I thorouhly enjoy performing vent but I'm trying to decide whether or not to include magic in my presentations. I'm fond of gadgets but not real fond of sleight. I covet your input.Thanks,Danny, "Uncle Luther", and "Lucille"

I don't know any audience member who does not enjoy magic so I would give it a very strong thumbs up! There are performers who strictly do ventriloquism, but it would be VERY difficult to have a running theme with only ventriloquism. Magic allows you to:
1. Educate while entertaining
2. Keep yourself from getting bored
3. Pack small and play big! (Consider a 36 inch silk routine versus an extra puppet.)
4. Use more audience volunteers.
5. Rest your voice on those difficult days.
6. Use more music in your show as background.

Some ventriloquists do a vent "trick" such as the echo cup or talking audience member, etc. to break up the show.
Personally, I use whatever teaches the lesson best, from cartooning to balloons to puppetry to magic to ventriloquism.

Always market your ventriloquism, because there are probably 50 to 100 magicians for every ventriloquist.

P.S. If you can tell any themes you may have for shows we can give you ideas of tricks that are available.