There is more to being a ventriloquist than owning a figure or puppet. The right ventriloquism props will also make a huge difference in your act. They add professionalism, solve common problems, and help to make your performance unforgettable.
Having reliable tools like a great microphone, sturdy trunk, and fun comedy props can take your act to the next level.
Today I’ll share the top 10 must-have ventriloquism props.
You’ll learn why you’ll want them, how they help, and tips for choosing the best ones for your act.
Table of Contents
A Dependable Microphone
A good microphone is one of the most important tools for a ventriloquist. Your audience needs to hear both you and your puppet clearly, or the humor and timing of your act could fall flat.
Recommended: Shure SM58 Microphone
This mic is trusted by professionals of all forms of entertainment, from rock stars to comedians. It’s durable, dependable, and delivers crystal-clear sound, making it perfect for ventriloquism.
The SM58 is a hard-wired mic, which eliminates the risks of battery failures or signal interruptions common with wireless mics.
To learn more about the SM58 microphone click here.
Prefer A Wireless Headset?
Some ventriloquists want the flexibility of a wireless headset. If you decide to go wireless, don’t skimp on quality or you will run into problems!
For a quality headset microphone, I would recommend the Shure DuraPlex Omnidirectional Headset Microphone or the Countryman E6i Omnidirectional Earset Microphone. Both of these microphones are made for speakers (as opposed to singers.)
If you go this route, you still need the wireless transmitter and receiver. Plus you will want to make sure you get the correct cord so your headset can plug into the transmitter!
Shure, Audio-Technica, and Sennheiser all make some good quality wireless units.
Why Go Hardwired?
I still recommend the handheld microphone in a stand, hard wired to the system, over wireless units.
Why?
Because in all my years of working shows (From 1984 to 2022) I’ve seen wireless units fail when batteries die, when signals get interference and more. I’ve only had a hard wired mic go out twice – and both times, it was a simple cord swap!
Technology has definitely improved, but it still happens – and it can ruin your show when it does.
Now I’ll climb off that soapbox, and leave you with this …
Bonus Tip:
If you do choose a wireless mic, make sure to keep a hard-wired mic in a stand nearby as a backup. You never know when technology might fail during a show!
A Sturdy Microphone Stand
A solid microphone stand is just as important as the microphone itself. A shaky or flimsy stand can distract the audience and even disrupt your performance.
Why It Matters:
A sturdy mic stand keeps your microphone secure and in the right position for hands-free speaking or switching between mics during your act.
Personal Preference:
While a solid-base stand is the most stable option, many performers, including myself, prefer a tripod-base stand. Why? It works well with foot pedal switches for controlling music or sound cues, adding versatility to your setup.
Tip for Success:
Always test your mic stand before the show to ensure it’s set to the correct height and remains steady during your performance. (The night the stand wasn’t tight and started slipping in the middle of my act in Tulum, Mexico was a nightmare.)
A Reliable Music Playback System
Music and sound effects can add so much to a ventriloquist performance, but only if they run smoothly. That’s why having a dependable playback system is essential.
Recommended: Audio Ape Remote Control System
The Audio Ape system is a favorite among professional performers for its reliability and ease of use. It lets you control your music and sound cues seamlessly, so there’s no awkward fumbling with buttons or delays during your act.
Why It’s Great for Ventriloquists:
- Compact and wireless for a clean stage setup.
- Reliable signal with no interruptions, even in crowded venues.
- Customizable cues to match your routine perfectly.
You can learn more about Audio Ape here.
Pro Tip:
Take time to set up your cues before the show and practice using the remote to avoid any surprises during your performance.
Professional-Grade Trunks
Transporting your equipment safely is important. A good trunk protects your dummies, props, and other gear while making it easy to move everything from one gig to the next.
Recommended: Cabbage Cases LightFlite Case
This durable trunk is lightweight, easy to handle, and built to last. Its wheels and retractable handle make it perfect for travel, whether you’re heading to a local show or flying across the country.
Why It’s a Must-Have:
- Keeps your equipment safe from damage.
