Why Are There More Men Than Women In Vent?

[songvent]

Why are there more men than women in vent? Could it be that little boys tend to be given gifts of dummies and magic kits? In reading the vent lists and bios in the Vent Directory, this seems to be true. Could it be that women choose to stay home with their families while their husbands go out of town on business trips? Before I was married, I paid for my college expenses with my own party performing business and piano lesson studio. After the wedding, I was the "breadwinner" for six months, then we moved to California because of the aerospace industry. Here I concentrated on my teaching career and my family, so I stayed close to home.

I was a pro vent in education, though. After I had taught for 19 1/2 years in the same public school district, the superintendent asked me to be a full-time traveling Creative Arts Specialist and teach the arts with my puppets. I performed a new dialogue every week with a variety of puppets. I integrated singing, dancing, and vent throughout each lesson for 11 1/2 years for thousands of children. What a challenging and exhilarating job!

It seems to be the misconception that a person can only be a pro if they travel to perform in night clubs, cruise ships, universities, and corporate gigs. That's just not true. I have seen talented men and women pros do library shows, fairs, adult and children's parties, and senior facilities.

We tend to have stable and happy families, yet we still talk with our wise-cracking characters on a regular basis. In my opinion, this type of pro has the best of both worlds.

Carol

[Tom Crowl]

It seems to be the misconception that a person can only be a pro if they travel to perform in night clubs, cruise ships, universities, and corporate gigs. That's just not true. I have seen talented men and women pros do library shows, fairs, adult and children's parties, and senior facilities.

We tend to have stable and happy families, yet we still talk with our wise-cracking characters on a regular basis. In my opinion, this type of pro has the best of both worlds.

Carol

Carol,
What you refer to there used to be called a 40-miler. Someone who performed professionally yet stayed close to home. I agree, that type pro has it nice - they can spend time with their family, sleep in their own bed and still make a living doing something they love.

Some people tend to dream about the glamour of the traveling professional. There are perks, but the reality is often very different than their imagination.
Tom

[Ventguy]

It seems to be the misconception that a person can only be a pro if they travel to perform in night clubs, cruise ships, universities, and corporate gigs. That's just not true. I have seen talented men and women pros do library shows, fairs, adult and children's parties, and senior facilities.

We tend to have stable and happy families, yet we still talk with our wise-cracking characters on a regular basis. In my opinion, this type of pro has the best of both worlds.

Carol

Carol,

I agree. You don't have to travel the whole country to be a pro. I work mostly around my area (referred to as the Lower Mainland of BC) although I have worked in other parts of BC and even in Washington and Oregon state, but still consider my shows ever bit as "pro" as the big time pros.

[songvent]

Wouldn't it be great, Neale, if there was a show at the convention that would showcase the talents of vents who fall into this category? I'm not talking about Open Mic or Senior Mic....but maybe a Family Show.

Carol

[Ventguy]

That would be great! Although after last year, I am still alittle gun shy about getting on THAT stage again.

[songvent]

I always enjoyed the Family Shows at the Vegas Festival. If a vent wanted to perform in that show, (s)he would express that interest to Valentine. He also asked some vents if they would like to perform. There were different performers every year. These shows were quite different from the Pro Show and the Gala Show in a way I can't really describe. They were like a breath of fresh air and always humorous.

Carol

[Ventguy]

Good old fashioned fun is always a breath of fresh air. It is actually a big selling point in my shows - clean humour.

[songvent]

Neale, I think you and I think alike about vent shows. I see no reason why you should feel shy about performing at Vent Haven again. I enjoyed your performance, as I think most people did. I'd like to see Horton again too.

[Ventguy]

Carol,

First, thanks for the kind words.

Horton is probably who I will bring, unless Roger has his photo booth again in which case I may bring Gus so I can get some promo shots. I know people liked Horton, but I just felt so attacked after last year, I am very hesitant. I don't like being the source of gossip or the discussion of what not to do by a bunch of people who weren't even there.

I have been putting in a lot of hours of lip control practice so I might try again. I will have to see.

You know how easily the male ego bruises

[songvent]

No, Neale, I don't know how easily the male ego bruises. It can't be any worse than bruising a female ego. I tend to have the "oh well" attitude and if someone critiques without the facts, there's no reason for me to take anything they say seriously. Take a deep breath and listen to the people who DO know what they're talking about. We tend to remember more negative things, so concentrate on the positive and constructive suggestions.