Every show, it seems like Dangerous finds a "dead guy". The bit has been in my show since I started and the audience laughs - especially the Dead Guy! So for the second time in two months, I was shocked when someone approached me about how I insulted this member of my audience.
It wasn't from the "Dead Guy". I play with people who are having a good time. If they aren't laughing, I'm leaving them alone. The complaint was from someone who "felt bad for him". WHAT?
I asked the woman, did you see how hard the gentleman was laughing? Her reply, "No, I didn't look at him because I felt sorry for him." I wanted to scream, "Its a puppet for God's Sake - a comedy show." But I probed further. She had come in late. She had no idea of the set up, all she heard was the puppet referring to someone in the audience as a dead guy.
I told the woman she should have taken a look at the gentleman to see his reaction. She should have wondered why everyone else was so callous as to laugh at someone who she felt I was degrading. I explained the set up - and she said, "Oh, I can see how that would be funny."
In both complaints, the person who discussed the issue had not seen the set up. So I quickly wrote a finish that addresses the situation. Why is it, that people feel they have to be offended by things that are not directed their way? Why do they feel they need to "protect" and stand up for others who are, especially in this case, able to stand up for themselves? Our country has become overly sensitive.
Other than that - it was an good night in Lebanon. I appreciated everyone who came back to the show. Some had watched me 5 to 6 times this week. I thank them for being there!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
I Love My Job!
Another killer night. Three shows, three great audience and loads of laughs! I love this fair and thank everyone who has been returning to the shows again and again!
Adapting
When I was at the VentHaven Convention this year, I learned the importance of a stage monitor. It allows you to accurately hear what the audience does. I've worked with them on occasion, but never really felt the need for one. Until Tuesday night.
With the band so loud, I couldn't hear a music track. No doubt the audience could, the speakers were pointed their direction, but with my hearing problems and the other sounds - I was lost. The audience didn't know, the client didn't know, but I did. I am always my own worst critic. It helps me strive to improve.
So Wednesday morning I went to the local music store and purchased a powered stage monitor. I could have purchased one on line and gotten it by Thursday. While that would have saved a couple of dollars, it would have meant another evening with possibility of a repeat. I could solve the problem instantly - so I did.
Last night included three fun shows with great audiences that overflowed the tent. The monitor helped me overcome not only the band, but the truck pulls that were bellowing diesel exhaust in our direction.
Being on the road means encountering all types of problems. The key to being professional is overcoming them. I'm getting pretty good at adapting...
With the band so loud, I couldn't hear a music track. No doubt the audience could, the speakers were pointed their direction, but with my hearing problems and the other sounds - I was lost. The audience didn't know, the client didn't know, but I did. I am always my own worst critic. It helps me strive to improve.
So Wednesday morning I went to the local music store and purchased a powered stage monitor. I could have purchased one on line and gotten it by Thursday. While that would have saved a couple of dollars, it would have meant another evening with possibility of a repeat. I could solve the problem instantly - so I did.
Last night included three fun shows with great audiences that overflowed the tent. The monitor helped me overcome not only the band, but the truck pulls that were bellowing diesel exhaust in our direction.
Being on the road means encountering all types of problems. The key to being professional is overcoming them. I'm getting pretty good at adapting...
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Another Fun Night
I am really enjoying this fair. The crowds are very hip and so much fun to entertain. Tonight's band was a bit on the loud side, and behind my tent were the tractor pulls. Dangerous thought we had a backup band and that I had eaten Chili for lunch.
Different Audiences
Monday night at the fair was another experience in how audiences differ. My first show fell flat. The audience didn't respond, they just sat and watched. When I started my Human Puppet routine, the first adult selected, refused to help. This created a cascade effect. The "If he didn't want to do it, I'm not going to do it" mentality. I managed to save the moment, it wasn't the first time I've experienced this.
After the show, the audience got up and drifted off to other events. Was it a bad show? They stayed to the end. I'm certain they enjoyed the program. They just didn't respond.
My second and third shows were a night and day difference from the first. The audiences got into the show. Laughs flowed and the crowd packed the tent with standing room only outside. Some of the people from my first show were at these shows too. They must have liked it to come back. And this time they were laughing along with everyone else. After these shows, people stayed to talk.