- Organizes your gear so you can set up quickly at the venue.
- Durable enough to withstand professional use.
Learn more about Cabbage Cases LightFlite Cases here.
Pro Tip:
Label your trunk clearly with your name and contact information, as well as include your contact info inside the trunk, just in case it ever gets misplaced during travel. If traveling by air, make sure to include an inventory list of what is inside so if examined by the TSA there are no problems.
Costumes and Accessories for Your Dummy
Adding costumes and accessories to your dummy can make your act more engaging and memorable. A well-dressed puppet with distinct personality quirks will capture the audience’s attention and make your performance stand out.
Why They Matter:
- Costumes help define your dummy’s character (e.g., a detective, a cowboy, or a diva).
- Accessories like hats, glasses, or scarves can add humor and visual appeal.
- They allow you to tailor your act to specific audiences or themes.
Pro Tip:
Keep a small collection of versatile costumes and props in your kit. This gives you flexibility to switch up your act for different gigs without overloading your trunk.
Comedy Props for Extra Laughs
Props are a great way to add an extra layer of humor to your ventriloquist act. Whether it’s a quirky item your dummy interacts with or a visual gag that lands perfectly, comedy props can make your performance even more entertaining.
Popular Comedy Props:
- Rubber chickens for silly, slapstick humor.
- Oversized glasses to exaggerate your dummy’s reactions.
- Fake mustaches or wigs to quickly change your dummy’s look mid-act.
Why Props Work:
Comedy props create visual jokes that complement your dialogue, keeping the audience engaged. They’re especially useful for younger audiences or acts with physical comedy.
Pro Tip:
Use props sparingly to avoid overshadowing your ventriloquism. The focus should still be on your dummy’s personality and your skill as a performer.
A Puppet Repair Kit
Even the best-maintained dummies can have an issue now and then, and a broken puppet in the middle of a show is a performer’s nightmare. A well-stocked repair kit can save the day.
What to Include in Your Kit:
- Glue for quick fixes.
- Small screws and a screwdriver for loose parts.
- Extra strings or elastic bands for internal mechanisms.
- Needle and thread for soft puppets or fabric repairs.
Why You Need One:
Having a repair kit on hand ensures you’re prepared for unexpected problems. It also shows professionalism—you’re ready to fix things quickly and keep the show going without a hitch.
A Vanishing Milk Glass
At one time, a classic ventriloquist trick was drinking while the puppet was talking. There are several ways to do this, but one of the easiest is the vanishing milk glass.
The trick involves appearing to drink milk while your puppet keeps talking, creating a hilarious and unexpected moment for your audience.
Why It Works:
- Adds a visual element to your act, breaking up dialogue with physical humor.
- Surprises the audience, making it a memorable highlight of your performance.
Pro Tip:
Practice the trick until it’s seamless. The better your timing, the bigger the laughs. Keep it light and fun—it’s a classic for a reason!
You can find vanishing milk glasses on Amazon.
Cue Cards to Stay on Track
Even professional performers can lose their place, especially during a new or complex routine. Cue cards are a simple yet effective way to stay organized and confident during your act.
Why Cue Cards Are Great:
- Large index cards with a Sharpie make your prompts easy to read, even from a distance.
- They’re discreet and can be placed strategically out of sight from the audience.
Pro Tip:
Keep your notes short and simple—just a word or phrase to jog your memory.
I’ll be sharing some more advanced prompting tools in a future article.
Final Thoughts
The right props can transform your ventriloquism act from good to unforgettable. When you have a dependable microphone, fun costumes for your dummy, and practical tools like a repair kit, you’ll be good to go!
Each item on this list plays an important role in enhancing your performance.
Investing in quality props not only boosts your confidence on stage but also helps you deliver a professional, polished show that your audience will love.
Which of these ventriloquism props will you add to your kit?
Let me know in the comments—and don’t forget to check back for more tips and resources to improve and grow your ventriloquism skills!
Note: The Amazon links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you click a link and buy a product on Amazon, I may get a small commission for providing the link. Please note that I would never recommend something that I didn’t believe in.
