Puppets and Props

   Dennis Acosta says. . . Mike....., here is a picture of my partner made using your "parts". He has moving eyes and moving eyebrows. I added some "buck" teeth made from sculpy. Your book was a GREAT help and guided me through a fun project. This was my first attempt at a ventriloquist puppet. I see you have a new head available...Looks nice. I might HAVE to get one. I see winkers in my future. Thanks again.

Dennis

   Billy Sobe says. . . Hi Mike. How are you? Heres some new pics of Chester, I repainted him with a Marshall type paint job. The paint job shows the re-sculpt better. I didn't really care for the other paint job I gave him before. What do you think? I'll be buying more heads from you soon. Maybe I'll even try the Little 'E'. For Christmas my parents bought me a sandblasting box. I'm going to mod it so I can do all the cutting and sanding in it. I have so many ideas for new figures and ways to sculpt. Take care. Billy

   Cindy Reynolds says. . . Hi Mike. I'm enclosing a couple pictures of my "friend" I made from your cast parts. It took me a long time to get my head around the mechanical aspects but after studying your book it finally made sense and I'm happy with the results. I was hoping you would post the pictures on your testimonial page. Her name is Lola Zadoinka [she's Irish].

I would like to add that the reason I made my own was I couldn't find any adult female vent figures [with cleavage] for sale. Also Lola Zadoinka.com is under construction and she will be looking for singing gigs some time next year. Thanks again for your generous feedback.

Thanks, Cindy.

   Mark Garrett says. . . My experience with your products and services has been nothing short of amazing. The castings arrived very quickly, were well packed and cleared customs easily (something that can be a hassle with some packages). The instructions were clear and easy to follow. Both figures required a minimum of preparation, and the fit of the jaws was very close. I used a lot of brass fittings for the workings and made them as adjustable as possible to ensure a quiet and reliable mechanism. Carson took about three weeks of evenings to complete, and "little C" took only two.(I guess I learned a little) I would recommend all of your products to anyone regardless of skill level. I look forward to your future offerings and enjoyed my building experience and enjoyed assisting Andrea even more. (Note: Andrea is another Puppets and Props customer that Mark assisted in building her figure)
Mark Garrett

   Billy Sobe says. . . This is my first time building a ventriloquist figure. I bought the Fred head, eyes, hands, body and book. I re-sculpted the head using Magic Sculp. It took me a few months to get him looking the way he does. He actually had several different looks, but this one I'm very happy with. My dad installed the mechanics. He has self-centering eyes and a moving mouth. We ran into a few problems so I sent him to Clinton Detweiler and he fixed them up. He also painted and wigged him. I'm very proud of myself. I never imagined I could do a sculpt like this. My Mom, Dad, and I consider Rodney to be part of the family. I'm really looking forward to performing with him. This is really a great kit. I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to build their own ventriloquist figure.

Thank you Mike for making these kits. Because of you I was able to make my dream ventriloquist figure.

Billy Sobe

   Ken Souza says. . . Using the castings from Puppets and Props has been fantastic. I cannot say enough about the quality of these kits. Up until finding out about Mike and his web site, I had always dreamt of building my own Ventriloquist figure. With these wonderful Brose castings, my dream has become a reality! Figure building for me has always been a daunting task up until I read Mike's informative and essential book, "Figure Making Can Be fun." A big thank you goes out to you, Mike!

   It was so nice of you to take the time to answer my questions during my project. As for my figure, Randall, I chose to give him self-centering eyes, a Marshall inspired paint job, and shell blinkers. As a result, I absolutely love using this figure! The addition of blinkers (my favorite animation), really adds that extra dimension of bringing Randall to life and also opens up a whole range of possible emotions for him when used tastefully. I cannot wait to order more castings from you and wish you the best, Mike!

Regards,

Ken Souza & Randall

   Kenny Croes says. . . Working with the vent figure parts manufactured and supplied by Puppets and Props was a joy. The quality of the materials provided and the freely given advice was impressive. I even submitted an alternate plan for the eye mechanics based on an old Jerry Mahoney design, and owner Mike Brose was prompt and helpful with his evaluation. Building a vent figure with Puppets and Props castings is a great way to get started in this wonderful craft. And you'll end up with a first-rate professional vent figure in the bargain! Kenny

   Kenny also chronicles his figure making adventures on his blog.