It was a different moment, a different mindset, a different "audience". A few days ago I blogged about unrewarding shows - the last two shows of Monday night were the ones you love to have.
After the show, the audience got up and drifted off to other events. Was it a bad show? They stayed to the end. I'm certain they enjoyed the program. They just didn't respond.
My second and third shows were a night and day difference from the first. The audiences got into the show. Laughs flowed and the crowd packed the tent with standing room only outside. Some of the people from my first show were at these shows too. They must have liked it to come back. And this time they were laughing along with everyone else. After these shows, people stayed to talk.
It was a different moment, a different mindset, a different "audience". A few days ago I blogged about unrewarding shows - the last two shows of Monday night were the ones you love to have.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Vocal Expression
Youtube is a virtual learning experience for ventriloquists. At one time, you were limited to the big names when they appeared on TV. Now, you can see everyone, good and bad, with the click of a mouse button.
There are a lot of talented ventriloquists on Youtube. There are even more bad ones. We all have to start somewhere. My own journey is still progressing, but unfortunately some have ceased to "learn".
Earlier today, I came across a video by a "name" ventriloquist. To be fair, I have never seen this act live, nor met the performer. This is the first video I have witnessed the "name" doing any ventriloquism. I was extremely disappointed. The material was delivered in a monotone, including the jokes. The act was working so hard at not moving their lips, that the material came out as a drone.
Vocal expression does not mean facial expression. Our voices change as we speak, when we are excited, when we are angry or when we are sad. Slight changes in pitch, tempo or cadence, make all the difference in the world. Add to that skillful manipulation and you instantly provide an inanimate object with emotion. A skilled ventriloquist can create these emotions while expressing their own opposite emotions through their face at the same time. It creates separation and gives the character that spark Of life which was just implanted in many at the last VentHaven convention.
I'm hoping it was just a bad performance, but since it was released by the act, I have a feeling it wasn't. In all fairness, ventriloquism is only a small part of their performance. Maybe they feel it is good enough since they display technical skill for the lips. IMHO - It isn't.
There are a lot of talented ventriloquists on Youtube. There are even more bad ones. We all have to start somewhere. My own journey is still progressing, but unfortunately some have ceased to "learn".
Earlier today, I came across a video by a "name" ventriloquist. To be fair, I have never seen this act live, nor met the performer. This is the first video I have witnessed the "name" doing any ventriloquism. I was extremely disappointed. The material was delivered in a monotone, including the jokes. The act was working so hard at not moving their lips, that the material came out as a drone.
Vocal expression does not mean facial expression. Our voices change as we speak, when we are excited, when we are angry or when we are sad. Slight changes in pitch, tempo or cadence, make all the difference in the world. Add to that skillful manipulation and you instantly provide an inanimate object with emotion. A skilled ventriloquist can create these emotions while expressing their own opposite emotions through their face at the same time. It creates separation and gives the character that spark Of life which was just implanted in many at the last VentHaven convention.
I'm hoping it was just a bad performance, but since it was released by the act, I have a feeling it wasn't. In all fairness, ventriloquism is only a small part of their performance. Maybe they feel it is good enough since they display technical skill for the lips. IMHO - It isn't.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
You Could Be Getting Up At 5:30...
Today was the first day of my Lebanon Fair run. I arrived early to set and as I looked around, I felt like my 12:30 show would be awfully empty. I couldn't have been more wrong. The tent was packed, the crowd responsive and the show felt like it should.
As I finished, I looked at the sky behind my audience. It was quickly growing dark. A few minutes after I finished an announcement came on requesting everyone head to the buildings. I tore down my show, sound and backdrop, tossing them into the car, then headed for safety.
The storm was rather intense, but we didn't get the full force of it. Further South, power lines and trees were reported down. Once things slowed, I returned to the show tent and set my show up again for the 2:30 performance. Just as I finished setting, another announcement and another storm. I ended up setting up 3 times today, but only got in two performances.
Tomorrow I was asked to come in early to perform a short show for preschoolers as they eat lunch. I explained that it is tough to eat and laugh at the same time, but the pre-school wants it that way and I was requested to accommodate them, so I will. I mentioned it to my wife who told me point blank the title of this post. I doubt I'll be awake when she leaves for her corporate job tomorrow. I am pretty lucky.
