How Can I Make My Own Ventriloquist Dummy??

Question

I want to make a ventriloquist dummy, cause im overly obsessed with Jeff Dunham!!♥ lol

Answer 1

In respoinse toi above, Jeff actually makes his hard figures.  Peanut is made by Mary Anne Taylor.  (Just a side note)

The cheapest vent dummy you'll find is at www.throwthings.com   They run about $40 for one with a pull string in the back.  You can get it upgraded with moving eyes, control stick, etc. for about $150....I think (check their site)

Anywhere else and the cheapest you will find is about $350 on up.  You will usually find them on ebay.  If they do not sell, you can contact the seller and maybe get them for about $250 if they are really willing to part with it for that much.

Making a ventriloquist dummy:  There is a kit to help with that.  puppetsandprops.com

http://drango.com/tips/Puppet-Makers.htm  One last resource, if you feel like spending a thousand or more.

Matt

Answer 2

Jeff uses a variety of puppets, from Henson-style muppets like Peanut to more traditional hard-headed stick-controlled like Walter or Jose Jalapeno.

Try doing some research on puppetry. There are also a number of sites devoted to building vent figures.

Essentially, you need a hollow head. You can sculpt a model in clay, then  do papier mache over the clay model, building up several layers thick. Open up the hardened shell to remove the clay. Insert whatever mechanics you like (a moving mouth is essential) and mount the head to the stick. About halfway down the stick is where you'll put your controls - various wire or string controlled toggles that activate the mechanics you've installed in the head.

Answer 3

Just ask Reverend Wright, he has one that's nationally famous!