Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 19:49:35 -0500 (CDT)
From: Martha Radginski <mradgins-AT-mail.win.org>
Subject: Re: untrue ventriloquism?


Our performances are a mixture of puppets on stage and "puppet 
storytelling" in front of the stage.  This works very well with all 
audiences (especially very young ones) because it adds variety and allows 
us to interact with the audience.  We also include a participation story 
at the end and have children help tell a story using puppets.  Parents 
and children love it.  No one is upset because our mouths move...they are 
caught up with the story and puppets.

Martha Radginski
mradgins-AT-mail.win.org


On Tue, 30 Jul 1996, Joe Dunfee wrote:

> >IS IT COMMON TO SEE SOMEONE PERFORMING A VENTRILOQUIST ACT, BUT THEY'RE 
> >NOT USING VENTRILOQUISM?  Basically, you can see them moving their mouths 
> >and they can turn your attention to the puppet, but is it common 
> >to see in today's performances.
> >
> >John
> >
> >  --- Personal replies to: The Magician <jfong-AT-wwfactory.com>
> 
>   Yes, I have seen it done alot, although they usually don't bill themselves
> as a ventrilouist.  I have seen a number of puppeteers, who normally perform
> behind a stage, have one segment of their program where they come out front
> with the puppet. Being behind a puppet stage makes it harder to really get
> in touch with your audience. So this allows them a chance to get closer to them.
>   Also, as you have discovered, it doesn't seem to make that much of a
> difference that they see the performers mouth moving. If the puppet is well
> made ..has a good character... and is well manipulated,  they are perceived
> as a living creature apart from the performer. They have the "illusion of
> life."  Of course, for adults, this is a "suspension of disbelief" although
> for younger children it is almost reality. (I know they can see the
> puppeteer manipulating the puppet and talking - but for some reason they
> still suspect the puppet is a living creature.)
>   The more I think about it - the list I gave above (well made, well
> manipulated...) doesn't have to be complete. A well made puppet can have an
> illusion of being real, even if the performer is so-so. Likewise a great
> manipulator or character portrayal can make a poorly made sock puppet seem
> to be alive. If all the elements are great, the "illusion of life" is very
> powerful.
> 
> Joe Dunfee
> Miami, Florida USA
> 
> 
> 
>   --- Personal replies to: jdunfee-AT-shadow.net (Joe Dunfee)
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> 


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