A look through the sports section of the
CFL collection uncovered this lost gem, George Schindler's
Ventriloquism, a guide many
practitioners still hold high regard for despite an original publishing date of 1979. My initial interest in the book originated from the odd depiction of ventriloquist and dummies on the cover, an image surely meant to relate humor, further exploration of the book's content
relates a thorough and fascinating understanding of how one can become a ventriloquist for fun and profit (if such a market still exists).
The author begins the book with an explanation of what ventriloquism is, making others believe your voice is
emanating from somewhere other than yourself, and how one can begin to develop the skill of throwing your voice. A concise but informative history of the art of ventriloquism relates origins in Egypt with the use of puppets beginning in the 1800s in Europe. Our current understanding of ventriloquism was popularized by the Vaudeville circuit in America, children's show star Charlie McCarthy, and various comedy routines with ventriloquists speaking through puppets.
The
majority of
Ventriloquism details sound techniques, exercises, and methods for learning to throw your voice. The detail and coaching given by the author is detailed enough for anyone who may need extra help or varying approaches. The extensive substitute sounds section for working with a closed mouth is especially helpful as is the secrets of the trade section. Another chapter explains what to look for when choosing a puppet, how to work a puppet, and alternatives to traditional dummies. The photos and illustrated steps found throughout the book also
lend a level of understanding and context needed for those learning the art of ventriloquism.
The last third of the book deals with scripting, booking a show, and writing comedy material for a performance. There are even some scripts ready to perform.
I have to wonder if there is an audience for ventriloquist acts in a time when puppetry in film and television is replaced by computer graphics and comedy has changed so much, but the artistry of watching a person speak through a puppet is still something entertaining to me when done well. Every few years kids pick up on an old trend and make it new again (the yo-yo, origami, scooters,
et cetera). Perhaps ventriloquism will undergo a revival with small children obtaining their own portable dummies for neighborhood talent shows? One can only hope!
Websites of Interest:Center for Puppetry ArtsAtlanta's amazing home for both adult and youngster puppetry shows
Ventriloquism In A MonthAn exhaustive ventriloquism how to
Ventriloquist CentralAn excellent tribute with lots of great photos
Books of Interest in the CFL Collection:Voice and Speech In The Theatre784.95 TURNER
J. Clifford Turner
The Human Voice: How This Extraordinary Instrument Reveals Essential Clues About Who We Are
Anne
Karpf808.5
KARPF
I love Jim Henson Company films and television shows such as Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal and Farscape for both their wonderful stories and their amazing puppetry. Couple my love of these films with a childhood spent watching The Muppets and you have a puppetry fan lucky to live in Atlanta where we have The Center for Puppetry Arts, a fantastic resource for puppetry shows spanning varying audiences, both in age and interest, and a standing collection of puppets often augmented with touring exhibitions and classes.
