, sharing meals, and trading stories. I have found that many vents find others that share similar interests and have similar experiences and often a problem one person has can be more easily solved by talking with someone who just had to deal with it.
Another bonus of attending conventions is the dealer’s rooms. This is a great place to shop for your latest puppet friend or find something to help make your act even better. Dealers enjoy showing their wares and it’s at these gatherings that you can see close up (even by handling ) a puppet or prop. Pictures in magazines don’t always do justice to the unique puppet or item you are looking for.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time NOW to be a part of the world’s largest and oldest ventriloquists’ ConVENTion, the fabulous Vent Haven international Ventriloquists’ ConVENTion. Rates are soon going up so NOW is the time to get your registration in to make it happen. You can contact me, Mark Wade, at:
Vent Haven ConVENTion
341 Papaya Circle
Barefoot Bay,FL 32976
or you can go online at venthavenconvention.com and use our PayPal method of registering. You can’t learn if you don’t attend!!
To contact Mark: kidshowvent@gmail.com
