Ventriloquism - The Fundamentals

Ventriloquism is a difficult art to master because the ventriloquist must be able to be several characters and different voices in one performance while creating the illusion that the voice is coming from sources other than them e.g. from the ventriloquist figure, from a trunk or even from the ceiling.

A basic definition of ventriloquism (also known as throwing your voice) is that it is the art of creating the illusion that the voices come from various places and distances from the actual speaker. To be able to master the art of the ventriloquism you will need to possess a good strong voice along with a good ear for sound.

There are 2 fundamental parts to ventriloquism - Near Ventriloquism and Natural Ventriloquism. A ventriloquist will normally add the associated art of polyphony to their repertoire.

Near Ventriloquism
Near ventriloquism is the easier part for ventriloquists to learn. It is used when the ventriloquist is in dialogue with ventriloquist figure (also known as a dummy). A caricature voice is normally employed to add effect to the dummy's character. The illusion is effected by the ventriloquist speaking the dummy's voice, keeping their facial muscles still and manipulating the dummy's mouth to look like it is speaking.

A ventriloquist can deliver great performances with this part alone, for example to win America's Got Talent Terry Fator used only near ventriloquism. A great singing voice may have played a part in it!

Natural Ventriloquism
Natural ventriloquism is where the ventriloquist creates the illusion that the voice is coming from some distance away from them (throwing your voice). The ventriloquist to help the illusion will look in the "direction" of the voice. They also modify their voice so that the sound and quality of it is the same as if it were heard from a distance away.

This is most commonly seen on TV when the ventriloquist figures voice appears to be coming from a trunk or bag. The ventriloquist modifies their voice so it has the same muffled quality it would have if it was actually coming from inside the trunk.

Polyphony
Polyphony is the art of imitating of sounds other than speech, such as the humming of bees, the bleating of sheep, noises made by sawing, pouring a glass of soda etc. Many of the noises can't be made ventriloquially and no deception is attempted as to the source.

The ventriloquist combines polyphony with ventriloquism for variety and comic effect. For example, the ventriloquist can imitate the sound of an imaginary mosquito flying around a dummy's head and great fun can be made of it while they try to catch it.

Ventriloquism is fun and entertaining (and in some cases informative) for an audience and the ventriloquist. With some effort there is the possibility of extra pocket money for the successful exponent. Anyone who possesses an average voice and a good ear that can sense impressions will be able to master the fundamental parts of ventriloquism.