   David Canada says. . . Dear Mike, Just wanted to let you know, my vent figure finally has a name. Took a week, but he sort of told me after he began to talk. He is Joey Forest. He's a wonderful little guy -- happy all the time. Thanks again. I'm not experienced with tools but with some instruction from my wife, your book and (web) instructions, and the material Al Stevens has on his website the project was lots of fun. I also believe that building Joey gave me a lot of insight into the mechanics of ventriloquism that are helping me in my practice of the art. Your product is great and you have been very kind and helpful.

    Blessings,

    David Canada

   Gerry Snelson says. . . I just finished my third Mike Brose figure and have put all three temporarily in the living room where I and everyone else can see them. Through the bay window it looks as though my wife Jackie and I, have company. These are much better than, and took much less time than the three vent figures I built before them. The difference is that Mike's castings free me from most of the drudgery and headaches of the process and allow me to express some creativity in the facial sculpting. The cast hands alone save me lots of band-aids and grumbling. The body is just right for size four suits from discount department stores. The eyes are fabulous, and I may retrofit some earlier work with them. They are pre-bored precisely right for mounting and articulating. Very sincerely, Gerry Snelson.

   This Fred was assembled by the special effects experts at 'The Character Shop' who does many high tech animatronic special effects for commercials and movies.

   Rick Lazzarini says. . . Most of the movements were radio controlled: Head turn, torso turn, jaw, eyes side/side, blinks, and brow moves. These moves were split up among two transmitters and puppeteers. A third person operated the cable-controlled body up/down, and a fourth did arm/hand movements via rod control.

   So, thank you for producing such a high quality product, and being so quick and helpful. I now have my own pro style vent figure! (Don't worry, I didn't re-sell the modified figure to them; I own it.)

   Thanks again for everything!

   Rick Lazzarini - President, The Character Shop

   James Yonkman says. . . Thanks for the kind words about Chester, by the way, he says "hi". He and I are getting along famously! He's a great fit with my other characters. I couldn't have done it without the help of your wonderful book. He has moving jaw, side to side self-centering eyes, raising and lowering eyebrows, and a spitter. (Caught one of my buddies right in the face with it the other day, talk about surprised!) Thanks again! James Yonkman.

   John Parisi says. . . Mike Brose kit let me do something that I have always wanted to do, build my very own vent figure. Along with my figures, I made new friends just by asking for advice, these friends are among the top vents and vent figure builders in the business. This kit allowed me to use my natural artistic talents to produce figures that I am proud of and that professional ventriloquist are impressed with. Not only is the face that Mike designed great as is, but it lends itself to easy modifications that can make the figure you build a unique personality all it's own. I only hope that my ability with ventriloquism can do these guys justice. John

   Isidoro Golman says. . . My friend Mike, I send you some photos of the Doll that I made with your Kit. (His) name is Andrés and for me it is a wonder Personage. As you can see is not painted, I have covered it with a weave similar to the skin of a peach. You can see it in www.lanzadera.com/isidorogolman. Thanks again Mike,
Best wishes, Isidoro Golman (Spain). Excuse me for my English.

   Grzegorz Rybacki says. . . HELLO MIKE! GRZEGORZ RYBACKI FROM POLAND. HERE IS SOME PICTURES OF A DUMMY I BUILD FROM ONE OF YOURS KITS. MEET TOMMY!!! HE IS MY BEST DOLL. I ONLY WANT SAY THANKS FOR EVERYTHING MIKE.

