Welcome to the ultimate ventriloquist dummies for sale cheat-sheet page.
Did you know?
Ventriloquism is a classic art; an art that many say is dying, but alas, it is alive and well.
Look at comedian Jeff Dunham who has become a celebrity by using his ventriloquist dummies as a way to entertain. He’s proof positive that ventriloquism is still very much loved and incredibly entertaining.
Whether you are into ventriloquism as a pastime or you want to turn your passion into a high-paying career, there are two things you are going to need:
- The ability to speak clearly without moving your mouth
- A collection of ventriloquist dummies
In this guide, we provide insight into the different types of ventriloquist dummies that are available (and there are a lot!), and let you know where you can purchase them at affordable prices.
Without further ado, here’s your guide to buying ventriloquist dummies.
Contents
Ventriloquist Dummy Upgrades for Sale
Before we share some of the greatest spots where you can find ventriloquist puppets for sale, you first need to know what type of dummy doll you are looking for. You will find that there are many different ventriloquist figures for sale, so it is recommended that you have an idea of what you want before you start shopping.
Here’s a look at some of the different ventriloquist dolls that a reputable dummy online shop will offer:
Cheap Basic ventriloquist dummies
The basic ventriloquist dummies are, as the name suggests, the most basic.
They are modeled after the dolls that were originally used way back when. On average, basic dummies are about 30 inches tall, though some are a few inches shorter. Their body parts are stuffed and they feature plastic heads. The mouth can be opened by pulling on a string that is located on the back of the head.
To operate a basic dummy doll, you simply hold it up with one hand and pull the string with the other. Many models are designed after popular celebrities, such as Carol Channing, Mortimer Snerd, Howdy Doody, Bozo the Clown, and Oliver Hardy. Basic dummies are an excellent option for those who are interested in collecting ventriloquist dolls, or for children who are curious about the art of ventriloquism.
Top selling Basic dummies this month:
Standard upgraded dolls
The standard upgrade ventriloquist dummies are basic dummies that have been upgraded with a hard, hallow body. The head is ramounted on a stick, allowing to tilt and turn. Inside of the doll is a control stick that operates the mouth. To use a standard upgraded doll, sit it on your lap, place a hand inside, and use the stick and your hand to control it. Popular models include Groucho Marx, WC Fields, Slappy from Goosebumps, and Oliver Hardy.
Best rated Standard dummies this week:
Deluxe upgrade dummies.
The deluxe upgrade ventriloquist dummies are more lifelike than the previous two. They also have a hard hallow body, but their heads are topped with a wig. Operation is the same as the standard upgrade model. You’ll find some of the same celebrity look-alikes that are offered with basic and standard upgraded dummies, such as Danny O’Day, Slappy from Goosebumps, and Howdy Doody.
Best selling Deluxe dummies this year:
Super deluxe upgrade dummies.
The super deluxe upgrade dummies also features a hard hallow body and a wig, but they also have eyebrows. Like the standard and deluxe upgrade, the super deluxe upgraded dummy has a stick in the body that can be used to move the head, as well as the eyes, and eyebrows.
Most talked about Super Deluxe dummies:
Professional ventriloquist dummies
If you have honed your talent as a ventriloquist to a professional level and you are thinking about turning it into a career, you might want to consider purchasing professional ventriloquist dummies. These dummies are the highest quality. Their heads and hands are carved out of high-quality wood, they feature wigs and synthetic, moveable eyebrows. Their eyes can move, and of course, so can their mouths. No two puppets in this class are the same, making them truly unique.
Female ventriloquist dummies
The female ventriloquist dummies boast all of the same features as a standard or deluxe upgrade doll, but they are (obviously) females. Some of the options include an Emily (blonde, curly hair), a Nancy (brown, curly hair), a Katie (red, curly hair), and a Lola (African American).
Gramps and granny
The gramps and granny collection of ventriloquist dummies come in three different levels, including classic, supreme, and ultra supreme. All have hard hallow bodies with sticks inside that can be used to turn their heads and mouths. They also have moving eyes and wigs.
Jeff Dunham
Since Jeff Dunham has brought the art of ventriloquism to life in the 21st century, it makes sense that there are dummies available that are modeled after his beloved puppets. Jeff Dunham-inspired ventriloquist dummies include Peanut, Walter, Achmed, and even a Little Jeff.
Professional Ventriloquist Puppets for Sale
For those of you who are really serious about the art of ventriloquism, it is safe to say that you are probably looking for professional ventriloquist dummies for sale. Professional puppets are the highest level of ventriloquist dummies available. Their arms and legs are hand carved out of wood, which means that no two dummies look the same. They also have wigs and eyebrows, which can be moved, and their eyes can be moved, too. In short, professional ventriloquist figures are the most life-like of all ventriloquist dummies.
Where can you find professional ventriloquist dummies? The site ThrowThings.com is an excellent resource. This online shop offers a large selection of professional level puppets.
Their Bobby Professional Ventriloquist Figure is a great choice. Measuring approximately 38 inches high featuring a carved wooden head and hands, a hard hallow body that’s covered in fabric and has padded shoulders, a ball and socket neck joint for full movement of the head, a deluxe wig, a felted mouth that operates quietly, and dressed in Nike warm-up apparel, this doll is easy to operate and has an almost life-like appearance.
Another life-like professional level dummy from ThrowThings is their Theo figure. This dummy offers all the same features as the professional Danny doll, but it has deluxe felt eyebrows that can be raised and lowered.
Cheap Ventriloquist Puppets for Sale!
If you are just getting into the art of ventriloquism and you don’t want to invest a lot – or you simply don’t have a big budget, you are probably wondering where you can find ventriloquist dummies for sale cheap.
The online shop listed above – ThrowThings.com – is an excellent online store where you can find a large selection of ventriloquist dummies for sale that are reasonably priced. Another great option to consider is eBay.com. Here, you can also find a large assortment of options, including used and new dummies.
Before you start shopping, we do suggest that you establish a budget and know how much you want to spend on a ventriloquist dummy. It’s also important to keep in mind that the more features that a puppet offers, the higher the price tag is going to be. With that said, you can find some pretty affordable, yet high-quality options on ThrowThings, and eBay.
If you are shopping on ThrowThings, the Basic Dummies category is where you will find the cheapest dolls for sale. Affordable options include their Danny O Day Ventriloquist Dummy and their Bozo the Clown Basic Ventriloquist Dummy.
Below are two popular picks: Howdy Doody and Groucho Marx.
Another inexpensive ventriloquist dummy can be found on ThrowThings.com. Their Eddie Ventriloquist Style Puppet is not only affordable, but it also looks great! Made by Silly Puppets, this dummy is 25 inches tall, has a peach-colored body, yellow hair, and is dressed in a pair of khaki pants, a green long-sleeved T-shirt, and sneakers. His outfit can be removed and you can re-dress him in any style of 18 month clothing you prefer. He also features an arm control rod for easy movement and weighs just over a pound.
Ventriloquist Dummies for Beginners
If you are just starting to explore the world of ventriloquism, we suggest beginning with a lightweight doll that is easy to operate and affordable.
ThrowThings.com is a great spot to find ventriloquist dummies for beginners. Their beginner (basic) dolls are specifically designed for novice ventriloquists. As mentioned above, these dolls range in size from 24 to 30 inches in size. Their heads are made of plastic with painted features (eyes, eyebrows, mouths, etc), and their bodies are stuffed. A string located on the neck of each dummy is used to operate the mouth. They’re lightweight, too, so they’re easy to work with.
ThrowThings offers 12 different basic dummies that are modeled after iconic characters, including Mortimer Snerd, Slappy from Goosebumps, Bozo the Clown, and Howdy Doody, …
Community recommends these puppets:
Ventriloquist Girl Dummies for Sale
Of course, not all ventriloquist dolls are males. There are also female ventriloquist dolls available.
ThrowThings.com offers a great selection of high-quality female ventriloquist dummies. They are either standard or deluxe upgrade models and are don wigs, dresses, bloomers, and eyelashes. The eyes on the deluxe versions move. The heads of these female dummies can be moved via a control stick that is located inside the doll.
Operating these female ventriloquist dolls is easy. Take a seat, position the doll on your leg, and use one hand to operate. The Carol Channing doll is one of the most popular female options on ThrowThings.com.
Katie doll is a great option for beginners. She has a peach felt body with yellow yarn hair. An arm control rod can be attached to either hand for movement and an entry through the back allows her mouth to be moved. Katie is around 25 inches tall and weighs a bit over 1 pound. She’s dressed in a yellow long-sleeved shirt with a white flower, a pair of jeans, and sneakers; however, her clothing can be removed and she can be dressed in clothing that would fit an 18 month-old child.
Popular Girl Puppets:
Old Man/Lady Ventriloquist Dummies
Lastly, another type of figure you might want to add to your collection is an old man or old granny ventriloquist puppet.
