Beginner's Guide to Buying and Caring for Your First Ventriloquist Puppet

Types of Ventriloquist Puppets

Ventriloquist puppets come in many different forms, but they generally fall into three main categories: soft puppets, hard puppets, and humanette puppets.

Soft Puppets

Soft ventriloquist puppets have a cloth body and face, with movable mouths controlled by the ventriloquist's hand. They often have yarn hair and may wear cloth costumes. Some key examples of soft puppets include:

• Traditional sock puppets
• Hand puppets like Lamb Chop
• Animal puppets with fuzzy fabric exteriors

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to transport
• Expressive fabric faces
• Easier for beginners to manipulate

Cons:

• Less durable than hard puppets
• Mouth movements may be less precise
• Can't hold detailed expressions

Hard Puppets

Hard ventriloquist dummies have heads and faces made from papier-mâché, wood, or plastic. Their mouths are controlled by internal mechanical parts rather than the ventriloquist's hand directly. Famous examples include Charlie McCarthy and Madame.

Pros:

• Can hold very intricate, lifelike facial expressions
• Allow more nuanced mouth manipulation
• Durable material lasts longer

Cons:

• Heavier and more difficult to transport
• Require more skill to operate
• Can be expensive or time consuming to create

Humanette Puppets

Humanette puppets have near life-size bodies with realistic human-like heads and facial features. Their larger size allows for very detailed expressions. The most famous humanette is Shari Lewis's puppet Charlie Horse.

Pros:

• Extremely lifelike appearance
• Can perform body gestures and mannerisms
• Easier for audiences to connect with

Cons:

• Bulky and difficult to transport
• Require extra handlers or rigging to support body
• More expensive to produce

When selecting a ventriloquist puppet, consider your skill level, budget, and how you intend to use it. The right puppet can bring your act to life and delight audiences.

Materials Used for Ventriloquist Puppets

Ventriloquist puppets are made from a variety of materials, depending on the type and complexity of the puppet.

Soft Puppet Materials

The main materials used for soft ventriloquist puppets include:

• Fabric - Common fabrics are cotton, wool, felt, fleece, etc. Used for the exterior body and clothing.
• Fur or yarn - For hair, beards, mustaches, animal coats.
• Foam or batting - Provides filling for 3D shaped heads and bodies.
• Buttons, plastic eyes, lace - Decorative facial features.

Soft puppets are relatively simple to make using basic sewing skills. The fabric is cut into pattern pieces, then sewn together and stuffed with batting. Details like facial features and hair are added last.

Hard Puppet Materials

Hard ventriloquist dummy heads are made from:

• Papier-mâché - Paper and glue layered into desired shapes.
• Wood - Carved into head and facial shapes.
• Plastic - Molded into durable puppet heads.

The inner mechanical parts may consist of:

• Hinges - Control mouth movement.
• Springs - Reset mouth to neutral.
• Levers and rods - Manipulate eyes, brows, lids.
• Wires - Guide head positioning.

The body can be cloth, wood, or plastic. The materials allow very precise mouth and facial movements.

Humanette Puppet Materials

Humanette puppets use similar materials as soft and hard puppets, but on a larger scale. The common materials include:

• Padding and foam - Shapes oversized head and body parts.
• Fabric skin - Covers foam foundations realistically.
• Silicone - Achieves lifelike skin texture.
• Metal rods - Support puppet framework.
• Synthetic hair - Styled in realistic hairdos.

High quality materials enable large scale ventriloquist puppets to take on startling human-like appearances and mannerisms.

Buying Your First Ventriloquist Puppet

Purchasing your first ventriloquist puppet is an exciting milestone! Here are some tips for choosing the right beginner puppet:

Set Your Budget

Ventriloquist puppets range hugely in price from $20 for a basic hand puppet to $5000+ for a collectible, professional dummy. As a beginner, aim for $100-300 for a quality starter puppet.

Choose the Type

Consider a soft puppet or simpler dummy for your first purchase. More complex dummies with moving eyes and mouths take more practice to master. A basic hand puppet is a good choice.

Find a Reputable Seller

Purchase from trusted ventriloquism shops and suppliers like:

• Axtell Expressions
• Puppet Pelts
• Dummies Unlimited

Avoid untested sellers with no reputation in the community.

Decide on a Character

Select a puppet character that appeals to you:

• Child, senior, animal (dog, bird)
• Male, female, neutral
• Comedic, serious, mischievous

Your first puppet will set the tone for your act.

Evaluate Craftsmanship

Inspect photos closely for:

• Realistic, symmetrical face
• Smooth seam lines
• Hair/fur secured evenly
• No glue stains or tears

Avoid "wonky" facial features that could limit expressions.

Check for Durability

The puppet should withstand being dropped and transported. Features like:

• Sturdy, tightly woven fabric
• Secure moving parts
• Well-attached wig

indicate better durability.

Read Reviews

Search for reviews of the specific brand and model you're considering. This can reveal pros/cons not visible in photos. Pay attention to reviewers' experience levels.

Accessorize

Consider options like detachable hands, legs, costume pieces. This adds versatility for skits and routines. But don't overcomplicate things starting out.

Following these tips will help you pick a high quality first puppet and get your ventriloquism journey off to a great start!

Caring for Your Ventriloquist Puppet

Ventriloquist puppets, especially valuable collectible ones, need proper care and maintenance. Here are some tips for keeping your puppet in top shape:

Storage

• Keep in cool, dry place away from direct sun, heat, and humidity.
• Store in hard case or hanging from a sturdy stand.
• Never place heavy objects on top of puppet.

