Had a thought:

During a routine with the elephant puppet explain that you will attempt to do the most difficult feat possible for a ventriloquist.

Elephant: Let me talk for myself?

Vent: No.

Elephant: So you're going to keep talking for me?

Vent: That goes without saying.

Elephant: How would THAT work?

Vent: I'm going to try something new. Something I've never done before.

Elephant: Are you going to get a job?

Vent: I'm going to drink a glass of water...

Elephant: You're kidding. You've never drunk a glass of water?

Vent: I'm going to drink water. You just keep doing your part.

(Vent picks up water and drinks it.) Aaah!

Elephant: That was amazing! I see someone in the back giving you a standing ovation! Oh, wait. He's turning around and walking out.

Vent: You were supposed to keep talking.

Elephant: You were so good I was speechless.

Vent: Let me try it again.

Elephant: Ladies and gentlemen! An encore performance!

Vent: You just keep talking. Why don't you sing a song.

Elephant: Good idea.

Vent: (drinks another glass of water) Aaah! Why didn't you sing?

Elephant: My mouth was dry.

Vent: Just forget it.

Elephant: No, let's try it one more time. I have an idea.

Vent: Okay. One last time. (drink another glass of water) Aaaah! I can't believe it. You were supposed to do something.

Elephant: Wait for it.

Vent: But...

Elephant: Wait for it! (sprays audience)

I now understand the phrase,"Better Living Through Chemistry". Nice work,Tony.Ron

Tony, I love it! Thanks for sharing. Do you mind if I use bits of it? Sweet Pea loves to play 'squirt-squirt'!

Thank you!

Shari

I was thinking of your elephant when I wrote this, Shari. You'd mentioned it in an earlier post. I picked up a book I've had in my "library" at home for about 40 years. It started falling apart in my hands, with several sections of pages coming out as I tried to read.

I have an Axtell skunk on display on the landing on my staircase. Looks great, but the sunlight bouncing off the opposing wall has gradually faded the white face so it's now tan.

I have balloon twists that have popped because they are old. (Yes, I know I should store them in the fridge.)

The point is: Use it or lose it.

One more joke for the above routine. Fit it in at the beginning.

Vent: I'm going to amaze the audience today while performing ventriloquism.

Elephant: What is that?

Vent: Ventriloquism? That's what they call it when you start to talk, but I do all the talking.

Elephant: I call that rude.

There are a few methods for "drinking" water while venting, four if you count a tracheotomy with an electronic voice box, but that is not cost effective.

1. Use slush powder. Slush powder is the chemical found in a baby's diaper to absorb the moisture. If you put a teaspoonful in the bottom of a styrofoam cup you should be able to pour water in, turn it over, and the slush that forms will stay in. You appear to drink it, but you didn't need to. This is the best method I'm aware of. You can order slush powder at any magic store.

2. Use a magic glass that is designed like a magic pitcher. It seems to pour liquid, yet doesn't. This would be best with a non-clear liquid for visibility, such as soda. It can be ordered at the magic store.

3. Use a scotch glass. Use the small glass with thick sides and a thick bottom. You actually DO have to drink the water with this method.

4. In this method the PUPPET drinks the liquid while you talk. Use the glass as in #2 and a straw and the audience will see the liquid go down while the straw is in the puppet's mouth. A nice twist!

My recommendation is that you combine 1 and 4, so you drink the water while he talks and then he does the same trick!

I LOVE the slush powder idea! In addition to the ideas posted, here's what I do:

at home, hold a note that the puppet will sing. Start pouring water from a water bottle in your mouth until you feel that's all you can hold while still able to hold that note. Empty the water bottle out and "refill" the bottle with the water in your mouth (gross, I know..I Prefer iced tea or pepsi..it is more visible). Cap the bottle, Put it in your case and your set to go.

While performing, have the puppet sing and hold a note, for a long time. Act annoyed, reach into the case, bounce the liquid around so people see it and then "drink it". Swallow as the puppet finishes the note.

-A

If I don't use the slush, I'll block my throat with my tongue and fill the front portion of my mouth with liquid. That way I can sit the glass/bottle down, hold the note until I start to run out of breath and then swallow the liquid.