WELCOME TO THE AXTELL CUSTOMER IDEA FORUM! Please introduce yourself here in this thread, then click "RETURN TO INDEX" and join in the discussions!

Yes, I'm reading this site.

Just to say I am an avid reader!

Wanlu here

Matman present and accounted for, This site and all you guys are a real blessing to me.

Ron here.

Yes, I read messages on this website.

Im Reading it

Thanks for responding! I'm hoping to see some more names, particularly the new ones. I have read many things by our prolific writer, anonymous. He/She is probably quoted more than any other being in history.

Yes, I'm reading.

Love this site, I have gotten so much info. Thanks
Checking in..... before Sept 15, I'll be 50 Sept 18 if anyone wants to send presents... ha ha ha.

Anyone got a small 19inch Chimp "Amazing Apes"
Thanks,

Ribbons the clown
Robin Bremer
www.ribbonstheclown.com
www.youtube.com/user/ribbonstheclown

For my 50th I received a baseball cap that says "I'm not 50, I'm just $49.95." I've been wearing it all year.

It appears that we have a small clientele. If you read this site please respond to this topic so we can know how many readers there are. I appreciate those of you who have already done so. Thanks.

Reader - non-poster

Yes...I'm reading this site.

More beginner information.
One handed magic...bird on other.

Thanks,

Dennis

Just oined today. I'm tryin g to learn as much about vent as possible. I currently own 7 Axtell Figures.

just discovered the site and this page. 4 days late! (typical) have been working puppets all my life but am now graduating to axtell. i will be found in the learning center

Welcome, to all!

Thanks for responding. I know that sometimes I feel like the late night Radio host who wonders if anyone is listening. I'm glad that you are.
Mark, let us know which part of the learning center from Axtell's site is the most beneficial to you.

And just to let you know, I don't work for Steve Axtell. You are all free to write on this site. He just asks that you don't buy and sell anything except for the occasional Axtell product that he is out of production. Speaking of which... I have a Veggietales Jr. Asparagus? for sale. $35 plus actual bidding. He's in 80% condition. He gets a B- for a fade in the colors.

-Tony Borders

I'm just starting a puppet ministry @ my church with my sister and brother-in-law.
None of us are vents, we are just learning. I ordered our firt axtell puppet (vern) and am anxiously awaiting it's arrival! We want to learn all we can!

Click on the pictures of each bird for possible links to bird jokes. Vern is a GREAT puppet! For Christmas you could have a skit where he has to let everyone know that he isn't a turkey. He is on the endangered list. He is a dodo.

Hi from Belgium

reading every day and looking for updates


best regards

danny

I'm here
I am a christian vent, everyone is a true blessing to me, you all are so willing to share ideas and comments. This site is a real blessing.
Matman

Greetings,

I am new to the forum, but not to the wonderful world of Axtell puppets!
I have been using Axtell's fine products to amaze children and the young at heart for a number of years.

Mike

Just discovered this site through an Axtell newsletter, have already gathered invaluable ideas. Thanks.

For those of you who speak English as a second, third, or fourth language, when one adds "in" as a prefix it means the opposite of the root word. Example: Insufficient means not sufficient.
Mary, I'm sorry that you find the messages invaluable.
Just heaven fun!

Just bought a MDBoard with afew Axtrax CD's ( 2-3 wks to get to me in Australia ) already have 3 puppets and a theatre but can see I can draw plenty of ideas for church and kids & learn things thru this website

Welcome aboard, Mate! Play around on the website. You'll find that by clicking on the photos of puppets you often find hidden information and jokes. Sign up to join the International Performer's section as well.

Am I able to use chatroom being just north of Brisbane, Australia? thanks Rod

Yes, I believe so. It is open at 4 pm Pacific Standard Time (California). Give it a try and let Steve know if you had any difficulties.

Tony,

You are correct that "generally" putting "in" before a word changes the meaning, but there are exceptions and "invaluable" is one of them.

Invaluable means "having great value".

In the same way "flammable" means the same thing as "inflammable".

The best way to remember when it changes the word and when it doesn't is to...wait, there is no way to remember. That's just one more reason that English is such a difficult language to learn!

--Julian Franklin

Oh, by the way, I'm reading the forum.

Yes i'm a believer (euhhh) reader!!

Looks agood

Well, firstly I write all my thoughts on the subject, gags and quips etc. Then I type it out in large type and have the script near my bed so I can read it often. After that I'm pretty right after I practice a few times in front of a mirror minus puppet, and then with a puppet. Sometimes I do what Tony Borders does, and write some land marks to read just before I go on and after that........ I pray! I always add lib anyways, so it comes out in the end ok. This is the first time I have been here , and this site is tops! I am from the East Coast of Australia and there is not many vents here. Puppets are still well accepted though and we find people quickly get into the fantasy of our puppet world, which is great for us. We only work clean and come anywhere near "blue" stuff at all.
best always
Terry

I'm here. Just found this forum. I live in Uk and am trying to find the voices and acts for my two lil' boys. Hoping to get Mr. Tucker the turtle for christmas

Welcome to the newcomers! Your presence here is appreciated. Please join into all the discussions!

Ax

It's me, your resident new guy! Newbie here.

Just thought I would check in and say hi. I have been a huge puppet enthusiast ever since I was a small boy. Even though I have worked in the entertainment industry as both talent and production for the past 28 years, I have never had the opportunity to do any real performing with puppets, even though I own a few.

After seeing your website and getting excited about the Magic puppets (the movement is just amazing!), I am now trying to talk my wife into helping me put together a puppet entertainment company for children and family parties and events.

I have a good history in show production......but talking the wife into investing into such a venture....well, that's the hard part. Any ideas?

Glad to be a part of the fun!

Don Schockow
Rainbow Ridge Productions

Welcome! You might try letting your extra jobs pay for equipment for the first several jobs. (Don't quit your dayjob kind of thing.) You will find much more work for kids than adults when advertising puppets, but that's okay. There are always kids who need entertainment.

What are you looking for in the way of ideas?
How to advertise a new business?
How to convince your wife?
How to put together a show? (You'll find tips on this forum from previous posts.)

Welcome Don! I know your excitement will carry you a LONG way! I cannot tell you how many times I've heard about people wanting to quit their job to do this....I agree with Tony that do it cautiously and over a good period. Don't underestimate the security of a real job....but then again don't underestimate what your career could potentially become if you turn to Entertainment. There are easy ways to begin the journey.

We have several resources

This Forum (read it all!)

The Learning Center - http://www.axtell.com/learn.html

The Customer Service Page is full of ideas and tips http://www.axtell.com/custserv.html

There are also mail lists for puppetry and ventriloquism listed on our links page http://www.axtell.com (worldvents, puptcrit, christianvents, christpup)

We also host a daily Chat where we can do real time idea exchanges. There are a lot of experienced, and newbies there.

Welcome!

Ax

Yes, I am reading this BB

Ralph

Newbie who is happy to be here, I often visit for inspiration and the priceless advice of everyone here who is more seasoned than me. I love entertaining kids, always have. I am striving to be better and better and reach the professional standard displayed here. I have a dozen clown magic shows under my belt, 11 of them have recieved excellent feed-back, even follow up calls to my current employer praising my performance. ( Don't ask about the first party I did and why I have had Velcro on my pockets since then

I will branch off to work on my own soon. I am bursting with potential, but I know nothing compares to experience and doing your homework, so here I am. Studying, note-taking and standing in awe in the shadow of Giants.

I am so glad to have found this Forum and Axtell. I have an Axtell puppet fund going...baby steps..baby steps...

Thank you all!

Hi! I am passing through!

Have a Great Day,

Dan Montgomery

I have always loved puppets and ventriloquism. So now that I am able I will be starting in ventriloquisim and hopefully learn as much as possible in the shortest amount of time.

Reading what website?

YUPPERS I AM AVID READER KEEP UP THE WONDERFUL WORK
N JAY

I am starting to post here after being around for a couple years. I love axtells puppets and I really am excited to see the new characters coming out like they are . Keep them coming. (armadillo)

I do puppet shows but no venting.

Thanks
Randy

V: Alright, well, here we are...You ready to check in?
F: !efil ym ni ydaer erom neeb reveN !haey hO
V: Umm...What was that...?
F: Well, my mother always said no backtalking while I was under her roof...
V: So?
F: (looks up) So we're not under her roof anymore...
V: Enough, just check in and introduce us!
F: Can't do that!
V: And just why not?
F: I only work when peopl can hear me...no fingers to type with.
V: So once again, I do all the work and you get all the credit.
F: And the big bucks...Which reminds me, you still owe me some money.

Oi, ok enough of that, allow myself to introduce....myself....


Hello! Bonjour! Hola! Aloha! Konnichi Wa! And just in case you're reading this in the am: Ohayou Gozaimasu!

My name is Patrick, but normally go by Trick (Drop the PA, I don't come from Pennsylvania...ouch, bad joke) I have been mainly know as a Magician, as that is what I have been doing for the past 21 years...(21 years? Wow that makes me feel old...And I'm only 25...Wow maybe I should say several years...But then that could be any number. Ooo! I could be a magician with zero death crystals...Yeah, then people would want to book me)

Ok, back to what I was saying, I have been a magician for many years. During my times of magic, I found myself interested in Vent, and the leap didn't seem that far (Which is good cuz back then I was young, and today I'm too fat to leap) So when I told my parents about this new found interest (imagine how proud they were first its "Mommy I want to do magic" then "Mommy, I'm ready to be a big boy and play with dolls") they supported me and got me my first vent. dummy...A Charlie McCarthy. Well I used that puppet of mine for a good, um, 2 weeks, before I got bored (I was 10, I had a short attention spand an-...OO LOOK SOMETHING SHINEY)

Anywho, though my McCarthy wound up in a garage sale, the skill I started learning grew with me, until I found I could talk to myself rather easily!
But I'm sure if you're reading this you don't care. The point I'm slowly and painfully getting to is that now I have decided to return to ventriloquism and start creating more shows based of this wonderful art. I decided that my first puppet for this venture should definatly be an Axtell, and by weeks end my lovely new Crow will be here. Looking forward to a lot more fun puppets and new shows!

Oh wait and yes I read the site!

Trick, The Magician (Yeah, think about it)

Just checking in. My Magic Drawing Board is supposed to arrive tomorrow. Oh joy! Oh rapture! Good thing my wife is an artist.

....and thought it should continue Tony had a great idea when he first started it last year...lets keep it running and updated

This is our favourite place on the net!
I'm lucky I suppose, my wife is just as whimisical as myself and she loves our Axtell puppets. She is a reserved girl normally, and seems to transform into a terrific stand-up comic with one of Steve's puppets on her hand. We mostly work for disabled folk and churches. One of the real pleasures of this art form is "just thinkin' about what we'll do next!" There is no doubt whatever that Axtell's make the world's best vent puppets, and we always get a good reaction when we perform with them. We had/have a band for yonks, but nothing gives us the satisfaction of having people laugh at our puppet's antics and gags! We reckon what this world needs apart from Jesus, is a good laugh!
best always,
Terry

It's so great to read all the wonderful comments from old visitors and new visitors. You all Rock!

Ax

I thought that this would be a great Idea and have it revisited at least once each year to nrefreshen it with new visitors. so everyone who signed it once before you are also requested to resign it with updated new stuff

hello I'm just letting you know I'm in the area

Let us know about yourself when you post here. Where you are from, your experience and what your interests are with Axtell products and entertaining. Thanks.

No question, I just enjoy reading what everyoner is talking about.

ANY IDEAS?

This thread or subject is to tell us about yourself so we can get to know you. You can start a new thread subject by clicking on "Post an Idea or Comment", or you can also search for archived posts from the past using the SEARCH function to search for ideas you can use. There are tons of them in here.

So tell us about yourself!

I am me I could have been you but not today
Today I decided to be me its good to be me
even though it might be good to be you as well
So whenever you want to be me give it some thought
and think how nice it could be if you were you

THANKS for the MDB Holiday ideas...I really like the New Years idea....I'll be using it this season. THANKS again Tony....MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hello, checking in. Yes, I visit once in a while when I get a little break during my lunch hour. Awesome site.
I am 100% axtell. Happy new year to all!

Yoly Pacheco

Long time puppeteer and visitor to the website, new reader of the forum.

