Today we conclude the Ask The Legends series with question number 5.

Before we get to that, if you haven’t seen the first four parts of this series, I recommend you start at the beginning. The links below will open in new windows so you can return here after reading the articles.

Ask The Legends – Part 1

Ask The Legends – Part 2

Ask The Legends – Part 3

and

Ask The Legends – Part 4

Now let’s get started with today’s question:

What one piece of advice do you have for anyone interested in learning ventriloquism?

David Strassman: Get a real job.  No, seriously, here are the seven steps to becoming a good ventriloquist.

1. Have fun with it.
2. Practice.
3. Watch as much comedy as possible and learn what’s funny.
4. Practice.
5. Work hard at getting good.
6. Always keep your puppet moving.
7. Practice.
8. Have fun.

Jimmy Nelson: Commitment! Take your ventriloquism seriously. Be the best you can be. Opportunity may be just around the corner. Be ready when it comes!

Jay Johnson: There are no short cuts to learning anything.  Practice, rehearsal, and more practice in front of a mirror and video tape is the only way to learn.  Ventriloquism encompasses, vocal technique, comedy, timing, puppetry, acting and storytelling.  A person could spend a life time perfecting any one of those aspects. At a very young age I was told to get in front of as many audiences, as often as I could and LEARN from each one. I’m still learning and can’t wait for my next class.

Great advice from great artists. I want to thank Jimmy, Jay and David for being so generous with their insights and help on this series. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!