An Interview With Ventriloquist Lisa Laird - Part 3

Today Lisa and Tom talk about library shows. Some great information for any ventriloquist who would like to perform library shows.

Video Transcript:

You do a lot of libraries, if I remember correctly. When you go into the libraries, can you tell our listeners a little bit about your library show — how you create it or how you plan it? I know a lot of vents are interested in performing in that type of venue.

Well, first of all, I am a former elementary school teacher. So in my programs, education has always been a very key part of what I do.

In the library market, librarians are basically looking for two things:

Something that will encourage the children to check out books.
Something that ties into the summer reading theme, especially during summer programs.

Most states in the U.S. follow the Collaborative Library Association’s summer reading theme, which is published years in advance. I already know what next year’s theme will be. So what I do is write a brand-new show every year that ties directly into that theme.

That way, when a librarian looks at my website or contacts me, they know they don’t have to wonder if I’ll match the theme. It’s built into what I do. I’ve seen other performers say they follow the theme, but all they really do is mention the title and then perform their regular show. I think librarians are much more likely to hire you back if you take the time to create a whole storyline around the theme itself. That’s one thing I make sure to do.

Okay. When you go into these libraries, do you get much room? Do you have to pack tight? Are conditions different in every one?

Yes, the conditions are very different in every library. I’ve been in some libraries that have wonderful facilities with huge community rooms. In those, you never have to worry about space.

But being in the Midwest, there are also a lot of teeny-tiny libraries. I’ve performed in spaces roughly 8 feet by 10 feet. In those cases, you’ve just got a few kids, and the parents are standing in the back, sometimes spilling out between the bookshelves.

My backdrop is adjustable, so I can make it fit whatever space I have. And I’ve always followed the rule of one load in, one load out. Everything I bring with me has to be able to go in and out in one trip.

I also have a wonderful cart — the best $90 I ever spent. Everything stacks on it, I roll it right in, unpack, and roll it back out when I’m done.

Now I’m curious, what kind of cart is that?

It’s called a Rock N Roller. R-O-C-K-N Roller. It folds up and lays flat in my car, but then it opens up and everything lines up perfectly.

Interested in performing library shows? Click below to check out Mark & my recorded workshop on the market: