Arguably, ventriloquism may be a performing art longer than magic. Both can be traced back to Egyptian and Hebrew archeology. And some might say that some of the “patter” might be just as old! This week Mark Merchant talks about his 40+ year career as a ventriloquist and how it evolved. We are living in a world where audiences are more sensitive than ever before when it comes to humor. It only takes one person’s opinions and comments to dominate and possibly obliterate one’s profession. Social acceptance isn’t what it used to be.

If you are more of a visual person, then you will enjoy this video of our conversation recorded via Zoom.

In this week’s episode, Mark Merchant talks about his career and how he has “walked the tightrope” of controversy with his puppets and the scripting for his culturally and politically diverse vent figures. He shares stories and opinions regarding using humor that potentially offends today’s audiences and how he avoids those traps.

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