Enjoy this 2017 promo of my character, Webster. He was built by a very talented ventriloquist and puppet maker by the name of Landon Harvey. When I first saw Webster, I knew I had to have him. He is an odd variation of an arctic creature of some sort. He's a Yeti... I think? But regardless, here he is.

Here's a throwback to 2016: performing a school assembly with Minnie Donut. She's one of my more popular characters among both children and adults. It helps being as cute as her, but I wouldn't know. LOL. Enjoy!

This is a throwback to the year 2015. I was performing at a birthday slumber party for a child named Mirabelle. I was hired to perform and draw caricatures. House calls are a ton of fun when you're a professional entertainer. This was way back when I still considered my character Ira, a candy heart with an attitude, my main character. Not gonna lie though, I do cringe watching this because of the underdevelopment of my craft. But it's okay, as long as the kids enjoyed it, then that's the main thing. I have done a TON of birthday parties throughout my career and they are truly a joy. Nothing compares to the look of joy and laughter upon a child's face. One of my ultimate goals as a performer is to create nostalgia. I think I've accomplished that... at least I hope so!

TTYL,
DXR

BE IT.

 For old time's sake: here is a throwback to 2015. A time when I was feeling on top of the world. Here I am as a top 20 finalist for Lee's Summit's Got Talent. Salty S. Cargo and I are performing "The Auctioneer Song" by Leroy Van Dyke. I chose this song because it is fast paced and ironic to be sung by a snail. Enjoy!

       I do have a back story behind my main character, Josephine Hector. She is heavily influenced by my idol, the one and only: Tim Curry. Her voice is inspired by a multitude of characters he has played over the years. Here's another fun little fact: Josephine's last name "Hector" is after Tim's character, Mr. Hector, in Home Alone 2: Lost In New York. Please enjoy  a little video I put together of how Tim has inspired me as a performer. I hope you like it!

               As of this week, I have officially taught the art of ventriloquism to over 100 children. This is a feeling that I don't know how to describe. I am very grateful, to say the least. Considering that only 500-700 people attend the Vent Haven convention each year and only a tiny percentage of them are children, this is a huge deal. There is so much excitement that can come from this.

               Quarantine is rough, no doubt. So make the best use of your time and there will be a light at the end of your tunnel.

Best Wishes,

DXR

       As a thespian, I am deeply enthralled to experiement with all types of dialogue. Using poetry was crucial when learning about Shakespeare's works during my undergrad years. I think performers of all mediums should experiment with it. As a ventriloquism coach, I encourage all my students to work with it as well. On Outschool, my 4 week course is titled "You're No Dummy: Ventriloquism For Beginners." The first two weeks are dedicated to technique and the last two are dedicated to building substance within your character. Their final project is to present two poems and work them into their own little vent acts. They have always had a ton of fun and they've inspired me as well. For practice, I've assigned them the poem "Batty" by Shel Silverstein. It's something short and humorous and bound to enhance those creative juices. Here is the example that I presented to them. I call this piece "Shelled."