Entertainer Michael Harrison headed to the Chilkat Valley for an evening of comedy and ventriloquism in mid-May.
Harrison was performing aboard a cruise ship before his time in Haines, so he was not able to take a phone call regarding his show, but he took the time to respond to a few questions via email about the art, his family legacy and what he’s looking forward to when he gets to the Chilkat Valley.
This conversation has been edited for grammar and brevity.
Rashah McChesney: Ventriloquism is a niche and often misunderstood art. What’s something about your craft that audiences — even longtime fans — often get wrong or never notice?
Michael Harrison: Good question that gets to the heart of the illusion. Something that even longtime fans might miss, or get slightly wrong, is the subtlety of the eye focus and gaze direction. While audiences are often focused on the dummy’s movements and the ventriloquist’s seemingly still lips, the real magic often lies in the precise and fleeting shifts of the ventriloquist’s own eyes. To truly bring a character to life, the ventriloquist isn’t just avoiding lip movements. They are also subtly directing the audience’s attention. A quick glance toward the dummy just before it “speaks,” a momentary shared gaze between the ventriloquist and the dummy during a punchline, or even a slight softening of the ventriloquist’s focus when the dummy is meant to be introspective — these minute visual cues are crucial in selling the illusion of a separate, thinking entity.
You’ve had a long run as a self-employed performer, including stints on cruise ships and at state fairs. What’s been the most difficult part of sustaining a career in live entertainment — and what kept you going through it?
One of the most significant hurdles is creating a career that is rewarding as well as financially viable. Competition for available gigs can be competitive, making it challenging to secure consistent work and build a stable career. Additionally, the demanding schedules, including long hours, nights, weekends, and holidays, can lead to creative and physical exhaustion. The pressure to constantly network and self-promote in a competitive environment can also be emotionally taxing. The belief in my skill and talent and the desire to share it with my audience often outweigh the hardships.
Your shows are known for layering humor that works for both kids and adults. You’ve also spent a lot of time performing internationally. How do you test or tune your material to make sure it lands with such different audiences?
Navigating diverse audiences and varied venues demands constant flexibility. To consistently deliver the best experience for everyone, I fine-tune, adapt, and reconfigure my routines. While crafting a completely bespoke show for each audience isn’t feasible, my extensive experience allows me to sculpt a high-quality performance with broad appeal. My shows aren’t just for kids; they’re designed with layers of humor that resonate with both the youngest and the oldest attendees. It’s a truly inclusive experience where everyone, from toddlers to seniors, leaves feeling thoroughly entertained.
You’ve performed for huge crowds, appeared on national TV, and toured internationally. How do smaller rural venues — like here in Haines — change the dynamic of your performance, if at all?
For me, each performance is a vital opportunity to connect with my audience through entertainment, wonder and amusement. Audience engagement isn’t automatic; it requires careful attention and adaptation to discover what resonates. The most prestigious stages don’t ensure a magical show. I believe in treating every audience with equal respect, no matter the setting.
You’ve mentioned in other interviews that your great-grandfather was a performer and how that legacy impacted your own work. What would you want younger performers or your own children to take from your career?
For the past 30 years, my life has been deeply intertwined with the intricate arts of puppetry and ventriloquism. As a full-time touring entertainer, my performances not only highlight the demanding technical skills these crafts require but, more importantly, aim to spark the imaginations of my audience. My own journey serves as a testament to the rewarding and fulfilling avenues that a life dedicated to the arts can provide. It’s a message I passionately share, urging my audience — and my own children — to fearlessly pursue their passions, regardless of how unconventional they might appear.