739: Mark Merchant - A Man of Many Voices

Arguably, ventriloquism may be a performing art longer than magic. Both can be traced back to Egyptian and Hebrew archeology. And some might say that some of the “patter” might be just as old! This week Mark Merchant talks about his 40+ year career as a ventriloquist and how it evolved. We are living in a world where audiences are more sensitive than ever before when it comes to humor. It only takes one person’s opinions and comments to dominate and possibly obliterate one’s profession. Social acceptance isn’t what it used to be.

If you are more of a visual person, then you will enjoy this video of our conversation recorded via Zoom.

In this week’s episode, Mark Merchant talks about his career and how he has “walked the tightrope” of controversy with his puppets and the scripting for his culturally and politically diverse vent figures. He shares stories and opinions regarding using humor that potentially offends today’s audiences and how he avoids those traps.

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359: Andrew Goldenhersh - Not A Hare Out Of Place

This podcast with Andrew Goldenhersh was recorded in February 2017 just after he received word about his nomination for "Close-Up Magician of the Year" for the Academy of Magical Arts. Of course, the awards banquet has now come and gone and he did not take home the award. This year it went to Richard Turner.

This podcast has been held back pending the completion of the Las Vegas Chronicles series of podcasts that have been running for the past three months. Andrew has been an influential force in the craft and business of magic, not only as a performer and creator but also as a consultant. He has so much to offer and the advice he offers in this podcast can help you (and me) become a better performer.

Andrew Goldenhersh, award-winning magician from the Magic Castle in Hollywood, performs at Pop Haydn's Shindig in North Hollywood. Aug 18, 2016. http://pophaydn.com http://www.goldenhands.com/

Andrew Goldenhersh, AMA Parlor Magician of the Year, visited Houston and stopped by to record a podcast for The Magic Word. This video was streamed LIVE via Facebook and includes about 15 minutes of additional footage at the end that was not part of the audio podcast.

Andrew Goldenhersh talks about his many years of being a "bridesmaid and never a bride" meaning that he was nominated by the Academy of Magical Arts but it took ten years before he won his first AMA award. He also talks about his influences, scripting, side show stunts, creativity, developing his act and character, and how he came about meeting and working with actor Jason Alexander ""George Castanza" from "Seinfeld").

He goes on to talk about how he learned to perform in Japanese and why he needed to learn another language, but more importantly, how he came to tighten up his script.He also chats about the importance of silence, pauses and taking beats in your act that heightens the performance. His unconventional idea on how to handle hecklers is a real gem, too.

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This book by Raj Madhok was briefly mentioned during the podcast and available for only $15.00 through Vanishing, Inc. Magic. Click on the graphic above for more information..

298: Mike Robinson - Just Venting

Mike Robinson is one of the busiest and most successful acts that you have probably never heard of. More than just a ventriloquist, Mike Robinson prefers to be introduced as "The Unique Comedy of Mike Robinson" so his vent act comes as a surprise. He does magic, stand-up comedy, music, juggling, as well as ventriloquism. But his interests include martial arts, playing music, family, and taking advantage of his spare time.

Mike talks about some of his favorite podcasts he listens to; questions he is often asked by his audience; carrying his dummy through TSA and what people ask to see; filling a full show with one vent character versus having several dummies (if the audience doesn't like one character, then they might like the next one); the importance of having additional strong material in reserve either for cruise ships or for corporate shows; his roots in magic, comedy and ventriloquism; his “old school” way of scripting using pen and paper; the importance of mentorship and finding a mentor to help your act; his influences on his career; how he learned ventriloquism; tips and suggestions to those who are interested in learning to be a vent; and much, much more.

Perhaps his best advice for those wanting to learn ventriloquism is to buy a dummy/puppet later, but first learn to be a ventriloquist. Ventriloquism is the skill, the puppet is the act. He suggests the best book for inspiring him and pointing him in the right direction is "Magic: Stage Illusions and Scientific Diversions" by Albert A, Hopkins. Pages 164-170 is where you will find the info about ventriloquism (thanks, Salvadore Calderon).

Click on the banner above to visit the Magic Store on The Magic Word to see all the products available for sale.00:54:03 - Time stamp for the product review of "Chapswitch" — Click on the banner above to visit the Magic Store on The Magic Word to see all the products available for sale.
00:54:03 - Time stamp for the product review of "Chapswitch"

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The book that included some of the best advice on ventriloquism that inspired Mike Robinson. Pages 164-170 address ventriloquism.