In this research paper, I will discuss the topic of ventriloquism. I chose this topic because a couple weeks ago while babysitting, I took the girl I babysit to Balboa Park where we watched a ventriloquist perform. This captivated my attention and intrigued me to research about this unique form of theatre. In this paper, I will outline the various parts that make ventriloquism such a unique and interesting performing art. As well, I will present the history about ventriloquism, some important figures in the ventriloquist world, and important ventriloquist performances.
Ventriloquism is a form of entertainment where the main character, a ventriloquist, plays two voice roles – for him and for his puppet. …show more content…
These “unique” techniques vary from the training of talking from the gut, avoiding lip movement, and learning how to switch letters in which the lips are required. The act of not showing the audience that you mouth is moving is a very challenging task, and ventriloquists require hours of training to master this. Axtell Expressions, a company that trains future ventriloquists, offers an online guide to ventriloquist speaking. In this guide, they highlight the many differences that the words and letters have when speaking like a ventriloquist. For instance, all the letters that need the lips for its sound (M, P, F, V, B, W) must be altered with other letters to attain the required sound4. Other techniques required to be a ventriloquist are similar to those used in other forms of theatre, such as stage presence, voice control, and involvement with the audience. Involvement with the audience in ventriloquism is key. Ventriloquism develops with the audience as no script is preset. Unlike other forms of theatre, ventriloquism requires an ability to interact with the audience to make the performance believable. All the techniques mentioned before are required solely for one purpose. Is the ventriloquist able to persuade the audience that the dummy has a life of its