The Curious Performer

Steve Petra & Petra Puppets

• Keith Tusing • Season 1 • Episode 17

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Steve Petra trained at the National Theatre of Puppet Arts and at Jim Henson Productions in Manhattan. He is a full-time professional ventriloquist and puppeteer performing his own scripts, songs and music. Previously, he worked as a professional musician. He now specializes in curriculum-based assembly programs for elementary schools.

Steve also performs for family audiences at libraries and some other venues. These shows are like being at a Comedy Club for families. With zany illusions, props, music, audience participation and a cast of outrageous puppet characters.

When he isn't out doing live shows, Steve is working on audio and video projects, and as a video editor. His instructional series, Let's Get Visual, is selling to performers all over the world. He is now in demand as a lecturer at conferences for professional performers and has taught workshops on show building, puppet manipulation, character voices and ventriloquism.

PetraPuppets is Steve and his wife Jeanie. Steve performs the shows. Jeanie does the website, database, booking, scheduling, contracts, fliers, teacher's guides, and collaborates on the shows.

Steve has performed at The Vent Haven ConVENTion, The KIDabra Conference, KAX, Puppeteers of America festivals and at Puppet Guild events. He's a member of The International Ventriloquist Society and The Puppeteers of America.

Steve Petra was named 2019 Northeast Ventriloquist of the year by the International Ventriloquist Society

In this Episode we discuss:

  • Origin Story
  • Transition from Musician to Puppeteer
  • Jim Henson Studio
  • School Shows
  • Pricing 
  • Becoming a Vent
  • Libraries
  • Audience Control & Pre-show
  • Early Struggles
  • Nikon School
  • Newbie Advice
  • Interest vs Obsession
  • Branding
  • World of Puppetry
  • Social Media
  • Continuing Education
  • Top 3 Things to be Successful

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