1. What is one thing that every ventriloquist should do?

Speak clearly and be heard. Sound is important to both the ventriloquist and the figure.

2. What is it that every ventriloquist should avoid?

Lip movement while ventilating.

I recommend:

1). Practice practice practice! Especially practice words with the sounds B, M, P. Ask someone to record your performance. If you see your lips move, so will the others.

2.) Maintain a natural look to your face while airing out. Experiment with different expressions on your face (remember to avoid lip movement) reacting to what your figure is telling you, eg shock, pity, disgust, etc.

3. Is Ventriloquism something that is here to stay?

Yeah! I think so. I will do my part to keep him alive.

4. Can someone successfully work as a ventriloquist if they are in a crowded niche?

Yeah! Be who you are, be original and be creative. There is no one like you.

5. What has Ventriloquism done for you?

When I hear someone venting, I think of someone speaking their mind, expressing their opinions, or sharing their feelings with other people. That’s what ventriloquism has done for me. Through ventriloquism, I can share my laughter, my faith, my humor, my singing ability, and my creativity with others.

Ventriloquism has taken me abroad to help entertain our military troops; it feels good to be able to entertain our troops, see them laugh and smile because they give so much every day. Ventilation has helped me make many friends around the world. It has also brought my best friend, my wife (Roenia) closer. She is my secretary, pianist, musical coordinator, my travel companion and my best friend.

6. What trends do you currently see in ventriloquism?

Ventriloquists are “HOT!” You see them in movies (well, movies don’t stay in theaters very long… so what!), commercials, talent shows, sitcoms, etc. I think you’re going to see a lot of singing ventriloquists and their figures. Maybe, in the future, you’ll see Ryan Seacrest hosting “American Idol Lips,” just for ventriloquists.

7. When did you first become interested in ventriloquism?

When I was in fifth grade, my best friend said that he was going to get a pacifier for Christmas. He had never thought about dolls or ventriloquists until that moment. All he knew was that if my best friend Jimmy wanted a pacifier, I wanted one too. I received a Danny-O-Day figurine with Jimmy Nelson Instant Ventriloquist LP album.

December 25, 1969 was the beginning of a great adventure. It’s funny how things work; My best friend didn’t get a pacifier for Christmas, but I’m glad he wanted one!

angela scott

© September 30, 2007