Yep! reading this

Great to have you hear molecatcher! We are excited that you are getting a custom Hands-Free Puppet! It will be amazing!

Ax

Do you ever have anyone looking for Veggie Tales puppets by Axtell. I bought a set of Veggie Tales latex puppets from you in 2002 I beleive. Used them one summer 4 times and have been storing them since.
Laurie

Yes, people occasionally look for the beautiful Veggie Tale puppets. They make great centerpieces for banquets as well.

Another good site to list them is www.cmconnect.org (children's ministry leaders) or www.incm.org.

Yes, I'm reading this site.

i'm reading

My question is voice maintenance - what is the best way to maintain your vocal cords when you don't do a vent program frequently. I do health education and my "assistant" will come out at the end and help me wrap it up - we do fine at that point. The programs are sporadic - 5 one month, 1 the next. I will practice in my car as I drive, but tend to get carried away and not know when to stop until it's too late. I've done the vocal excercises Stephen Knowles talks about on his DVD. Any other tips ?

(this discussion has been given it's own thread called "voice care".)

yes i read the message.

Wonderful to have you aboard, Grant! As you know, entertainers are always looking for a grant!

Yes, I look at this sight daily!

Have No Fear Jungle Jay is here

Me and all personalities are here.
www.youtube.com/user/nomorebets73

Yes, I'm reading this site.
First came across this site in 2006. Never bothered to post until now. Thanks Axtell for bringing joy to many.

Just checking things out as I pass by. Do this every day. Love to look at all the great figures. Order was put in a week or so ago and I am waiting for the arrival of my Ding Dong Dodo. Expect to have lots of fun with it. I am new to vent.,but having lots of fun with it. Looking forward to working with the kids in our school system performing. Working on fire prevention shows and first aid for the local Red Cross and with my church in our summer VBS. Working on my props for the shows. I will check back with you when my bird arrives. Then we will have somethings to talk about. Later guys and gals.

Here is a skit from a 2006 post on this forum. It might generate some idea for your dodo. I wrote it based on a really old joke.

Y: Boys and girls, today I want you to meet a very special bird.
V: I'm special! I'm special!
Y: There is no other bird in the world like her.
V: I'm special! I'm special!
Y: If anything happened to this bird, then her kind would be extinct!
V: Wha-a-a-t? I don't stink!
Y: I didn't say that you stink. I said that you're EXtinct!
V: My eggs don't stink!
Y: You are a dodo.
V: And you are a ding dong!
Y: I'm telling them what kind of bird you are!
V: I'm special! I'm special!
Y: (to audience) She is endangered.
V: Wha-a-a-t? Why am I in danger? Are these kids mean?
Y: No. These kids are very nice!
V: They're special. They're special.
Y: When an animal is endangered that means that there are very few of them left and we need to protect them.
V: Good!
Y: In your case, you are the last one. And we don't want you to be extinct!
V: I don't stink! And you're ugly!
Y: Whoa! That wasn't nice. Now you and I are good friends.
V: Yes, we are.
Y: I think you should say that you're sorry!
V: Okay. I'm sorry that we're good friends!
Y: I think you should say you're sorry for the ugly thing!
V: Oh. I'm sorry you're an ugly thing!
Y: Boys and girls, sometimes we misunderstand our friends and we get our feelings hurt. Verna is my friend. When I said that she's extinct I really mean that she's very special.
V: I'm special! I'm special!
Y: There's no one else like her. She's one of a kind!
V: In that case, I think you're special, too!
Y: Thank you.
V: There's no one else like you!
Y: Thank you.
V: You stink too!
Y: I think I had better go and have a talk with her.

(adapted from an OLD, OLD routine by Bergen or somebody)

Wow! I'm here! Finally!

I look forward to reading and participating in this web site.

Just started reading the forums today. Learning allot.

I am new so I still don't know what I don't know.

I might suggest that you click on the search at the top of the postings and find those things that pertain to the Axtell product(s) you may already own. For example, if you have a drawing board do a search (match) for board and see what comes up.

Yes, I'm reading these pages!

I drop by every few days just to take a look around. I recently noticed the new website and it's much easier to navigate.

I've never met Steve, only communicating via email a couple of times, but he as agreed to create a "person" for me. I can see from the site how busy he is, but my excitement has turned to obsession and I find myself dropping by every few days just to see what has been added. Steve said that he hopes to have her (my "person") completed sometime this autumn.

I've always been able to make my Dad laugh, (even today he'll laugh so hard it actually scares me), but he's growing tired and I'm not sure how much longer I'll have him with me. The character that Steve is creating for me, is something that my Dad has long encouraged me to do. So I'm trying to bring that wish to fruition. Hopefully I will be able to get them both on video to share with generations of our family to come.

Richard, thank you for sharing. Best wishes to you and your dad. You are very thoughtful.

I just started reading today. Great info!

Hi. We've just orded our seventh Axtell puppet. We are based in Brisbane, Australia and are basically a roving act, working at festivals and agricultural shows. (Fairs.)

Cheers.

Steve and Sally.
TALL POPPIES - Comedy With Puppets

Welcome Tall Poppies. Interesting venues...do you have a website?

I'm fine and enjoying ventriloquism everyday...

George Shanthakumar

I'm here. Just found this forum. I am also with the hands free forum.
Having a GREAT time with all the puppets.

im reading away...

I'm a long time customer of Axtell, but first time viewing the forum. But it won't be the last time I log on to the forum.

Just got the drawing board and i love it. Really Buzzin!

My daughter just sent me your web site. I am an educator and puppeteer. In the next 20 months I will join the unemployed via retirement. I have a company in the making to help teachers with reading. Do you have any puppets that could fit the bill for my theme "Papa's Tool Shed for Reading?" ie: Construction worker, teacher, grandma

Great theme! The building blocks of reading. You never mentioned whether you knew ventriloquism. As a puppeteer you should check out Dad from The Fam (family). He has a firm, but approachable serious side to him. He comes in either full body or half body.

For a comical construction worker you could go with The Storyteller. He is a ventriloquist puppet in overalls. Add a hardhat and you've got yourself someone who cuts his teeth learning how to build the pyramids.

So great to see many different types of entertainers here.... magicians, puppeteer, ventriloquists... Once you check in here, please hit "return to index" and post your questions. Love to help you!

