Newsy Vents

It was "Puppet Making Morning" when the "Five Cousins" gathered at Grandpa and Grandma's house, and fun was had by all! There was plenty of talking going on, and even the puppets got in a word now and then. And now - how about a "talking mini-turtle puppet race"?

By William H. Andersen


In our communities today there are many things young people need to learn in addition to the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Parents and school teachers do their best to prepare children for the possible problems they may encounter in life. The daily headlines, however, show that what is being done is not enough. A better job must be done to protect our youth from all of the dangers they face if they are to reach their potential in life. This is where the ventriloquist may help.


Young people may not pay much attention to the preaching and warnings of the adults they see every day, but few people resist the entertainment of a ventriloquist. They listen to the humor and follow what is being said because they do not want to miss a good laugh. While they are listening and laughing the ventriloquist can impart gems of wisdom which are readily accepted. Before they are aware of it the people have learned principles they need to know. When the ventriloquist gets the audiences attention he/she can capitalize on that advantage and impart a good lesson.
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This excerpt is from the book, Safety Routines, which contains six full length safety ventriloquist dialogues: Bike Safety, Safe From Fire, Get The Dope (Drug Prevention), Learn To Use 9-1-1, Gang Troubles, and Do Not Talk To Strangers. Published by Maher Studios, copyright 1993.
For sale here.

This is one of my favorite ventriloquist dialogue books with ministry purpose. Probably because I have personally performed the routines and found them entertaining and effective in communicating their lessons. I'm not certain of the date Col. Bill Boley first published these five dialogues, but it was years before Maher Studios first published them in small book form in 1986. I enjoyed using Bill's material because he incorporates a great deal of humor that builds to the point of the lesson - a writing/performance style I enjoy as well. Adapting Bill's writing for my own presentations was smooth and simple. So in 2001 a second edition of Bill's original book was published with five original gospel Col. Bill Boley dialogues that have been revised and edited. Entertaining messages. If you use ventriloquism in ministry, I believe you'll enjoy using this timeless material! I know I have. For sale here.

From Donald Knight: "I love reading your blog... it is one of the few that I check every day. I feel like I haven't got my Internet fix until I have read what you have posted for the day."
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From Patti Anderson: "Many years ago I purchased two Corky vent figures. As a matter of fact, when I needed a larger version of my small Corky, you made the the first mold for my larger one (photo right). I have used him faithfully. Today, during a performance, 'Lennie's' string broke inside. A child asked if Lennie had a stroke. I am hoping you can repair him."
(And then following completion of the job): "Hi- I received Lennie yesterday. He looked GREAT! Your Colorado hospital is just what he needed. Thank you for painting his neck too. It looks like I have a brand new Lennie. Thank you so much." Patti
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From Allen Fuller: "My two carrying cases arrived today. They are WONDERFUL. They are the perfect size for my figures. I have wanted a case for my large figure since he was new. However, my parents could not afford to purchase one. It was a real stretch for them to purchase the figure. Thanks again for everything."
Note from Clinton: I will keep a few cases in stock for sale. If you need a nice padded case for your puppet or figure, contact me.
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From Micahel Eakins: "It's been very hot here, this summer, and humid from all the thunderstorms. I wonder how folks doing outdoor shows survive in the boiling summer sun. Walk-arounds must be more like sit-arounds in front of a fan. Years ago, after seeing a tape of myself looking like I was drenched with a fire hose from all the sweat pouring out at an outdoor show, I decided to not do them anymore. The heat is just too much for me, it affects the hard figures, and it's harder to keep the audience focused. Some folks love being outdoors, but I'll take the air conditioning anytime...call me a wimp LOL."
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From Joe Radle: "I found you way in the back of that museum photo. (See post for 8.5.08) Since I didn't want you to feel unnoticed I figured I'd tell you that while it was a chore, I did finally discover where you were hiding. You are fourth from the left in the back row. At least I think that's you? Now, way back there, not too many folks would be able to try to handle you, as the sign up front prohibits, but I'll bet they would have a heck of a time trying to find your head stick if they did give that a try!"
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From David Thomson (right):"Life in the retirement village is good. I am hoping to put on more 'little shows' now that I have 'Dexter'. But in the meantime I must practice, practice, PRACTICE. I don't know that there is a ventriloquist society in New Zealand, but I continue to enjoy your Newsy Vents."
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From Sandi Stricker: "I did my first 'gig' Saturday, to a group of 25 widow ladies. I did not use the remodeled J. Mahoney figure you worked on, but instead used a pink/purple bird I bought at the Vent convention. Her name is Delila. I was doing a quilt show there, and Delila actually had her own little quilt to show. It went over really well and I had real good feedback, and many laughs in response throughout. The boy figure have I reclothed from dress pants/white shirt/vest into cowboy shirt, jeans, and boots, with a hat. I am still trying to develop his character. The Vent convention was very inspiring."
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From Montana's Santa: "The Saco show was a big success. I signed on for 30 minutes... had 10 minutes of encores! I've already been signed to come back next year and do a longer show! 'Matt' looks really good on stage. He did a mentalist act with me...a real crowd pleaser."

Before starting to write an actual dialogue you should consider:

Question: I like using rods for my puppets, but I only have one rod and I switch it from character to character. I'm using my possum puppet this morning at church with the children, and am trying to get the rod attached again. It's the typical long rod with a wooden handle. I use a rubber band to tie it to their hand and it's not the best way to do it (rubber band has slipped, broken, etc.) Most ventriloquists have the rods that are short and look like they're coming out of the character's elbow area. Where can I buy those rods and how would I use/attach them?
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Answer: Any time I add the ventriloquist arm control rod such as you describe, I just use a common dowel rod. I've fastened it along the arm (elbow to wrist) with tape, but I prefer to run it through the arm (from elbow to wrist) actually fastening the rod to the hand by drilling a hole into the end of the hand and then gluing the end of the rod into the hole.

I don't know how you are enjoying your Labor Day Holiday, but I thought it an appropriate day to post this vintage Ventoon by Dave Miller. The ventriloquist character in the picture is "Friendly Freddy", a character created by Dave to be featured in dozens of illustrations created for Maher Studios over a period of many years. One of my favorites! Copyright 1977.