   Jeffrey Martin says. . . I have always wanted to make my own figure, ever since I was a young lad. I don't need to tell you how hard it is to sculpt one (if you don't have any real artistic ability, and I don't!). Your kit is really a dream come true for someone like me. I was taught ventriloquism at the age of ten in 1970 and started performing professionally at the age of twelve! At the time I was just using a cheap plastic Danny O'Day doll my dad had bought me from Sears. I wanted so much to have a hand made work of art. Your kit has provided the means to not only create my own figure but to also infuse my own self into your already beautiful design. I am also a musician and have my own Beatles tribute band called Help!(http://www.angelfire.com/pro/beatlestribute) You can see Woody sports a Mop top like the fab-four. He has shell blinkers and a Marshall style paint -job. Not bad for my first completed figure! The 'how-to make a figure' addition by Al Stevens on your website as well as your book were both invaluable information in guiding me along the way. Thanks again Mike, Best wishes, Jeffrey Martin

   Don Roberts says. . . Hi Mike, Attached are photos of Sylvester, and yes you may use them on your web site if you wish. Here's a construction note I'd like to pass on: When I finished the mouth movement, there was noticeable "clicking" when the jaw closed and met the upper lip. So I attached a row of teeth to the inside of the upper lip. The teeth were cut from a sheet of white foam, available from Wal-Mart. This serves as a damper when the mouth closes and it eliminates the clicking sound. I designed the mechanics of the eyes and mouth to be easy to remove if needed for repair. The head stick is attached with a set screw so it can be removed also. The wig was ordered from Beauty Trends ( www.beautytrends.com). It's a size: small, Revlon wig, and fit perfectly without any cutting or altering. Beauty Trends sells high quality wigs, and they have seasonal and clearance sales. The one I ordered was regular $75.00, on sale for $24.95. Best regards, Don

   Clinton Detweiler says. . . What a difference a couple coats of paint makes! I just finished painting this figure made by Al Stevens from a Brose kit. He turned out to be such a handsome character, I thought I would share a couple pictures with you. I see these dramatic changes take place in my shop on an almost daily basis but seldom take time to snap photos. This time I did. Thank you for letting me share. And now, I’m going back to my shop where more ventriloquist "patients" eagerly await their own application of brush and paint.

Mike Brose says...... be sure and check out Clinton's 'Newsy Vents' blog spot Newsy Vents Blog Spot for daily ventriloquist news and more!

   Mike Thompson says. . . Well it has taken a while to finish, but he is done. He is very nice I think, his eyes move left to right. He can wink both eyes or just the one on the right and of course his mouth moves. I went to the Vent Haven Convention and meet with Al Stevens. It was Al's website that gave me the courge to take on the task of putting your kit together. Here is a picture. See ya. Mike Thompson

   Peter Valentin says. . . Hi Mike, Just to let you know that my dummy, Eric Dumbfriend, has finally been completed. The kit was great to alter and put the features in that I wanted. He can now do almost everything including raising eyebrows,left/right eye movement, wink or blink, cry, smile, poke out tongue, spit and wiggle his ears! You may even get to see him on vh1 in a commercial to encourage people to vote during the upcoming Presidential Election. Thanks for the great kit and your help. Regards, Peter Valentin

   Eric Riggs says. . . Just finished putting the final touches on "Flik"! After all your input and guidance on my Marshall restoration, I had to get your cast parts to make a figure the way I wanted. With the help of your book (which Flik has a hard time putting down), and Al Stevens' web site -it was a snap! Flik has a 360* turnning head, slot jaw mouth, side to side self centering eyes and, shell blinkers. I was able to make all the eye movement work with one brass rod! The blinkers were made with ping pong balls (a lot easier than I ever imagined)! I also learned that Magic Sculpt can be your best friend if you want to do a major facelift......Fliks intire face was resculpted except for his chin. He was hand painted using artists oils, and I built a wooden body..., again following the directions in your book. I had so much fun with this project that I can't wait to build another one, and another one..........! I don't think I could EVER have afforded to buy a finished pro figure of this quality- Thank YOU Michael for such a wonderful product!

   Lawrence Harris says. . . I love the figure that my friend, Dan Payes, just finished for me. The Brose kit head looks so good with some wild red hair. "Noodles" is as close to a "Frank Marshall" look that I am going to have for some time. The quality can't be beat for the money. Dan did a fantastic paint job for me. I think "Noodles" will be a big hit with young and old. Best Regards, Lawrence E. Harris - ComicVent

   Mark Behrens says. . . Thanks so much for the puppet castings. I've learned so much creating my little friend "Andy". This project was a dream come true from when I was a little boy entertaining friends with a Willie Tyler's Lester doll, not to mention very easy (but time consuming). I look forward to creating other puppets using your castings, keep up the good work.