Ax

Checking in

I've just received my "Upgraded" HFMDB and I'm completely blown away! WOW!!!!!! WOW!!!!! and.......... WOW!!!!
But before I give you my review and citique, I have to say that I first purchased the Axtell Manual Magic Drawing Board over 15 years ago and used it in many of my shows. The audiences, both young and old, went wild when those eyes started to move and they nearly fell off there seats when the mouth opened. I always got an incredible response when I performed this effect. Neeedless to say, when Steve Axtell later introduced the Remote Hands Free Drawing Board I immediately saw the potential of bringing my shows to a new level with this new improved version. Well, I was probably one of the first dozen or so, to my knowledge, to purchase it. That was over 5 years ago. And now! Steve has done it again. The New/ Upgraded HFMDB is truley in a class all by itself. The potential this board has is only limited to your own imagination. When I received my "Upgrade" I followed the instructions and was up and running in no time. The Magic Axtrax that came with the "Upgrade" was downloaded to my computer in seconds and with the great Tech Support help from John Schmeling who assisted me in loading the Magic Trax into my ipod and fine tuning the playback I was in Drawing Board Heaven and lov'in it.. Now, I'm no techno electrical genius, but you don't have to be one with this New HFMDB. It's really very simple to setup and use. Like plug and play. The Board also has the ability for you to create your own Trax and program your own character's voice, mouth and eye movements along with music, sound effects or whatever, thru "Audacity" program. Audacity is what I use. Or, you can just use the Marker Eraser to operate to Drawing Board remotely if you desire too. The portability of this prodct is also a major plus. I can pack The Board, Easel Stand, Eraser, Ipod, headset mike, a few wires, and my Sonic Portable Amp (also used for my Toucan) along with the rest of my show props into my Abbott's Suitcase Table on Wheels and I'm on the road. There is no doubt that this product will clearly bring my act up to a whole new "next" level over and above the competition. With the dedicated support staff at Axtell, and Steve's honor and committment to his customers and his products, dollar for dollar you'll, without a doubt, get your greatest bang for your buck with the NEW Hands-Free Magic Drawing Board.
PS. I still have and ocassionally use the 15 year old Manual Drawing Board. FYI Steve also just replaced the grid, eyes, mouth and the clear plastic drawing surface on that oldy. There aren't to many of todays products that can be repaired or worth repairing that's over 15 years old? Ax, you build'em to last! A special Thanks to Steve and your crew, for all the great things you continue to do.

Peter here!

subject.. does anyone make a voice activated puppet ? where your voice operates the mouth movement so a person can play a guitar and sing and also the puppet can sing to. I dont know how to operate a guitar and puppet at the same time. I always thought it would be a good idea to have a puppet seting across from the ventriloquist like a real person with movement and sing . But to operate a puppet and guitar at same time is a dificult operation to keep in time thank you barney google

I've been here a lot lately. I work with Special Needs children at my church in Charleston, SC. I am not in a place to buy any of the puppets right now, but I look forward to exchanging ideas.
I will eventually get The Squirrel, The Turtle and maybe The Old Storyteller though.

Hi Barney, Yes we do make a voice activated puppet.... Our Magic2 System has it as a feature... it's called MotorMouth.... check the videohttp://www.axtell.com/remote.html




barney piercy

75.100.138.19
yes i read your web site a lot
February 8 2011, 3:15 PM

subject.. does anyone make a voice activated puppet ? where your voice operates the mouth movement so a person can play a guitar and sing and also the puppet can sing to. I dont know how to operate a guitar and puppet at the same time. I always thought it would be a good idea to have a puppet seting across from the ventriloquist like a real person with movement and sing . But to operate a puppet and guitar at same time is a dificult operation to keep in time thank you barney google

Reading

Well, yes i am reading this site, but i'm more of a ventriloquist then a
reader

However I do have a question to ask and that is:
Is there any thing i can put on the lips of the orangutan, so they don't stick and make a sound when opening?

Besides that i'm really happy that i found out about Axtell and bought the orangutan pro ape.

Thank you

Checking in from down under

www.facebook.com/sallysquad

Just to say Hi and I'm thrilled to find this forum!

Thanks for joining us! Be sure to check out the Search button at the top. Type in any areas of interest, such as Routines or Christmas or School Assemblies, etc. and you'll find discussions on it from the past 9 years!

Happy to find this site

I'm new to posting on the site. I'm currently saving up for my first Axtell puppet, but I have been reading the site since March 2011.

Thanks for checking in with us and we're glad you are reading it. What new puppet are you considering?

I showed your catalogue to my nephew, and had him choose for me. He liked them all, but his favorites were Vern, Awsome Possum, and the p-p-platypus. So chances are I would start out with any of those three.

AX if you can please send me a copy of your catalog so I can show it around and get ideas as to what the kids what to see. I already have enough to be a power user but you never have enough Axtells.. They are like Lays potatoe chips bet you can't use just one.

You'll have to show them on the laptop. There is no printed catalog anymore because it would be outdated by the time they got it back from the printer and out to the customer! Lots of new things happening! Your best bet is to narrow your choices down to less than 6 and let the kids choose from those.

I have a real hard time getting script material to flow. Anyone have an ideas of how to get things moving?

You'll find that this subject has come up often in the forum. Do a search for script writing (search button is at the top of the page) and you'll get several back posts. Or just type in the word writing and you'll get enough to keep you busy for many hours.

In a nutshell:
Let your character have a background. I just bought a cool fish puppet and Tony Garcia recommended that he be the state fish of Hawaii. That opens up a chance to teach, give him an accent, have him comment on the long swim to California, etc. But he needed a background. I also saw a photo of a spitting fish that knocks spiders off of flowers into the water by spitting a stream of water at them. For older kids that would be great.

Once your character has a background you need to choose the end of the skit before the beginning. Are you entertaining or teaching or both? Think of your skit like a bow and arrow. You have to aim at something. The audience doesn't have to know where you're headed but you do. Example: Imagine your puppet coming out with his head lowered and absolutely no energy because he is so depressed. Where is that headed?

Contrast. Don't be afraid to contrast yourself with the character. That makes it more interesting. You can even argue some.

