xciting New Projects
One of the things I love most about the Ventriloquism industry is that I am quite often presented with the opportunity to be a part of some really special things. Nothing makes me happier than making a first dummy for the 10 year old who dreams of one day making it big in the world of Ventriloquism. Then there are those who have dreamt that dream, and are now living it!
If you haven't heard the name “Terry Fator” yet, then I don't know where you've been hiding, but let me update you! Terry Fator is an amazingly talented entertainer. Singing, comedy, ventriloquism, you name it, he does it. His talents landed him as the winner on America's Got Talent: Season 2, and now he is the headlining act at The Mirage in Las Vegas! I recently met with Terry and we discussed some plans that I am very excited about. We'll be working together to create some very interesting characters for his future shows. I am currently working on a project for him and am looking forward to exciting times in the future!
The puppet pictured above is the sole creation of MAT Puppets
Another project that I am very pleased to announce is a collaboration with Mary Ann Taylor of MAT Puppets. MAT Puppets are the custom creations of Mary Ann and Melissa Taylor. Mary Ann has been making custom soft figures for over twenty years. Pictured above is one of her fantastic characters. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech and previously worked as a commercial artist, including freelance courtroom artwork. Melissa earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1997 and joined MAT Puppets as a figure maker in 2002. MAT Puppets' creations over the years have included a full set of "Audrey" puppets/props made for a local theatre company, comedian Jeff Dunham's "Peanut," and several characters for America's Got Talent winner Terry Fator. Being as how Mary Ann's expertise is soft figures, and mine is hard shell figures, this collaboration of an all new figure body style should produce some interesting and unique results! Check out the preview below!
Introducing Life Body 2! Life Body 2 is a wonderful new kind of ventriloquist figure body that captures the magic of two completely different puppet making styles and merges them beautifully into one eye-pleasing, user-friendly package. Previously, a hard ventriloquist figure's body was an eye sore that had to be masked with costuming, and its hands and fingers were frozen in whatever position its maker happened to decide on. Mary Ann and I have broken these barriers! Life Body 2 features fully poseable fingers and a very realistic, soft body. Sure, you can still fully clothe a Life Body 2 figure if you'd like, but think of the characters and routines you can come up with when your ventriloquist figure is "clothing optional": Muscle man, Superman, Ladies man, the possibilities are endless!
Yet another exciting announcement is the introduction of “Life Lips”. “Life Lips” is a fantastic new custom feature that can be added to most of my ventriloquist figure designs. The purpose of “Life Lips” is to make mouth articulation as quiet as possible. This is achieved via a lower lip made if soft silicone rubber! Neither quality nor appearance is compromised in this process. In fact, just from looking at it, wouldn't even be able to tell that the lip is made of a different material than the rest of your figure. “Life Lips” is a dream come true for professional ventriloquists! Our figure pictured above, Richie, features “Life Lips”. Take a look!