If you’ve ever watched Jeff Dunham, you’ve probably seen “Walter”. Dunham and “Walter” put on an absolutely hysterical performance as they exchange witty banter. This old man puppet really is one of the highlights of the comedian’s show.
If you’ve been inspired by Jeff Dunham and to incorporate an old man or old granny ventriloquist puppet into your own show, you take a look at ThrowThings.com. The site has a great selection of gramps and granny ventriloquist dummies. There are three different levels, including Classic, Supreme, and Ultra Supreme. The gramps dolls have gray hair and glasses, while the granny dolls have white hair and glasses.
All levels of the gramps and granny ventriloquist dolls have hard hallow bodies and an access hole on the back, which you can use to turn their heads and move their mouths. The eyes and eyebrows on the Supreme level dolls can also move. All three types of gramps and granny dolls are dressed in attire that relates to their supposed age.
You’ll surely add interest to your ventriloquist performance with an old man or old granny ventriloquist puppet!
Ventriloquist Animal Puppets
People aren’t the only option when it comes to ventriloquist dolls! There are animal ventriloquist puppets, too! These puppets add a fun and unexpected element to the art of ventriloquism and a show would certainly be enlivened if both human and animal puppets for ventriloquism were used.
furry Silly Monkey ventriloquist puppet from Silly Puppets. It features a plush face and hands, and as expected, a furry body. The mouth can be operated via an access point located on the back of the puppet, and an arm control rod can be clipped onto either hand. It is around 28 inches tall and weighs less than a pound, making it super easy to handle. To add another dimension of fun, you can dress this animal ventriloquist puppet in 2T child sized clothing.
PuppetHut.com offers a Silly Rooster Puppet by Silly Puppets. It’s covered in plush furry-like material with a brown head and a white body. The legs are yellow, as is the beak, and an orange rooster features are attached to the head and underneath the beak. The large mouth can be operated via a neck entry, and the wings can be moved via glove pockets that you can slip your hands into.
Yet another animal hand puppet on ThrowThings is a Silly Bear by Silly Puppets. This full body puppet is 25 inches tall and it’s covered in plush fabric. Like the other animal hand puppets listed above, the mouth of this bear can be moved via the access point located on the back. It also comes with an arm rod to move the hands. Blue pants with suspenders and a bowtie personify this bear.
Creepy Ventriloquist Dummy for Sale
In recent years, creepy ventriloquist dummies have become extremely popular. The trend in creepy ventriloquist dummies is largely thanks to Goosebumps, a chapter book series for children. The lead character in the series by R.L. Stein is played by Slappy, a creepy ventriloquist doll. Slappy certainly adds a scary element to the series, and given how hugely popular the books are, it’s no wonder why creepy ventriloquist puppets have become such a craze.
If you are interested in creating adding a chill-factor to your ventriloquist performances, you might be wondering where to find a creepy ventriloquist dummy for sale…
The Blue Monster Ventriloquist Puppet is a great option to consider. Made by Silly Puppets, this dummy is 30 inches tall and weighs just a little more than 1 pound. It’s full-sized and is covered in fluffy blue fur, except for the hands, which are plush. It has a green bubble-like nose and bubble-like eyes. The mouth can be moved through an entry on the back and it has an arm control rod that can be used to move either hand. You can use it as it comes, or you can dress it in 2T child sized clothing to add another element of interest.
Another creepy ventriloquist dummy offered on ThrowThings.com is a Dragon Puppet Jumbo by Silly Puppets. This highly detailed puppet is made of polyester and features green “skin” and gold claws on its “fingers”. shiny satin-like material line the ears and the same material in red and yellow stripes line the wings and belly. An entry on the back can be used to operate the mouth. This dragon is the perfect blend of whimsical and creepy.
Where to Buy Ventriloquist Dummies
Now that you know what type of ventriloquist dummies are available and have decided which puppet(s) you would like to work with, you are probably wondering where to buy ventriloquist dummies. You can try your local toy store (not a big box toy store, but the mom-and-pop toy store in your town), or even a hobby shop; however, you might find that your search will leave you at a dead end. Why? – Because a lot of local establishments simply don’t sell ventriloquist dolls.
You don’t have to give up hope! Thanks to the Internet, you can easily find a wide selection of options to choose from. There ventriloquist marketplace on the World Wide Web is vast! While simply typing “where to by a ventriloquist puppet” into a search engine will surely reveal a plethora of results, you will end up having to sift through all of the different results.
