This early work is a fascinating read for entertainment enthusiasts. Thoroughly recommended for the bookshelf of the amateur or professional ventriloquist it contains a wealth of information that is still useful and practical today. Contents Include: So You Want To Be a Ventriloquist, From Witchcraft to Music Halls, The Voice-The Beginning of Ventriloquism, How To Build a Dummy-Part 1, How To Build a Dummy-Part 2, Mechanism for Realism-Part 1, Moving Mouth, Mechanism for Realism-Part 2, Moving Eyes, Painting the Dummy and Building the Body, Synchronization and Manipulation, Additional Manipulation, Character, Costume and Conversation, Routines and Sketches, Just for Fun, For Profit, and A Few Conclusions. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

The art of "bellyspeaking" isn't for dummies The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Ventriloquism teaches everyone to speak from their bellies, create and substitute sounds, use all the registers of their voice, and create diversions to attract the listener's ear—whether they invest in a fancy puppet or create their own figure out of a sweat sock. • Includes tips for making, manipulating, and talking with their dummy and for it—both at the same time • Advice for getting an act together and taking it on the road-getting gigs, getting paid, and how to improve performances • How to write dialogue and jokes and rehearsal techniques

This book is all about ventriloquism, how to do it, the techniques of voice manipulation, and creating the illusion of throwing your voice. I have included a bit of history of the art form and its earliest practitioners. There is a personal section, a chapter of my beginnings and first attempts at building puppets. Also, there is anecdotal material covering my more-than-fifty years as a performing artist. There is a complete section detailing puppet construction, and it offers a wood-carving course, with complete details showing the process of dummy building. Included are useful tips on performance, script writing, puppet manipulation, and stagecraft.

I'm No Dummy Everyday: 365 Days of Ventriloquial Oddities, Curiosities, and Fun Facts is a continuation of the hit comedy documentary I'm No Dummy and I'm No Dummy 2 directed by Bryan W. Simon. With the help of Vent Haven Museum, the only museum in the world dedicated to art of ventriloquism, this book brings to life remarkable facts, legends, lore and stories. You'll learn what two ventriloquists have streets named after them, what puppet was sued for divorce, the puppet that ran for Governor of Kentucky, the puppet that testified before Congress, and the famous actress that was banned from radio because of what she said to a puppet. An engaging, entertaining and enlightening look into this amazing art form.