Cleaning

• Dust regularly with soft brush or cloth.
• Spot clean marks gently with damp cloth.
• For hard heads/faces, use specialized dummy cleaner.
• Avoid submerging full puppet in water.

Maintenance

• Frequently check for damage, loosening joints, wear.
• Touch up paint and glue when needed.
• Replace elastic bands and wig caps over time.
• Re-secure eyes, nose, teeth if becoming loose.

Clothing

• Smooth wrinkled clothing after use.
• Check for ripped seams, loose buttons.
• Protect from stains, dust, tears.
• Hand or dry clean only.

Transport

• Use sturdy hard case with padding.
• Immobilize head and limbs separately.
• Buckle case securely and handle gently.
• Never check as airline luggage.

Use

• Move joints, mouth naturally to prevent strain.
• Rotate between multiple puppets.
• Allow to rest periodically.
• Retire from use before excessive wear.

With proper care and maintenance, your treasured ventriloquist puppet will deliver years of delightful performance.

How To Choose The Right Ventriloquist Puppet For Your Needs?

Choosing the right ventriloquist puppet is crucial for a successful performance. Here are some tips to help you choose the right puppet for your needs:

Choose a puppet with a moving head, as it is excellent for beginners.

Consider the type of figure you want to use, whether it is a hard or soft figure. Soft figures are becoming very popular with ventriloquists, and they are often more affordable than hard figures.

Think about the controls of the puppet. You need to balance simple controls against the range of features. The last thing you need is fiddly controls that will distract you from your act.

Consider the outfit of the puppet. How your puppet is dressed is important, as it is another step to building a rapport with your audience. If your puppet has a snazzy outfit, or is visually attractive or cute, your crowd will believe in your act more.

Attend a convention or look in a specialist marketplace to research the market, meet other ventriloquists, and attend presentations to help you in your career.

Consider purchasing a used ventriloquist doll if cost is a factor. There are several specialist suppliers of custom-made ventriloquist dolls to suit most budgets, and you can find a large range of used ventriloquist puppets online, often hardly used and in great condition.

What Are The Different Types Of Ventriloquist Puppets Available?

There are several types of ventriloquist puppets available, ranging from traditional wooden figures to modern foam and latex puppets. Here are some of the different types of ventriloquist puppets:

Traditional wooden figures: These are the classic dummies used by ventriloquists, and they vary in size from twelve inches tall to human-size and larger. They are usually made from papier-mâché or wood, but other materials such as fiberglass-reinforced resins, urethanes, filled (rigid) latex, and neoprene are also used.

Soft cloth or foam puppets: These are becoming very popular with ventriloquists, and they are often more affordable than hard figures. Verna Finly's work is a pioneering example of soft cloth or foam puppets.

Flexible latex puppets: These are created by Steve Axtell and are made of flexible latex material.

Hard-headed knee figure: These are the traditional and familiar hard-headed knee figure, and Tim Selberg's mechanized carvings are an example of this type of puppet.

Glove puppets: These are simple puppets made of a sock or glove and are often used by beginners.

Custom-made puppets: There are several specialist suppliers of custom-made ventriloquist dolls to suit most budgets, such as Alan Semok (The Dummy Doctor), who has supplied puppets to many famous ventriloquists.

When choosing a ventriloquist puppet, it is important to consider the type of figure you want to use, the controls of the puppet, the outfit of the puppet, and your budget. You can attend a convention or look in a specialist marketplace to research the market, meet other ventriloquists, and attend presentations to help you in your career.

What Are The Differences Between Soft Cloth And Foam Puppets For Ventriloquism?

Soft cloth and foam puppets are becoming increasingly popular with ventriloquists. Here are some differences between the two types of puppets:

Soft Cloth Puppets:

Versatile and can be easily molded and shaped into a wide variety of different character designs.

Customizable to fit the unique needs and preferences of a particular ventriloquist, allowing for greater creativity and expression on stage.

Often more affordable than hard figures, making them a great option for beginner ventriloquists who are just starting out.

Easier to repair and maintain over time, as the materials used to make them are generally more accessible and easier to work with than those used to make hard figures.

Foam Puppets:

Made out of modified foam rubber, which makes them light and soft to hug and nice to caress due to the woolen cloth that they are covered with.

Easy to wash and dry and can be stored in any cupboard or a toy chest.

Disposes of a comfortable grip to control your character with ease and pleasure.

Can be used by amateurs or even children, who would gladly become the directors of an animal puppet show.

In general, soft cloth puppets are more versatile and customizable, while foam puppets are more comfortable to handle and easier to maintain. The choice between the two types of puppets ultimately depends on the ventriloquist's personal preferences and needs.

• Types of Ventriloquist Puppets
• Soft Puppets
• Hard Puppets
• Humanette Puppets
• Materials Used for Ventriloquist Puppets
• Soft Puppet Materials
• Hard Puppet Materials
• Humanette Puppet Materials
• Buying Your First Ventriloquist Puppet
• Set Your Budget
• Choose the Type
• Find a Reputable Seller
• Decide on a Character
• Evaluate Craftsmanship
• Check for Durability
• Read Reviews
• Accessorize
• Caring for Your Ventriloquist Puppet
• Storage
• Cleaning
• Maintenance
• Clothing
• Transport
• Use
• How To Choose The Right Ventriloquist Puppet For Your Needs?
• What Are The Different Types Of Ventriloquist Puppets Available?
• What Are The Differences Between Soft Cloth And Foam Puppets For Ventriloquism?