Most of my shows these days are at a place called The Edwards Aquifer Authority Education Outreach Center. EOC for short. I am presenting science magic and puppet shows for school groups. I really love it. I am also still doing comedy shows at clubs and bars, but this is more of a challenge I’ve set for myself, and something of a hobby I guess, since these often don’t pay much of anything. But I think they make me a better performer.

I used to use a headset that came with the Pas sound system. But sometimes I would arrive at an event realize that my system wasn’t big enough for the venue, and all the DJ or venue sound person would have was a hand held mic. I made myself learn to use that and ended up replacing my system with something big enough for school shows (1500 watts) and I always use a corded hand held on a stand. It’s just more reliable and more flexible for certain things. Now if I am not using my own system, like at a comedy open mic, I am much more comfortable with the mic than I used to be.

I was just mesmerized by traditional hard figures early on. Paul Winchell’s Jerry Mahoney made me want to become a ventriloquist. I still use a hard figure occasionally, but audiences, especially kids, respond much better to my soft figures. Animals especially are always winners. I use a Brose kit hard figure I built myself and a custom dog by Jet at The Dummy Shoppe. The dog is Frank the Wonder Dog. The cheeky boy is Henry Little.

Oh yes, kids definitely like soft puppets better. I use Frank the Wonder Dog in every show, but in shows like the one I was in last night with mostly adults but some children, or all adults, I use both characters.

I perform for both children and adults, but primarily I am a children’s entertainer. I like kids and I am good at entertaining them. My advice is to treat children with respect and kindness. Be present and in the moment so that you can respond to the situation. Remember that they (like any audience) are usually on your side and want you to succeed in giving them a fun show.

I’m currently reading the novel that movie is based on. It’s somewhat different from the Anthony Hopkins movie. I am interested in seeing how they handle the story in the new version.