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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595: George Schindler - What Da Dean Does

The Dean of the Society of American Magicians, George Schindler, has lived through many generations of magicians both celebrated and relatively unknown and he remembers them all. This week George shares many of his stories. George will be celebrating his 92nd birthday on March 31st this year and his memory of events is as clear as if they happened yesterday. He is an author, actor, performer, creator, lecturer, magic dealer, ventriloquist, comedy writer, and so much more. He regularly contributes to the M.U.M. magazine (the journal for the S.A.M.) with a monthly column and he maintains his relevancy by keeping current with the times and technology. He is a true treasure in our magic community and we owe him so much for what he has given us.

http://www.magicsam.com George Schindler is the Lifetime Dean of the Society of American Magicians, Past National President and Honorary Lifetime Member.

George Schindler is a magician, ventriloquist, author and the Dean of the Society of American Magicians.

George has known and worked with many top celebrity actors, directors and magicians. In this week’s episode, George shares stories about Woody Allen, Dai Vernon, Slydini, Ed Mishell, David Copperfield, Frank Garcia, Abe Hurowitz, Shari Lewis and many, many more. This is a delightful trip down memory lane from one of our community’s true treasures.

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552: Daniel Summers - Zig Zag in a Suitcase

The name of Daniel Summers has come up on more than one occasion on this podcast. So, I thought it is time that we talk with this person who started as a ventriloquist, then became a cruise ship performer, college entertainer, hypnotist, “phone room” marketer, creator and builder. Dan is all of these plus a pretty nice guy and friends to many in the magic world. His original illusions are performed all over the world by all of the top illusionists including David Copperfield, Greg Gleason, Hans Klok and others. He has had feature articles published about him in VANISH Magazine and in MAGIC Magazine, but it is high time that you get to hear his voice.

compressed illusion Daniel Summers performed by Papa Chico

Greg Gleason performing Daniel Summers “Cutting Edge” illusion on Masters of Illusion television show.

Lou Dupont, a ventriloquist who lived and performed in Las Vegas inspired Daniel Summers. (viewer discretion advised)

Dan talks with us this week about how his career could have taken a different turn had he decided to take the job of Cruise Ship Director. He also talks about his life on cruise ships in the early years, his work in theme parks, creating illusions, building illusions, telemarketing “phone rooms”, and helping Joanie Spina in her final days.

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