Why should you consider a backdrop? Is it important? What kind should you have? Today, we discuss backdrops, the good, the bad and the ugly.

At one point, I mention two places I order backdrops. Here are the links:

For custom printed vinyl banners like I use in my library shows, I send the artwork to:
AllStateBanners.com
I order a 5′ wide x 6’tall banner with hemmed edges and 3″pole pockets, top and bottom. The top pocket accepts am adjustable length pole that fits on top of photo backdrop stands. The bottom pocket holds a 5′ long wood closet rod to help weight it down. The banner is rolled up with the design side in and secured with velcro straps for transport.

For my brick wall backdrop, I sent custom artwork to:
San Diego Sign Company

The frame I use is at this link.

We hope you found this episode helpful!

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This week we continue with 10 Things You Need To Know If You Earn Money With Ventriloquism. If you didn’t hear part one, listen to it first by clicking here!

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If you charge someone for a show, it opens up a whole can of worms. You may not realize it, but in the eyes of the law, you have started a business. Don’t believe it? You will if something goes wrong. What could go wrong? Hopefully nothing – but it pays to be prepared.

Today we share 10 Things You Need To Know If You Earn Money With Ventriloquism!

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What do people get when they buy a show? Entertainment right? Not so fast. It isn’t always that simple. Today we discuss what people are really getting – and why you need to price yourself accordingly.

This is an interesting conversation that will have you thinking!

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What do you get when you buy a script? Is it a finished piece you should memorize and put in your show? Will it generate laughs? Today, we discuss what you really get when you buy a script. During this conversation you’ll learn about why you should never recite a script line for line. You’ll find out what it takes to make a purchased script funny. 

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Are you flexible? What does it mean? When should you be? Today we talk about less than perfect situations. While every situation is different, hopefully these insights will help you determine your best course of action when you encounter a problem.

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Maher Studios used to produce a lot of script booklets. Most ventriloquists I have talked with have said if they got one good line it was worth the price.

When Ken, Mark & I reopened the Studio, we wanted to do better. We wanted to create scripts that vents could use to get stronger laughs and have better shows.

Writing these scripts isn’t easy. It takes a lot of work. In 2016 we set aside time to work on scripts each week. But we will release no script before it is time! It has to be solid.

The day we recorded this, we had been working on a script and something happened. So listen and realize, comedy isn’t easy…

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Donald Woodford contacted me about how ventriloquists deal with loneliness when on the road. I answered it on an episode of Ask Tom on the Learn-Ventriloquism Blog. Today, we’ll expand on that episode to find out a bit more about dealing with travel.

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What makes a great show? How can you tell if you are headed in the right direction? Are there warning signs that things aren’t going so well? Today we talk about the guideposts for a great show. If you hit these, you are on the path to success.

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Someone contacted us with the question – “How do you deal with Hecklers?” The first thing you need to do is understand why people heckle. Then you have to learn how to solve this situation without making it worse. On today’s show, you’ll get advice from three pros who have been there, done that.

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