Unfortunately, many ventriloquist stores online aren’t reputable. To avoid the hassle of trying to figure out where to buy dummies, here’s a sampling of some of the most well-known and highly reputable online shops that are devoted to selling ventriloquist dummies.
If you are unsure which puppet is ideal for you, check out this complete guide to buying a ventriloquist doll. The benefit of buying your puppet is that it allows you to practice your craft. It also helps people remember you easily if you are using the same original puppets in your performance. It would be better to have your original puppet than to use a famous ventriloquist puppet to establish your name in this craft.
What type of dummies is the most popular right now?
There are different types of ventriloquist dolls that you can use during practice or performance. The most popular and widely used ventriloquist dolls and puppets are the professional dummies. These ventriloquist dummies are traditional hard-headed figures that are sometimes used in horror movies. The variety in the type used determines where to buy a ventriloquist dummy. Check out my top 10 best ventriloquist dummies cheat-sheet – click here!
They look scary because they resemble the human more closely than other puppets, yet they still look like wax figures. Other types of puppets used by ventriloquist include dolls made of soft cloth or foam and latex.
These toys also come in different sizes, from one foot to life-sized dummies. However, the typical ventriloquist dummy is 34 to 42 inches in height.
Best Ventriloquist Stores Cheat-Sheet
Axtell Expressions – ALL Puppet Characters by Axtell Expressions! or STEVE AXTELL CUSTOM DESIGNED PUPPETS
Ventriloquist Marketplace – Buy, Sell, Trade
VPUPPETS – Puppet Design Service
Luna’s Puppets – Custom made Monster Puppets, Creature Puppets and Animal Puppets for professionals and beginners.
Kallini Puppets – Online Puppet Store
Get the kind of ventriloquist dummy you want
Remember the time you were four years old and you saw your friends playing the latest collection in action figures. For the ladies it was the Barbie Dolls. Envy the green eyed monster crept up your soul and you ran to mum. You went on and on about how you had been good and you cajoled her into getting you a new one.
You are a grown up now. Why would you be looking for where to buy a ventriloquist dummy? Of course not to play with, rather to as a ventriloquist, it’s your sidekick. A dummy acts a channel you can use to say things you normally couldn’t.
A dummy doesn’t need to be politically correct. Look at it as an alter ego that can say what it wants, entertain people and get paid for it. So don’t you think such a side kick is worth the hustle of looking for? This article talks about why you need a dummy, choosing one and where to buy ventriloquist dummy
The puppets I like:
Why do you need a sidekick dummy?
Be it amateur or a professional ventriloquist, you will not be able to practice your craft without using a ventriloquist puppet. Some of the most iconic puppets used by ventriloquist include Charlie McCarthy, Effie Klinker, and Mortimer Snerd.
All three were voiced by the talented ventriloquist Edgar Bergen. If you are not familiar with ventriloquism, this is a craft where a ventriloquist, gives life to a puppet using his voice. The ventriloquist speaks with his mouth “closed”, which gives the impression to the audience that the sound is coming from the doll. This can take a lot of practice to master.
It is different from ordinary puppeteers because the public can see the ventriloquist while the average puppeteers are hidden from the audience’s view. The puppeteers can open their mouth when they speak since they are out of sight, something that ventriloquists cannot do if they want to make their puppets believable.
How do you use a dummy during a presentation?
Ventriloquist puppets have an opening where you can insert your hand. This allows you to manipulate the puppet’s head and mouth. You can let the mouth open and close in time to what you are saying, and you can move its head to make some gestures that humans do when communicating such as nodding, shaking the head, and so on.
How Much is a Ventriloquist Dummy
How much does a ventriloquist dummy cost? The answer to that question varies and depends on the type of doll you are interested in.
Basic (or standard) dummies start at around $50, making them the most affordable option. If you are looking for a custom or professional ventriloquist dummy, the price tag is going to be higher – up to $1,500. The higher cost is due to the higher quality of the dolls. For example, they feature carved wooden hands and heads, wigs, and their facial features can move in several different directions.
Conclusion
Of all the different forms of entertainment, ventriloquism is certainly one of the most interesting and captivating. There’s nothing quite like bringing a dummy to life by throwing your voice. Performances can be serious, comedic, creepy, or anything else you desire. Your imagination really is the only limit!
If you’re thinking about getting into ventriloquism or it’s been a hobby of yours for a while, you are definitely going to want to have a collection of ventriloquist dummies to work with. With so many choices available, you should have no trouble finding ventriloquist dummies for sale that will suit your interests and needs.