Tweak it later by adding possible points for a volunteer, audience involvement, music, song, or jokes.

Just to let you know I'm here.

I stop by from time to time to get ideas!

Thanks for posting...it's exciting to see that many more are reading and watching the forum. Please feel free to post ANY questions or comments on the other threads. We would love to have new friends here!

Ax

Hi,

I want to respond to the LOG IN NOTICE, but am having trouble logging into the Forum.

There doesn't appear to be any such title as that suggested by the FIRST TIME link.

Am I doing something wrong?

Thanks

MikeC

Hi, I would LOVE to be coached!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Esp because I am using it for a Ministry and I want the message to be CLEAR, and not that I get in the way at all, and that it is professional and they don't walk away saying .."did u see her move her lips, or feel as though they could have even done better. I want them to walk away feeling as if the "dummy" was actually speaking to them!! and the "dummy" not being me..I have watched many "vents" and some are so good with the back and forth, it looks so natural and that's what i want..so if you could help a rummy like me..sign me up!! I also belong to a clown alley and wonder if they would have you come and talk for 45 minutes or so... I live in Bowmansville, NY a suburb of Buffalo

I'd definitely be interested in learning from Ken. I'm in VA, not sure how many vents are here..
Reading the messages..

Hi, Mike in Hawaii here, Longtime Magician, IBM/SAM fmr Pres & VENT enthusiast since age 7, (God Bless Jimmy Nelson!)

Nice meeting all of you at the 2011 ConVENTion, my wife & I had a great time! Nice people, cool products (I'm working Mic-Mouth, love it!).

Just saying Aloha. (Did you get a chance to check out the book Steve?)

-M

Chuck Lyons Here and reading. Well actually typing at the moment.

My name is Kevin D. Dennis. I got my first Axtell Puppet as a gift from my friend and pastor. I have a Dodo bird, and have ordered Crow and Bird Arm illusion already. looking forward to being part of the Axtell family.

Hi! I'm Rich, and I bought my first Axtell puppet last year. Tucker is the name, and I jusy ordered the Bear, which I should get in a few more weeks. Still working on finding a name foe him. Any suggestions on a great name? Love the Axtell puppets! Made by the Best in the West!

Yes, I am reading this site.

Yep! I'm a reading Tony!

Yep! I'm a reading this Tony!

Yeppers, I'm here!

I was just looking back to see how many have signed in for 2011 for the first time. Wow! A great year for new readers! Welcome! Please feel free to contribute suggestions, videos, pics, or questions. (There is a tip on how to do videos at the top of the forum. Has to do with using the old embezzler's code. Wait. I mean embedding code.)

Need a few bits for the this Wild Thing Puppet.
Peace

Thank you.

Yes, I am reading it

I have a Rodney Rabbit that is the STAR of one of my shows. Lately he has developed a lazy right ear. It seems to slowly droop to the right as a routine progresses. After examination, it seems to be looser around the base than the right ear. Ay suggestions on how I can repair him without sending him in? I use him every day in my school assembly programs. Thanks for your help in advance!

I recommend that for a quicker reply you email Steve Axtell directly at [email protected] If internal surgery is needed you may consider a clown size hat for the rabbit that can be reinforced where the ears poke through. I'm thinking one of the tiny ones might work.

After using Axtell products for years, I only recently discovered these pages. What a great resource! Thank you, Steve, for putting this together and to everyone else for contributing!

I've ordered a Willie The Kid (I'm naming him Louie though) and I'm really looking forward to receiving him.

I've always loved puppets and the art of ventriloquism although you don't see too much of it here in Australia and there are absolutely no places to buy vent figures here. When Louie arrives I'll post pics for all to see.

Wanted to let you know I am here. I know you can't see my lips moving cause I am a ventriloquist. So...I will type you a note.
Yes...I am reading anything I can read from AXTELL EXPRESSIONS!
Love AXTELL
Suzie friends call me Bikin' Granny

WOW! That's what the audiences were saying this weekend as I used the Axtell Big Baby and Mic Mouth in two separate performances. Reaction to the Big Baby was 10-15 minutes of nothing but laughter the whole routine! Cameras came out from everywhere. I was also using the wireless sound system that Steve sells. Top notch! Used it for both performances. The Mic Mouth I used during Kids Church. I brought a kid out from the audience and he helped me tell a "Life Application" story. The kids loved it!

It would be awesome if you posted this on my Facebook pagehttp://www.facebook.com/steveax

and also leave it as a REVIEW here on this part of the forum... http://www.network54.com/Forum/149423/thread/1277169773/last-1277169773/WRITE+A+PRODUCT+REVIEW

I am sure enough a new guy!!!! see lots of old post. so bear with me folks with my questions as I try my darndest to navigate thru these for my answers Thanks.

Please count me in. {:- >

Any best practices for keeping the back germ free? I'm trying the 2" medical tape but curious if anyone has any low maintenance ideas...?

=:-D
Darryl Berman
IBM Ring 9 Atlanta
SAM Assembly 30

I tried squirting the volunteers face with rubbing alcohol, but that didn't go over too well. The medical tape is pretty low maintenance. Just change it right after each show. (or before, but the after is good in case you decide to throw it into a show in which you hadn't planned for it.)

Hey There!

I own a remote drawing board and LOVE it. For some reason, the last two times (this week) I tested it before a show the eyes and mouth get stuck. They move really slowly and there's nothing I can do until it stops on it's own.

Any ideas of what might be wrong?

Thanks so much!

Mike

The board might be warped from being in the hot sun for a long time, or a hot car. If the plastic parts get warped they will not flow correctly. Email me at [email protected] for options. Ax

What I did was put a piece of clear packaging tape, cut to size. I then wipe it with some of that 99.9% germ free hand cleaner using a paper towel after each use.

Use this thread for INTRODUCING yourself to our forum. To discuss specifics, start a new thread or search for a related thread and add to the discussion! We have a lot of new folks joining our forum, so if we get too many discussions about products going on in this intro thread, they will get lost. Thanks! Ax

In the fold.

http://grindshow.com

Hello all my fellow Puppet Pals. I am somewhat new to puppetry. I am in the baby stage. I have been an entertainer for years, however I just fell in love with puppets. I am glad I found this site

You're so right - puppets are cool! Curious, what field of entertainment have you been in. Many of us have background in different areas of entertainment: music, theater, clowning, juggling small farm animals, etc..

