July has been crazy but I have enjoyed every moment. I created and performed a new Dino show for the libraries and other Jurassic events. My Trainload of Fun Show was a hit at the theater in Flint, Michigan. I had the opportunity to meet people from all over the USA that came to my shows. Remember friends what we do is give people a few minutes to break away from the daily routine and to experience a fun magical experience. Please let me know your success this summer.

What are some of your performance goals that you reached, and which are you proud of? Share them with the group.

I attended the Ventriloquist Convention this year and had a blast. I have not attended a convention for over 15 years, and it was great to go back to see a few old friends and meet new ones. The sessions were outstanding this year. I attended a great session on Character Building and as a group we improvised a Librarian Puppet, and we bounced off ideas for her looks and character attributes. After we were finished a puppet maker went to his room and created the puppet that we all visualized. It was amazing. I also took a comedy writing course that was an extra fee, and it was worth every penny. I’ve already used several structural ideas and written a few bits that got big laughs during my two shows yesterday. Meeting my heroes like Willie Tyler, Jay Johnson, Dan Horn and so many others was a big bonus. If you can make it next year, I highly recommend you attend.

I am so looking forward to celebrating 50 years at the Ventriloquist Convention. I have not been at a convention for almost 20 years. I am always working but this year I asked the theater for the week off and believe it or not he said yes. So I leave for the airport in a few minutes. I will send you all a report and pictures. Talk to you all soon.

Recently, at many of my shows, a child or adult will approach me with a puppet or ventriloquist figure. They are often shy and hesitant to ask how I do what I do—or how they can learn to become a ventriloquist. I usually tell them to do what I did: visit the library and find a book about becoming a ventriloquist. I also encourage them to watch both classic and current ventriloquists on YouTube to learn techniques and gather ideas for their own routines. If they want a coach or instructor, I usually recommend places where they can receive more formal training. About 40 years ago, a ventriloquist named Bill Hart inspired me to return to ventriloquism. When he gave me his old ventriloquist figure, he asked me to promise that I would inspire others as well, because we need to keep the art of ventriloquism alive for generations to come.