March 2013 Newsletter

Here's another edition of the Ventriloquist Central Newsletter.

As a reminder, we're busy getting things ready for the Ventriloquist Central Birthday Bash 2013 in October. Even though that may seem like a long time from now, believe me it will be here before you know it so make your plans now.

With our performers Al Getler, Dave Daneen (aka Mr. Dead Guy) and Ray Guyll, for our Saturday night show along with great presentations by Bob Abdou, Mike Robertson, Ray and my partner Steve, it’s going to be a wonderful time for all. PLUS, we have a few surprises planned so you really want to be there.

We’ve added more information about the Birthday Bash so be sure to check out it: Click here for more about the Ventriloquist Central Birthday Bash 2103.

 

Enjoy the rest of the newsletter.

Ventriloquist Central Presents...

A Frank Marshall Tribute DVD

Moving the mouth of a ventriloquist figure may be the most important aspect of ventriloquist except for the ventriloquist not moving his or her own lips. The ventriloquist figure doesn’t need anything else to be a real boy or girl in the audiences mind if it has the capability of speaking....  

My good friend Colin Williams from “down under” is very good friends with Ron Blaskett and I am going to help with locating the female figure that Ron sold quite some time ago. Read this story and then if you have any info please let me know....

Much has been discussed about finding the character for your figure before purchasing same. In other word you really should know the character first and then find a figure to fit. This will help with buying and then not being able to use your figure which happens more than you would know. Also ventriloquist figures will vary in their construction such a facial features, movements, they way the face has been painted, size of the body and it will be up to you as the ventriloquist to know all the capabilities the figure has and how to use them.....

Ventriloquist figure builder James Manalli is carving basswood ventriloquist figures and is in fact taking orders. His very first figure he decided he wanted to become part of the Ventriloquist Central Collection. He sent me an email to let us know he now has a website. Here’s his email...

Hi everyone, Steve here. I ran across this video and thought it was something perfect to share with everyone (thanks to Bob Conrad for bringing it to my attention on Facebook). The subject of this video is about giving your services away for free. This is something I’ve been preaching for years. Even though this guy is talking to artists in his video, this applies to anyone who is in any kind of business, especially those of you in the “entertainment business” reading this blog, ventriloquists, magicians or any other performers....

As strange as it may seem I keep getting asked why I dress my figures in the two tone suits. I must admit that kind of became an obsession with me. I scour the used clothing stores and go on line looking for those suits all the time. I think the answer is because of my love for the Frank Marshall figures and Paul Winchell. My first recollection of ventriloquist figures is Jerry Mahoney and of course he was dressed in the 2 tone suit....

February Archives

Missed one of the monthly Ventriloquist Central Newsletters? 

Here are the Archives!

“The ULTIMATE Guide To Building Your Own
Ventriloquist Figure, Volume 1”

 “The ULTIMATE Guide To Building Your Own Ventriloquist Figure, Volume 1” is a step-by-step system from start to finish, so you can create your very own ventriloquist figure.  Now you can become a ventriloquist figure builder. This guide will answers all your questions, show you all the short-cuts, and give you a quick and easy paint-by-the-numbers way to making your own ventriloquist figure-- even if you don’t think you can do it.

“The ULTIMATE Guide To Building Your Own Ventriloquist Figure, Volume 1”

Ventriloquist Gary Willner and Rap’n Moskowitz

Click here to see this clip

The Ventriloquist Marketplace

"Our Ventriloquist Marketplace works and works consistently when items are priced right."

Ventriloquist Marketplace

Not all ventriloquist figures used by famous ventriloquists go to the Vent Haven Museum to take up residence. Some do in fact come to reside in the Ventriloquist Central Collection. One such figure that resides here is Rudy, a wonderful Jack Coats figure, which was used and owned by none other than Mark Wade (a Great Man). This Jack coats figure Mark named Rudy and I think that name really suits him. He is a cute character and actually referring to a blog I previously wrote about looking at the figures face from different angles you can clearly see different expressions....

Ventriloquist Central Videos

VentriloquistCentralVideos.com

Here’s a video of a Brian Hamilton casting. The head casting is a fiberglass cast of a rendition Brian did of the McElroy’s figure Ezry, which was renamed Olie, and Olie is now owned by Jeff Dunham. This head casting is full size and although not exact it sure does have a very close resemblance to the original. Give it some whiskers and it is Ezry.

Here’s a video of a Frank Marshall figure from the mid 1930′s that was restored by Ray Guyll.

Here’s a video showing a Frank Marshall creation that was made back in the early 1930′s for a Ventriloquist named Nate Proval. He went by the name of the Golden Bird. You see his specialty was whistling and since he was also a ventriloquist his figure had to have this feature. This figure stands 40″ tall and has the head stick which goes to the bottom board. His head has 360 degree rotation. You can actually spin his head on his axis.

Here’s a video of a girl ventriloquist figure built by Foy Brown. Foy Brown was not only a figure builder but he was also a performer. His two Revello Petee figures are presently in the Ventriloquist Central Collection but this is the final figure that Foy used for performing. Her name is Suzie and this little cowgirl is about as cute a figure that Foy ever created.

"What Would You Do If Your
Ventriloquist Figure Were
Stolen Or Destroyed?"

Here's The Best Way To Protect Your Investment

For Those Interested In The Art Of Ventriloquism

“The Ventriloquism Historical Information Collection, Volume 1.”

I am always searching to acquire more ventriloquist figures. I have had many people contact me and ask if it is OK to offer me figures instead of listing on them on eBay or the Ventriloquist Marketplace. The answer is YES!! I certainly could not put my collection together without the contact of those of you wishing to sell.

W.S. Berger in the last century did exactly the same. He let everyone know that he had open arms for all their ventriloquist dummies as well as any pictures, papers or novelty items concerning this great art. I would like everyone to know that I too am doing just the same as this great collector of the past has done. So please when you think about getting rid of a figure, contact me and let me know what you have and maybe your figure will become part of the Ventriloquist Central Collection.

I am constantly asked ,” How do you find these incredible figures?” The answer is simple, I search for them everywhere. I ask everyone that I come into contact with if they or anyone in their family was ever into ventriloquism or magic. You see magic is a very close relative in the world of ventriloquism. In actuality as a ventriloquist you are doing an illusion. Making an inanimate figure talk. So asking if a magician has an old ventriloquist figure is not a far fetched idea and it has worked for me many times. It is true that most of the time they are toys because the magician never really got far into the science of the art so never upgraded the figure, but every now and again a great old figure will surface.

I have also kept in touch with many antique dealers over the years and they all know that I am interested in ventriloquist figures if they find one. This is a rather rare occurrence too but it has happened for me more than once. Also once others in the collecting aspect of the ventriloquism field find out that you are interested in ventriloquist figures they will respond to you.

I am most interested in acquiring figures by Frank Marshall but of course all other makers are wanted and will be given a great home and proudly displayed. I try to photograph and give the most complete background of both the figure and the previous owner or owners as I possibly can and once posted it will always be readily available for viewing on this site. Also I do in fact have every figure out and not boxed away. I use every figure and clean them all continually to keep them in perfect working and looking order. You ventriloquial pal will always be cared for here in the Ventriloquist Central Collection.

So PLEASE consider me when you look to part with your figure.

Till next time,
Dan

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