Hi everyone, just popped in from Perth. I've been a vent, magician and puppeteer for about 35 years. Nice to meet you all.James

Welcome! We have a beginner in vent above, and a 3 time national magic champion from Australia! Wow! Please feel free to do a search for topics of interest, even if you bring them up from 9 years ago! And add comments. We all benefit when someone posts.
And to Steve Petra, I started in ventriloquism because I wanted a job that gets easier the more I do it. The marketing still takes work, but even that gets easier as the years go by.

I am 53 years old. I have been interested in Ventriloquism and magic as long as I can remember. It's only been the last 6 months since I decided to do any performing. It was a quick google search that lead me here and I bought my first vent figure. The most money I have ever spent online! Thanks to Ax and his community I am writing my first script. The web site is like "wonderland" for the internet. You never know what you'll find down the rabbit hole.

Hello. WheezingTurnip here

When I first got involved in puppetry (later in life) and subscribed to all the professional puppetry mags and sites and etc. birthday parties seemed to be considered the lowest of the low - so I followed their lead and determined NEVER to do birthday parties. But then a friend begged me to do a party for her neighbor's children and I LOVED it. It did become my "bread and butter" - I did a short hand puppet show with an easily erectable stage coupled with out front storytelling and songs. Frankly - I don't care what the parents do or don't do. I focus on the kids and have a great time with them.

Thanks for joining us Pam, I'll move your "party" comment over to the Birthday party thread.

Hi,

I've read different threads in the past on this site but never commented.

I love the look of the axtell puppets and would love to own one myself some day.

I'm a full time missionary for a non-profit children's ministry in Northern CA. I would like to start using puppets in my teaching time with the kids.

Those of you in Christian work where do you get your material to present?

Thanks, Pam

Hi,

Having been a teacher for many years my nick name is Miss Pam even my adult friends call me Miss Pam.

Any one have a creative name besides Miss Pam's Puppets?

Hi Tony, I met you at Spirit West Coast years ago, maybe 2006. You performed in the big tent in the children's area.
I do a children's evangelist tent each year. But not this year, No Spirit West Coast this year in Monterey.I'm so sad.

I am new to this site and am very excited to learn from other puppeteers. I work with a puppet team in church ministry.

Welcome Carol! To get started click on "Return to Index" and look at the different threads. You can comment on them by clicking "Respond to this Message", or start a new thread. You can find what's been discussed before by using the SEARCH function. If you have registered with Network54 you can login and edit your posts.

I have a set of 3 Veggietales Puppets by Axtell for sale if anyone is interested email me at [email protected] I can send you pictures.

Since this is the Welcome Thread you might get more eyeballs on your offer, if you make a new thread called "Veggies for Sale" or something like that. Ax

Hi , I'd like to chat from Australia

Hi , I'd like to chat from Australia

Rod, Just go to Post or Comments. Open it up. It will ask your name and Message title. Start typing in Message Text. Hit respond at the bottom when you are ready to send it to the Forum. If we have something of interest to add to your thread we will add it to your thread.
There are all kinds of threads in the forum that you can visit. Have fun!

I'm Steve

I travel with my husband who is a gospel magician, I "open" for him, but have been asked to do more. I want to learn more about ventriloquism and get as much info as I can.

HELLO I DO CLOWNING AND HAVE BEEN DO GOSPEL CLOWNING SINC 1998

Hi!

Absorbing as much as possible from this wonderful site in the past month.
I'm from New England. Already ordered 2 Axtell puppets (Meerkat & Willie).
Practicing voices while I wait for them. Just saw the Mini Moose! Exciting!
(Rinji is a name I found from baby name sites as I looked for names for my
puppets.)

Next year I plan to be at VENT Haven!

Just reporting in for the umpteenth time...

Silly Sally here from Iowa. I have three Axtell puppets and have been a puppeteer and ventriloquist for many years. Always looking to improve my ventriloquism skills which is why I am signing on here!

I'm a newbie. Looking for a cool animal I can use for anti-bullying assemblies for kids & maybe some funny scripts.

Feel free to start a new thread for any questions you might have! You'll get lots of help here. Ax

Basically a newbie to ventriloquism (except did a little for family when in Jr High over 55 years ago).

I've been a Santa since 1994 when I picked up the card from "The Santa Clause" and the reindeer knew what to do... (If you saw or have seen the Tim Allen movie, you know what that's all about) I've got both a Bachelors and Masters degree from two different Santa schools, doing a third school in Sept. Been to 4 Santa conventions. Have done home visits, company parties, Kiwanis version of Toys for Tots, Breakfast with Santa and been a mall Santa over 10 years (lost track by now).

I've done Lee Cornell's Ventriloquism 101, the CD version of Jimmy Nelson's record course, and Tom Crowl's Learn Ventriloquism on-line course. I attended VentHaven last month and bought Axtell's Vern and Possum along with videos and books. I'm learning more, practicing daily and will be attending KIDabra next week. Having FUN and looking to have MORE FUN.

Wally, the new Vent

Hi, bought a M D Board back in 2008, have puppets & theatre, pre-recorded & CD's I made . Used mainly in churches , kindergatens & once in shopping centre. Just did 1st 5 lessons of Tom Crowls course & it felt OK, will practice voices using board . Any comments on course would be appreciated , thanks Rod

Glad to meet you.

Welcome to the Axtell site.
I highly recommend that you sign up to take the rest of Tom Crowl's course. The first 5 lessons are just a taste of what's to come with lessons 6 through 36. Sign up and ENJOY learning to vent.

SantaWally

for the future ...what are the steps to start a new thread, thru New Topics or ? thanks

No problem. Just click on "Return to Index" then "Post an Idea or Comment" If you come back and want to continue a conversation look at the thread titles and click on them to get into it... scroll down to the bottom and "respond". Welcome this is so cool that you're here!

Ax

Hi everybody. So happy to find a puppet forum. Love the information . Very helpful to my ministry.

