Many of us… we of the latter Baby Boomer era … are making the decision to head back into the workforce, be it in retail or heading back to the stage, such as I happen to be. Sure, I’ve puttered around here and there with small shows over the past couple of decades, but health challenges keep getting in the way, limiting my ability to become a full-time pro. Even now, as we make the changes to this website and prepare for the future, I’m faced with a couple of surgeries that will prevent us from taking dates prior to July 2024.

Thanks to the hard work of Jeremy Macomber-Dubs, a noted Northampton City Counsel member, area venues are opening up to those of us that get around in a wheelchair. I’m certain you can imagine the challenges wheelchair based performers face, but it’s not insurmountable! Too, more and more facilities are starting to realize that some folks with disabilities are actually quite funny, and good at what they do. But yes, the chair does mean an added expense on our end, when it comes to getting around and working the circuit — comedy clubs, small theaters and coffee houses!

So What Can I Do For You?

That’s the question only you can answer, but let me help you a bit… For An Example… Our shows really aren’t for kids... we’re family friendly and everything, it’s just that the kind of magic we perform with the puppets is better suited towards young adults and older teens, as well as their parents. While we can fit in with larger events in which younger children are attending, when we do our strolling visits with guests, we do not presently offer programs appropriate to those under 14 years of age.

What’s “Strolling Ventriloquism” And Why Is It So Popular?

Strolling Ventriloquism is exactly what it sounds like; live interaction with guests as they come into an event or as part of a roaming attraction within your facility. You can choose from any one of our three stars or we can work with you in creating a custom character, branded to your company’s image!

Where Do You Get Those Awesome Puppets?

The majority of our characters come from Axtell Expression, now based in Tennessee just outside Nashville. We also work with talented artists that can create a wide array of characters, based on a client’s vision. I should mention that this includes animatronic exhibits, house hauntings, and more!

So, Why Did You Retire?

Shortly after moving to Western Massachusetts I experienced what can be best described as a “complete breakdown”… emotionally, psychologically and physically I was spent! Within the year I’d be diagnosed with MS and a short list of other conditions we needn’t go into. Adding to this has been two bouts with Cancer, Hip Replacement Surgery and now, knee replacement! As I look at it, I’m very healthy for a sick old man! My A1C is steady and well below 6.0 (which is great for a guy missing a third of his Pancreas) and all of my other bloodwork comes back aces! My “burn out” today, has more to do with feeling like I’m in storage, waiting to die; an internal need to get back out into the race, even if it’s just part-time.

2024 & Forward

Well, I’m just going to say it up front… depending on where we end up politically this coming November I’ll either be pushing for a winter and spring schedule into 2025, or hustling, in the hope of finding a new, safer nation to live in. Currently, I’m not being optimistic and find myself literally, terrified when it comes to the future of this nation and the world, as a whole. Currently, we are scheduling shows from July through December 2024 throughout the Commonwealth and potentially other parts of the Eastern U.S.

My Blog Site “Craigs Consternations” will be back on line soon, revealing my more political side and points of view. We will be scheduling public talks from that site without the puppets, but it can be a full night as well.