Ever since I was a child, I had a passion for making people laugh. At family gatherings, I entertained everyone with my impressions of my in-laws, and their joyful laughter brought me immense happiness. Growing up, I drew inspiration from impressionist Rich Little and comedian Foster Brooks, often watching their performances on the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts and the comedy show Laugh In with Rowan & Martin. It was during one episode of Laugh In in 1972, when my mother and I watched special guest stars Willie Tyler & Lester, that I discovered my fascination for ventriloquism. Instantly captivated, I asked my mother for a Lester doll for Christmas.
Excitedly, I received the Lester doll on Christmas morning. I eagerly examined the doll, finding a string behind its head that opened and closed its mouth. However, I was perplexed when no sound came out. I assumed there would be a built-in voice box, but my mother explained that I had to "throw my voice." Although she attempted to teach me the technique, I struggled to grasp it.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, while pursuing stand-up comedy and playing the drums professionally, I dabbled in ventriloquism once again. My partner at the time had an old hound dog puppet named Buford, which I used for my performances. I dedicated myself to practicing, refining Buford's Southern accent. Ultimately, life circumstances prevented me from fully pursuing ventriloquism since it was not financially sustainable.
Fast forward to 2019, when I stumbled upon an interview with ventriloquist and actress Nina Conti, conducted by puppet creator and entrepreneur Steve Axtell at the 2009 Venthaven Convention. Watching that interview reignited the passion I had felt as a seven-year-old, witnessing the magic of Willie Tyler & Lester on Laugh In. Determined to give it another shot, I visited Steve's website and purchased my first puppet, whom I named Vern (later renamed Shoo the Chicken Hawk). Since then, I have expanded my puppet collection with seven more additions from Steve Axtell, and there's been no turning back.
My current plans revolve around honing my ventriloquism skills and continuing to practice this captivating art form. Each week, I create videos and write my own material. To test out new material, I perform at local open mics and book gigs. Drawing from my previous experience as a professional stand-up comic and improvisational performer, I find it beneficial in my ventriloquism journey. Above all, there remains a deep desire in my heart to bring laughter to people's lives, just as I did as a child and young adult.
Síle
Excitedly, I received the Lester doll on Christmas morning. I eagerly examined the doll, finding a string behind its head that opened and closed its mouth. However, I was perplexed when no sound came out. I assumed there would be a built-in voice box, but my mother explained that I had to "throw my voice." Although she attempted to teach me the technique, I struggled to grasp it.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, while pursuing stand-up comedy and playing the drums professionally, I dabbled in ventriloquism once again. My partner at the time had an old hound dog puppet named Buford, which I used for my performances. I dedicated myself to practicing, refining Buford's Southern accent. Ultimately, life circumstances prevented me from fully pursuing ventriloquism since it was not financially sustainable.
Fast forward to 2019, when I stumbled upon an interview with ventriloquist and actress Nina Conti, conducted by puppet creator and entrepreneur Steve Axtell at the 2009 Venthaven Convention. Watching that interview reignited the passion I had felt as a seven-year-old, witnessing the magic of Willie Tyler & Lester on Laugh In. Determined to give it another shot, I visited Steve's website and purchased my first puppet, whom I named Vern (later renamed Shoo the Chicken Hawk). Since then, I have expanded my puppet collection with seven more additions from Steve Axtell, and there's been no turning back.
My current plans revolve around honing my ventriloquism skills and continuing to practice this captivating art form. Each week, I create videos and write my own material. To test out new material, I perform at local open mics and book gigs. Drawing from my previous experience as a professional stand-up comic and improvisational performer, I find it beneficial in my ventriloquism journey. Above all, there remains a deep desire in my heart to bring laughter to people's lives, just as I did as a child and young adult.
Síle