As I finished, I looked at the sky behind my audience. It was quickly growing dark. A few minutes after I finished an announcement came on requesting everyone head to the buildings. I tore down my show, sound and backdrop, tossing them into the car, then headed for safety.
The storm was rather intense, but we didn't get the full force of it. Further South, power lines and trees were reported down. Once things slowed, I returned to the show tent and set my show up again for the 2:30 performance. Just as I finished setting, another announcement and another storm. I ended up setting up 3 times today, but only got in two performances.
Tomorrow I was asked to come in early to perform a short show for preschoolers as they eat lunch. I explained that it is tough to eat and laugh at the same time, but the pre-school wants it that way and I was requested to accommodate them, so I will. I mentioned it to my wife who told me point blank the title of this post. I doubt I'll be awake when she leaves for her corporate job tomorrow. I am pretty lucky.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Heat Index
Today was humid hot. I was drenched in sweat as soon as I climbed out of my car at the fairgrounds. The sun was hidden by clouds and I was extremely glad, because when it did peak out, people disappeared.
My shows today went well dispite the heat. The long afternoon was tiring. My first show starts at 11:30 AM. My second, at 4:30 PM. A huge gap. After that things speed up, but the delay is tough.
Tomorrow they are calling for 102 degrees with a heat index of 115! I hope "they" are wrong!
My shows today went well dispite the heat. The long afternoon was tiring. My first show starts at 11:30 AM. My second, at 4:30 PM. A huge gap. After that things speed up, but the delay is tough.
Tomorrow they are calling for 102 degrees with a heat index of 115! I hope "they" are wrong!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
A Better Day
The humidity wasn't as bad today and the audiences were actually "there". The fair management asked me to skip my 11:30 show in favor of an act at their "Senior Appreciation Event". Since several day camps were in, I opted to throw in an extra, so I did my 11:30 to a large crowd, then rolled sound and trunk to the food tent for the "event".
Before you think I've gone soft, I did this for a great reason. It is supposed to be ungodly humid the next few days. Since my audiences are in the sun, that means a quiet crowd. Never fails - and if you don't believe me, do a show in the heat and see. SO - by having the extra show in, I can reduce the time of my regular sets in the event the audience is baking. The fair still gets their shows and time, and I save the audiences and myself some aggravation.
Thankfully, with the slightly cooler weather, the audiences got into the shows today. The laughter and applause were present and it made the performances more rewarding. Performers need feedback!
Before you think I've gone soft, I did this for a great reason. It is supposed to be ungodly humid the next few days. Since my audiences are in the sun, that means a quiet crowd. Never fails - and if you don't believe me, do a show in the heat and see. SO - by having the extra show in, I can reduce the time of my regular sets in the event the audience is baking. The fair still gets their shows and time, and I save the audiences and myself some aggravation.
Thankfully, with the slightly cooler weather, the audiences got into the shows today. The laughter and applause were present and it made the performances more rewarding. Performers need feedback!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
I'm Back
Been extremely busy since my last post. I attended VentHaven, the International Ventriloquist Convention in Ft. Mitchell, KY. last week. Mark Wade, the convention director, asked me to open the Wednesday night show. I was also requested to work with Mark Truman and Sue Johnson to form the new sound crew for the event. The entire convention, I ran around like a mad man trying to make certain everything went smoothly. It was fun and extremely exhausting.
Two days off, and now I am working again. This week at a small fair in central NJ. The temp today was in the mid-90's with high humidity. I'm doing daytime shows and audiences are in the sun. They hung with me, but they were very quiet due to the heat. Sad thing is, today was supposed to be the coolest day of the run.
These type shows are seldom rewarding. Still, I do my best to entertain and am grateful for the check at the end of the week. A young girl came to talk with me later in the day. Her mother said she really enjoyed my show and it was all she had been talking about. At least one person had a good time, so it made the day a bit easier to deal with. Now to grab some sleep!
Two days off, and now I am working again. This week at a small fair in central NJ. The temp today was in the mid-90's with high humidity. I'm doing daytime shows and audiences are in the sun. They hung with me, but they were very quiet due to the heat. Sad thing is, today was supposed to be the coolest day of the run.
