James Wedgwood - Ventriloquist
James Wedgwood uses his talents to entertain and also introduce the audience to different talents associated with stagecraft and the history and art of ventriloquism. A part of the program will bring the audience into the performance and encourage children to practice their theater skills on the spot, learning to say a few simple words without moving their lips. The library will provide additional puppets for the children to use as a supplemental aid.
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Children and adults will have a greater understanding of how their vocal tract is used and will learn how it can be manipulated. By extension, they will also learn how tone can have an impact on language. Additionally participants will change their perception of ventriloquism and puppetry as not just forms of entertainment but also as an art form. They will gain knowledge of how this art form has changed and has been used throughout history. Children may also be inspired to engage in performing arts at home and possibly in their community. Anecdotal responses will be collected.
A lot of interest was generated even before the program took place and afterward a number of children came back to the library to ask for books about dummies, puppets and ventriloquism. The presenter was kind enough to stay an extra 15-20 minutes after the program to show the kids how some of his puppets worked, along with working on modifying their voices. Throughout the week at our other summer reading programs, kids were still talking about the ventriloquism show.
Wabasso Community Center, Wabasso Standard, KLGR Radio