1.11.2006
Mark Wade's KID BITS
Don't Be Afraid To Use "Stock Puppets"
At a ventriloquist convention I've overheard someone say from time to time, "Uh oh, that guy's using a STOCK PUPPET in his act!". And the way it was said made me think the person on stage was committing a crime. Not so!! True, the puppet was a stock manufactured puppet (for you not familiar with "stock puppet" it is a puppet that is mass produced and there are virtually hundreds, if not thousands, of copies available), but the way this person presented the act and the originality of his comedy material shined through loud and clear.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with using a stock puppet in your act. Many of the professionals have used them to great success. Gary Owen, Jeff Dunham and myself have all used the Axtell possum to great effect. Each of us did it differently, and each of us did it well. I also know many pros that use other stock characters and their acts are wonderful.
Remember - we are playing to audience of non-vents, people that have no idea that your puppet is a stock character. And even if they did, so what? Aren't we going for the laughs - for the comedy? If you're entertaining enough it doesn't matter what kind of puppet you use. There are hundreds of great stock characters out there from Maher, Axtell, Selberg and others, so jump in and find something that you can work with to be a GREAT performer. Don't let that old "it's a stock puppet" phrase bother you one bit!
Mark Wade www.kidshowvent.com