These type shows are seldom rewarding. Still, I do my best to entertain and am grateful for the check at the end of the week. A young girl came to talk with me later in the day. Her mother said she really enjoyed my show and it was all she had been talking about. At least one person had a good time, so it made the day a bit easier to deal with. Now to grab some sleep!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Unrewarding
Tonight the audiences were small and very quiet. The first show was definitely the strongest, but beyond that, the laughs didn't roll as usual. Could be that it was a gorgeous day and people had been at the beach, so they were tired. At least, that is what I'd like to think.
When people don't respond, it is hard to reach deeper to try and entertain them. They weren't leaving, so I figure they must be enjoying the show. Still, the experience could have been much stronger for all of us if they would have left the laughs loose.
It was a depressing way to end this run.
When people don't respond, it is hard to reach deeper to try and entertain them. They weren't leaving, so I figure they must be enjoying the show. Still, the experience could have been much stronger for all of us if they would have left the laughs loose.
It was a depressing way to end this run.
Saturday on 25th Street
It poured rain Saturday afternoon, but most of the threat had passed by check in time for Beach Street. I was placed on 25th last night and had some decent sized audiences. The evening flew by. Before I knew it, I had started my last show.
Only one more night here in Virginia Beach during this run. Then a quick stop at home Monday to do laundry, grab a haircut and let the surgeon check how my lasik is healing. I hit the road again first thing Tuesday for Kentucky. Looking forward to VentHaven!
Only one more night here in Virginia Beach during this run. Then a quick stop at home Monday to do laundry, grab a haircut and let the surgeon check how my lasik is healing. I hit the road again first thing Tuesday for Kentucky. Looking forward to VentHaven!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Praise The Lord Sinner - and other stuff
Sandbridge was fun. A very small audience of about 50 people, but they were all there to have a good time. The laughs flowed. I even got back to Virginia Beach in time to see Dallas and Hilby perform on Beach Street.
Tonight the "preachers" were out. At various times, the overly godly descend on Virginia Beach to spout their gospel and insult the sinners. They literally look for confrontation. So unlike the God I learned about as I was growing up. I was blessed to have some on the corner opposite my street tonight. The shows suffered since the disruption across the street kept yanking attention from the performance.
Apparently they use religion as a shield and the city can do nothing about them being there. They were able to issue tickets though - not sure for what, but I was so glad when the police returned a second time to write them up. Finally the "preachers" must have realized without a collection it wasn't worth it. After they left, my last show was the best set of the night!
Tonight the "preachers" were out. At various times, the overly godly descend on Virginia Beach to spout their gospel and insult the sinners. They literally look for confrontation. So unlike the God I learned about as I was growing up. I was blessed to have some on the corner opposite my street tonight. The shows suffered since the disruption across the street kept yanking attention from the performance.
Apparently they use religion as a shield and the city can do nothing about them being there. They were able to issue tickets though - not sure for what, but I was so glad when the police returned a second time to write them up. Finally the "preachers" must have realized without a collection it wasn't worth it. After they left, my last show was the best set of the night!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Beach Shows Update
My wife and son came to visit for a few days. They had a vacation while I worked. It was great to spend some time with them. We went parasailing on Tuesday morning. What a great experience. All three of us went up together. The ride is so smooth from take off to landing. At 1200 feet, you can see a lot. We even took the ocean dip. As we approached, I suddenly changed my mind - but that did no good. It was cold, refreshing and there were plenty of laughs.
The heat has returned to the beach. Monday night I worked 20th street with Peter Irish. My first show rocked, the second was kind of rough. It never ceases to amaze me how one audience will laugh at every joke, and another will just stare at you.
Tuesday and Wednesday I was back on 18th. The shows there were also hit and miss. Luckily there were more hits than misses. I've finally decided to start working the newer characters into the act. Its been hard to do that since I worry about losing the crowd. I think I'll start using them in my warm ups.
Tonight I am 30 minutes down the road at Sandbridge Beach. Only one show. I welcome that chance to rest my voice!
The heat has returned to the beach. Monday night I worked 20th street with Peter Irish. My first show rocked, the second was kind of rough. It never ceases to amaze me how one audience will laugh at every joke, and another will just stare at you.