Mark Behrens - Redding, CA

   Harry Kidd says. . . Hi Mike. Harry here from Ediburgh (UK). Your parts for making dolls are what i have been looking for since 1996. I used all kinds of materials over the years, but you have come up with the best idea many thanks. Harry Kidd.

   Glen frequently has completed 'Marshall Tribute' figures for sale made from our quality cast parts. Email Glen here.

   Al Rosson says..... I bought 2 sets of castings from you about 2 mos. ago. One from your website and the other was an ebay auction I won. Here are some pictures of Prof. Hoodwink. My first figure. He's an affable sort who claims to know a little something about everything. Your book is really wonderful and was of tremendous help. As was Al Stevens web page.

   I made his shell blinkers out of the preformed clear packaging from a set of ping pong balls. They work great! His hair was applied to a thin skull cap made out of magic sculp and is removable for maintenance. I did alter his features to get the look of an older fella. His fez and glasses I also made by hand. I had a few set backs along the way but enjoyed every moment. Al Rosson

   Kirk Wickizer says about his first figure...... What a phenominal kit! I have found a new hobby I can enjoy in my own home. I spent roughly 4 hours a night for 2 weeks to complete the job. I hope to order my next kit very soon. Thanks again for a quality product! sincerely, Kirk Wickizer

   Kirk says about his second figure...... This was the funnest project! I call him Herman Nostrilli. This one took me a full three weeks to complete. He has raising eyebrows like my last one (Jeffrey). I spring load the eyeball lever so when I pull down it activates the brows. This keeps my levers down to two which will acommodate right or left handers. Again I want to thank you Mike for prompt delivery and a dependable, quality product. If I could just improve my skills as a ventriloquist I could make a few bucks without selling him! Thanks, Kirk Wickizer

   J. Forrest says..... Mike, I told you I would send you a picture of Sherwood Forrest, or Woody for short. I was not happy with any hair pieces I tried, so I molded his hair, and I am very pleased. Woody has raising eyebrows, winkers, and self centering eyes.......... looking forward to seeing how Poindexter turns out. Hope you enjoy.......... J.

   Bill Dozier writes..... "I cant say enough about the quality of your products and your generous involvment in the process. I mailed some new pictures of my boys. I finally got the eyelids working on the latest model {Danny} ,They are not perfect but they are pretty good. Again thanks for the encouragement. You make a great product and I hope others are having as much enjoyment from your stuff as I do. If you ever offer the head kit with the works installed I could probably get you some customers. Thanks once more for all your efforts and especially for your willingness to be involved with your product after the sale is made. That is what is sadly missing in so many areas of commerce today. I am getting fairly active with church work and nursing homes, and to see the smiles on these old folks makes it all worthwhile. By the way I am seventy eight but the figures make me ten years old again. WOW! As always, my regards Bill

   Fred Crawford...."This was the first (kit) I made. Spent a total of about 12 hours over a few weekends, very proud of him. Told my wife, "See, I don't have any trouble making new friends! Ha! Ha!" He has moving mouth, self-centering side-to-side moving eyes, raising eyebrows, blinkers, and a tongue that sticks out!

   Chuck Poole writes..... "He's my first born. After buying and restoring some older figures I decided to build my own. I took my skills as a model maker and transferred them to vent figure building. The details of the project are outlined on my website. The website allows curious vent enthusiasts to view my techniques and send me feedback if they desire. I can share what I've learned so far. I don't know what else to say. The website really says it all. Your input has been very valuable to me, thank you." Regards, Chuck

   Tony Davies writes..... "I had always dreamed of owning a traditional cheeky boy vent figure since seeing Ray Alan with Titch, here in the UK, as I was growing up in the 1960s. Mike has made it possible for this dream to be realized. The castings are excellent and there is lots of online help, particularly from Al Stevens' wonderful site. Jimmy has self centering eyes, which were particularly easy to construct with the eyeballs supplied, this really gives the figure that professional look. It took me about a week to build him, now I have a new hobby and an investment. Thanks Mike!"