I live in the UK I am not a vent or an entertainer but have always been interested in this art form I have a young daughter and a Young son and have been training to become a teaching assistant I plan on using Axtell expressions for educational purposes as well as for fun, I would love to one day become a working entertainer but for me the number one goal is to just have fun and Axtell ticks all the right boxes in that category. so after a long thought process and searching through the great list of characters which one did I decide to order? well let me tell you a story first I had been looking at the website when my daughter came in and spotted all the lovely animal designs that you have she asked if she could maybe have one for Christmas this is what set my mind racing with ideas of the kind of magic and fun that could be created on Christmas morning with such a gift. I let my daughter look through the pictures and the videos she liked the looks of the Rodney rabbit but as I'm no vent and My daughter will only be 4years old at Christmas I felt that this wasn't the right choice for a first puppet as she may struggle to get her little hands into the mouth so I tried to sway her onto a smaller animal but little girls being what they are she had her heart set on a rabbit, but then one day a few weeks later we were in our local pet shop and this shop sells a range or exotic pets and they just happened to have a baby skunk this little guy was adorable but very very expensive not to mention that due to animal welfare laws in the UK it is now illegal for skunks to be descented so this little guy would make some nasty smells but my daughter was so in love with him it was unbelievable I felt terrible for not buying the little guy but as I said he came with a hefty price tag anyway long story short I remember seeing a skunk character on your website so I loaded up the page with him on and showed the video to my daughter she was so excited I have never seen a child so happy at watching a video of a puppet before she thinks Oreo is the real deal and so it hit me this little guy looks just like the real thing but doesn't smell bad so I placed an order and am now awaiting patiently for his delivery I cant wait to show him to my daughter and my son and look forward to all the fun we will have with him if any one has any ideas for this little skunk guy it would be greatly appreciated.

We'll start a separate post for your request for skunk ideas.

love reading your site

I`m having some difficulty here and need some advice. I had eight shows in August. A buddy of mine wrote a nice article in the local newspaper shortly after I retired from teaching this past June ( 25 years as a school band director). I received several jobs because of that article. They included a couple birthday parties, several senior health centers, some church picnics, a boat club party, a comedy club ( which I do not want to do again), and some rotary club luncheons. The Rotary Club luncheons are free to get some exposure. I have one job currently in my schedule but would like a lot more. Can anyone give me some honest no holds bard suggestions on how to kick start this new career. ?

My web site is tomsmithvent.com. The school assembly link has my school flyer. There is a link for the news article too.

I know we all have secrets for success. My journey has just begun . Is there something I am missing ? Is there anything I should be doing ? Do I start local and then branch out? I `m thinking that I start with Senior Health Centers and Child Care places.

Tom

I am new at this. I have never been in this type of site. I just sent something and I don`t know if anyone saw it.

For your question, I have copied it onto a new thread. This thread is primarily for letting us know you are here. Thank you for visiting. Go to the index and look for Tom's Question.

I have been away from this forum for a while but always have you guys in my mind here is a song I rewrote about your neighborhood

MY AXTELL SONG GOES SOMETHING LIKE THISI
Do You wanna be an Axtell Baby .playing all day long...
Singing....
Do You wanna be an Axtell Baby singing The Axtell Song...
You can ride on an Orstrich swing like a chimpanzee...
You can sit on a donkey swim in the deep blue sea...
Do You wanna be an Axtell Baby. Playing All day through
Do You wanna be an Axtell babySharing Laughs with me from you...

I am 6'4" with long arms. I want to incorporate a bird into my daily arsenal of animal puppets. I work for a doctors office and am constantly entertaining children and their parents. I want a puppet that covers the bird arm illusion and looks natural when I am wearing it. Axtell puppets are in my opinion quality from the ground up. I have tried a bird arm illusion for a short arm person with a Vern puppet. The glove and arm extension were way too short for me. I liked the Vern puppet. I am leaning toward the Vulture or several other styles. I just want them to be long enough to hide my arms while wearing the bird arm illusion and look natural. In other words, I do not want to order a short puppet. I will order the longest bird arm illusion Axtell makes. But I am going to need a long, lifelike bird puppet to go along with it. And one that also is office friendly. I also like the Parrot type for the office. Just worried about the length or height as it appears to be standing on my fake arm. Please comment........Thanks!

Yes I read this site. There is a world of great information on it for beginners and the pro's. Thanks to all.

I am 6'4" with long arms. I want to incorporate a bird into my daily arsenal of animal puppets. I work for a doctors office and am constantly entertaining children and their parents. I want a puppet that covers the bird arm illusion and looks natural when I am wearing it. Axtell puppets are in my opinion quality from the ground up. I have tried a bird arm illusion for a short arm person with a Vern puppet. The glove and arm extension were way too short for me. I liked the Vern puppet. I am leaning toward the Vulture or several other styles. I just want them to be long enough to hide my arms while wearing the bird arm illusion and look natural. In other words, I do not want to order a short puppet. I will order the longest bird arm illusion Axtell makes. But I am going to need a long, lifelike bird puppet to go along with it. And one that also is office friendly. I also like the Parrot type for the office. Just worried about the length or height as it appears to be standing on my fake arm. Please comment........Thanks!

Hi Robert thanks for coming into the Forum and introducing yourself. We do have an XL or extra long Bird arm illusion available. http://www.axtell.com/bai.html Start a new discussion thread to discuss this further. Welcome!
Ax

Hi my name is Tami. I own a few of Axtell woodland puppets and I am very happy and excited about developing my website and writer's workshop for children. I don't use my puppets for puppet shows. They only visit children who go through my writer's workshop program and deserve a reward that I present them with along with the puppets as an incentive. I need to develop my vantriliquist skills and voices. I feel I have time to take lessons! Thanks for your interest! Tami

Hello! I have been a fan of Axtell puppets for years.

Welcome to Tami and Wayne! Be sure to use the search button at the top of this forum for any specific topics that may have been talke about. For example, type in "Christmas" and you just might get a Christmas routine or a list of tricks.

Tami and Wayne. Sounds like a country western duet! Welcome, y'all!

Hello,
my name is Werner. I live in Michigan, however, I am German Descent, but born and raised in Africa.


I am actually a Balloon Artist, however, I have been interested in learning Ventriloquism.
I just started last week. I bought the Maher Course.

I have a puppet (Duck, from One Way Street/Creative Ministries).