Tuesday and Wednesday I was back on 18th. The shows there were also hit and miss. Luckily there were more hits than misses. I've finally decided to start working the newer characters into the act. Its been hard to do that since I worry about losing the crowd. I think I'll start using them in my warm ups.
Tonight I am 30 minutes down the road at Sandbridge Beach. Only one show. I welcome that chance to rest my voice!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
July 4th Indoors
I had a late night/early morning thanks to kids running wild through the halls of the hotel. When I finally started moving again, I took a short walk to the grocery store to grab some food for the next few days. That little journey made me realize it is insane out there - so I'm staying indoors today.
Guess I'll leave the hotel a bit earlier than usual tonight so I can get to the check-in point on time. Traffic is crazy - hoping the people aren't!
Guess I'll leave the hotel a bit earlier than usual tonight so I can get to the check-in point on time. Traffic is crazy - hoping the people aren't!
We saw you last year!
It was an incredible night on Beach Street USA! I was on 25th Street tonight. The city is packed for the Fourth of July weekend. The crowds were huge and the shows rocked. I met a lot of folks after my shows that had watched me last year and came back to enjoy the show again. I also sold a lot of my DVD's, which you can purchase by clicking the link!
Three killer shows, lots of laughs, and closed down early because the crowds were so large they were spilling out into the street. I love my job!
Three killer shows, lots of laughs, and closed down early because the crowds were so large they were spilling out into the street. I love my job!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
What A Difference AN Hour Makes
Every audience is different. Last night was a great example of that. My first show received a good reaction. The second show had huge laughs. Everything my characters said brought waves of laughter. The crowd was huge for 18th Street.
My third show had a very quiet audience. The same jokes that brought big laughs an hour earlier, were only met with grins. I varied delivery of lines, tone of voice, and added adlib moments, trying to bring the crowd to life. The reactions were disappointing when compared to the second audience. By the end of the show, I was exhausted. I had to keep reminding myself - if they weren't having fun, they could have left. But it was rough.
On 4th of July weekend, the crowd in Virginia Beach changes. The town becomes packed. The city added on 50 extra officers for Friday, and will have an additional 100 for Saturday and Sunday. As the hour grew later, the crowd changed from families to older teens and people who had started celebrating early.
I was told at 10:25, that trying to get in my last short show probably wasn't worth it. The crowd on 18th had changed enough that I was told I should pack up and get out of there. So I did. The final show weighing on me because it was so non-responsive. Hopefully tonight will be better.
My third show had a very quiet audience. The same jokes that brought big laughs an hour earlier, were only met with grins. I varied delivery of lines, tone of voice, and added adlib moments, trying to bring the crowd to life. The reactions were disappointing when compared to the second audience. By the end of the show, I was exhausted. I had to keep reminding myself - if they weren't having fun, they could have left. But it was rough.
On 4th of July weekend, the crowd in Virginia Beach changes. The town becomes packed. The city added on 50 extra officers for Friday, and will have an additional 100 for Saturday and Sunday. As the hour grew later, the crowd changed from families to older teens and people who had started celebrating early.
I was told at 10:25, that trying to get in my last short show probably wasn't worth it. The crowd on 18th had changed enough that I was told I should pack up and get out of there. So I did. The final show weighing on me because it was so non-responsive. Hopefully tonight will be better.
Friday, July 2, 2010
WWW
What Wonderful Weather! Last time I was at the beach, the heat and humidity made for some tough evenings. This week, the weather is perfect. In the mid-80's, down to the upper 60's at night. It's beautiful. If I could get this weather year round I'd be a happy camper.
Last night was a lot of fun. The evening drags until the shows start - then the next thing you know - its time to stop. Another after show get together with Beach Street acts ended a bit earlier than the night before. For me anyway. Its good to be back!
Last night was a lot of fun. The evening drags until the shows start - then the next thing you know - its time to stop. Another after show get together with Beach Street acts ended a bit earlier than the night before. For me anyway. Its good to be back!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Beach - Take 2
Arrived in Virginia Beach yesterday. Had the evening off, so I got the chance to watch some of the other acts. After hours, a few of us went for snacks and drinks at one of the local bars. When shows are fun and friends can spend time together, it makes a performer's life unbeatable! I'm looking forward to working tonight.
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