Interview With Janice Chiu - Part 3

Today Janice and I continue to talk about the Ventriloquist conVENTion, the art and the community.

Video Transcript:

Yeah, actually I only learned about the convention maybe last November. I bought on Apple TV the Masterpieces series.

Right, yeah.

That’s how I learned about it — and then they showed the, what’s it called now, the Vent Haven Museum.

Mm-hm.

Oh, it’s spectacular. I’d really like to go there.

Yeah, it’s quite an experience. You can’t put it into words. A lot of people get freaked out by it — especially the old wooden figures with the jaw drops — but it’s a fascinating study. You’ve got to see it at some point. I hope you and your husband will come down sometime.

Yeah, that’d be great. How many times have you been? Do you go every year?

I tend to go every year now. My first year was around 2008. I got into the art of ventriloquism a little later in life myself. I was a performer, but not specializing in vent.

Because you did magic, right?

Yes. I don’t do it anymore, but I did. I switched over completely. That first convention was such a career change for me. I missed one year, and then I told myself I’d never miss another. Now I literally turn work away that week so I can be at (the convention). It’s just so much fun.

Cool. Yeah, wow. That certainly makes me want to make it work this time.

Well, if you get a chance — Terry isn’t there all the time, but I know he’ll be there this year. If you’re a fan of Terry’s, you definitely want to go. Jeff is usually there too, though sometimes he’s only around for a day, sometimes for a couple days, depending on his schedule.

This year’s going to be fantastic. It’s also honoring the Detweilers — since Clinton passed away recently. If you get the chance to come down, I think you’d really enjoy it.

I just find it’s such a fun hobby. Even if you don’t make a living from it, or even if you just share it with family and friends, it’s still great entertainment. And honestly, it’s good for you too — sometimes it helps you clear your thoughts, because in a way you’re really just talking with yourself.