I realised I have done it the other way around (first bought a puppet, instead of first creative my voice and character).

However, I am looking forward to learning, and using Ventriloquism, while I make Balloon Sculptures for the kids, and people.

Werner

Welcome, Werner! Thank you for joining the Axtell forum. If you happen to do magic as well then search on the forum for Christmas magic. We have several ideas posted. It would be great if you could post some websites you recommend for people who want to learn how to make special balloon characters.

For Christmas I have made simple balloons, such as Rudolph and baby in a manger.

Hello
I am a new member to this site. I have been doing ventriloquism for many years. I live up here in the great white north. Canada. I was born and raised in White plains, New York. Would like to communicate with vents. Would like to know if there are any vents around me? I live near Edmonton, Alberta,
Gary

Welcome! This site is a good archive of ideas, both here on the forum and in numerous spots on the side. Click on puppet photos to open up more ideas about specific puppets. You can communicate with vents through facebook on a daily basis for short communications as well. Be sure to list Steve Axtell of Axtell Expressions as a friend. If you ever make it to Montana we have a vent there. I do know a popular Canadian vent, but I don't know his home province. He posts on facebook regularly but I believe he still reads this site.

Hi Tony,
Thank you for your welcome. I was a member of both the S.A.V. and the N.A.A.V. before they were discontinued. I do miss the magazines we received each month. I am about to order Wanlu Alien puppet. Would you know if his quality of work is good? I have a basswood figure by Craig Lovik that I purchased in 1979 and a Finis baby figure that I purchased around 1981. Never been to Vent Haven for the convention and always wanted to go. Have you been there? Thanks for your time
Gary

Hello everybody,

I'm a Belgian ventriloquist. Practicing since many years and already owner of the "Art-O-Magic".

I've now purchased the Mic-Mouth and received it today. A fantastic prop I'll use in all my shows, also in magic shows.

Thank you Steve and the whole team for making professional vent props.

Hello Patrick,
I am new to this site also. Steve Axtell's company do make some really wonderful vent figures. Some years ago I bought his vulture bird puppet with the arm illusion. Is there many vents where you live? There are a couple who live in Alberta, Canada, but as of yet I have not been able to contact them. Do you do near and distant ventriloquism? Are you a Pro, Semi-pro, or amuater? Do you put on shows? If so, what kind of audiences?
I leave it there for now.
Gart

Gary, you might get more responses by starting a new thread with questions. This particular thread (the longest) is primarily for signing in and saying hello. Having said that, I have never been to the Vent Haven convention as it is during my busiest season. I did make it to two of the Las Vegas conventions. Once as an attendee and once as an Axtell representative. Vegas no longer holds their vent convention, but the Vent Haven is stronger than ever and I highly recommend it. There are some posts on this forum about it.

As per Wanlu's puppets, I have tried on his duck puppet. I loved it and would love to see more of his work. He is a performing vent as well as figure maker, like Steve Axtell, and knows what we want in a puppet.

I know this might sound dumb to some people, but can anyone tell me how to start a new thread?
Many Thanks
Gary

Welcome, Gary.

You can start a new post by going to the main page of the forum and clicking at the top right of the forum threads where it says "Post an Idea or Comment" if I recall correctly.

Johnny

Hi everyone I'm Liam from Terrigal on The Central Coast New South Wales Australia. I'm a new vent I Love Axtell puppets sign me up I'm already addicted to in a good way ha ha. And love this Forum I feel like I'm apart of the Axtell Expression Family So G'day Mates . Liam C.

Hi everyone,

I'm Connor and I have an Axtell Possum on the way!

Welcome, Liam and Connor -- hope you like it here.

I have a possum as well!

Johnny

Howdy everyone. I am Raymond from Wichita. I have been clowning for 17 of my 21 years on this planet and doing puppetry for about 15. Ordered my first Axtell three weeks ago and am waiting anxiously for it to come in.

Pull up a chair and sit a spell. Love to hear about your adventures of working with puppets and clowning around.
Start a new thread about puppets, venting, or magic and you'll be hanging with us in no time.
Of course you will be hanging on by a thread. Haahahaha

Hi!

It's time I officially introduce myself...

My name is Frank, I'm a 49 year old child from the Netherlands.

I really admire Axtell's team for inventing the Animatronics and everything else. But especially the Animatronics. I am crazy about it.
Unfortunately they are not within my budget, but after dreaming several years (and a lot of emails back and forth with Steve, exchanging ideas...) Steve came up with the Hands Free Lite.... at last!!!

You can imagine how thrilled I was, seeing an Animatronic system within my price range!

So now I have a Hands Free Lite system with a Raccoon ( which is in Dutch: wasbeer)
His name is Willy Wasbeer (not Willy was here...)

We have become close friends and have a lot of fun together.
I will show you a video later on, because we entered the competition...

That's enough for now.

Talk to you later!

Regards,

Frank

(forgive me for any language errors....)

Glad to meet you Frank.
Looking forward to hearing more about you and your adventures.
Feel free to start a new thread or add a comment to an old one.
Great bunch of guys and gals on the forum. Lots of help too if you need it.
Never know you may be very helpful with advice to us as well.

I'm a long time Axtell user. I own in the neighborhood of around 12-15 Axtell puppets. My most recent purchases have been the Mother Goose goose puppet and the Lamb puppet. I have been bugging Steve for years to make both of these and thankfully he added them to his collection. I was the first to own either one!

Well, I am pleased to report that I love both of these puppets. People always remark to me how cute the puppets are. The goose is easy to work. I have taken a needle and thread and sewn her glasses to her head so they would not fall off. Before doing that they would fall off at inopportune moments in my performance, which was always funny though until a child persisted in helping pick them up.

The lamb puppet is adorable as well. I have a little issue with the length of her lower lip. I use the puppet in a "look don't see" chewing on my dress routine. Making her "chew" is a bit difficult with the way her lower lip extends so if you ever make a new mold for the head I'd shorten the lower lip by about 1/4 to 1/2 inch if possible to make a chewing action a little easier. I added a bell on a blue ribbon matching her eyes to hang around her neck. Now she's a beautiful "Mary's Little Lamb." Thanks again for making these gorgeous puppets!

Congratulations on the documentary videos. I did not realize you made your first puppet when you were six years old.