As a ventriloquist, choosing the right figure for your performances is crucial. Hard and soft figures each have their own unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages that can impact the quality of your act. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out, or an experienced performer looking to upgrade your figure, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each option to make an informed decision. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between hard and soft figures in ventriloquism, and provide some helpful tips and advice to help you choose the right figure for your needs.
As a professional ventriloquist, I can tell you that there are certainly advantages to using a hard figure versus a soft figure in performances.
One of the biggest advantages of a hard figure is its durability. These figures are typically made out of materials like wood, plastic or fiberglass, which can withstand a lot of wear and tear over time. This means that hard figures can be used over and over again, without needing to be repaired or replaced as often as soft figures.
In addition to their durability, hard figures can also be designed with more intricate details and features. This can be especially important for ventriloquists who want their figures to have a specific look or personality. With a hard figure, you can add features like movable eyes, eyebrows, and mouths that can really bring your character to life on stage.
Another advantage of a hard figure is that they tend to be easier to control than soft figures. This is because they have a fixed shape and structure, which can help to limit unintentional movements or shaking. With a hard figure, a ventriloquist can easily manipulate the figure’s movements and expressions, creating a more seamless and polished performance.
That being said, there are certainly advantages to using a soft figure as well. Soft figures are often lighter and more portable than hard figures, which can be an advantage when traveling to different performance locations. Additionally, soft figures can be more comfortable to hold and manipulate for longer periods of time, which can be important for ventriloquists who perform frequently.
There are also advantages to using a soft figure over a hard figure for performances.
One of the biggest advantages of a soft figure is its versatility. These figures are typically made out of materials like foam, fabric, and latex, which can be easily molded and shaped into a wide variety of different character designs. This means that soft figures can be customized to fit the unique needs and preferences of a particular ventriloquist, allowing for greater creativity and expression on stage.
Another advantage of a soft figure is that it can be more expressive and lifelike than a hard figure. Soft figures can be designed with movable features like eyebrows, eyelids, and mouths that can be manipulated to create a wide range of different expressions and emotions. This can help to bring the character to life in a more dynamic and engaging way, and make the performance more memorable for the audience.
Soft figures are also generally lighter and more comfortable to hold and manipulate for long periods of time. This can be especially important for ventriloquists who perform frequently, as it can help to reduce fatigue and improve overall performance quality.
Finally, soft figures are often more affordable than hard figures, making them a great option for beginner ventriloquists who are just starting out. Soft figures can also be easier to repair and maintain over time, as the materials used to make them are generally more accessible and easier to work with than those used to make hard figures.
Of for those who are looking for a more versatile, expressive, and affordable option, a soft figure can be an excellent choice.
While hard figures can be durable and visually impressive, they also have some disadvantages that should be carefully considered before making a final decision.
One of the biggest disadvantages of a hard figure is its lack of flexibility. Hard figures are typically made out of rigid materials like wood, plastic, or fiberglass, which can make them more challenging to manipulate than soft figures. This can limit the range of expressions and movements that the ventriloquist can create, which can make the performance less dynamic and engaging for the audience.
Another disadvantage of a hard figure is its weight. Hard figures can be much heavier than soft figures, which can make them more difficult to hold and manipulate for long periods of time. This can lead to fatigue and discomfort for the ventriloquist, which can impact the overall quality of the performance.
Hard figures can also be more expensive than soft figures, especially if they are custom-made or designed with complex features. This can be a barrier for beginner ventriloquists who are just starting out, or for those who are working with limited budgets.
Kevin T Boekhoff says, “I like both. The thing I like best about soft puppets is that they are more flexible. You can twist them, bend them at the stomach when they are tickled etc. Little kids like huggable soft puppets. Hard puppets last longer, I think. The foam and material gives out after a while. I think the hard puppets have taken a beating with the horror movies. Basically, I believe it comes down to a vent’s preference.”
Finally, hard figures can be more prone to damage than soft figures. Because they are made out of rigid materials, they can be more susceptible to cracks, dents, and other types of physical damage. This can be especially problematic for ventriloquists who travel frequently or perform in a variety of different venues, as the figure may need to be repaired or replaced more frequently than a soft figure would.
There are also some disadvantages of choosing a soft figure that are important to consider.
One of the biggest disadvantages of a soft figure is that it can be more difficult to control than a hard figure. Soft figures are made out of flexible materials that can be more prone to unintentional movements or shaking, which can be especially challenging for ventriloquists who are just starting out. It can take a lot of practice and skill to master the nuances of manipulating a soft figure, and even experienced ventriloquists can struggle with maintaining precise control over the figure’s movements and expressions.
Another disadvantage of a soft figure is its durability. While some soft figures can be quite durable and long-lasting, others can be prone to wear and tear over time. This is especially true if the figure is made out of materials like foam or latex, which can deteriorate or tear with repeated use. This means that ventriloquists who use soft figures may need to replace their figures more frequently than those who use hard figures, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Soft figures can also be more challenging to design and customize than hard figures. While soft figures can be shaped and molded into a wide variety of different designs, they can be more difficult to modify or repair once they have been made. This can be a limitation for ventriloquists who want to create specific features or expressions for their characters.
Finally, soft figures can be more difficult to transport and store than hard figures. Because they are made out of flexible materials, they can be prone to damage if they are not stored properly or if they are exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity.
Overall, the choice between a hard figure and a soft figure really depends on the individual preferences and needs of the ventriloquist. Both types of figures have their own unique advantages, and ultimately, it’s up to the performer to decide which type of figure works best for them and their style of performance.
