Axtell Expressions Puppets and Magic - visit www.axtell.com

Axtell Hands-Free Animatronic Piano Playing Chimp

2011-12-31T07:20:00.000-08:00

To achieve this, you just need one of our Magic2 Characters with moving elbows like our Cheeky Monkey or Chimp, Realistic Chimpanzee or World’s Oldest Man! The piano can be crafted by you or we can build one for you. For those of you who already have one of these characters, you just need to add the unique character model setting that we will provide you for the transmitter so when you program it has the proper “piano actions”. This is one of many creative things you can do with our amazing Hands-Free Characters! More Info Here!

VBS Puppet Ideas 2011

2011-04-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

Vacation Bible Schools are cranking up their planning.... Axtell Puppets make great characters that go with most any of the VBS Themes! CHECK IT OUT!

Dumbstruck Movie Contest

2011-04-01T12:07:00.002-07:00

See the Dumbstruck Movie Facebook page for information on their Video Contest for Ventriloquists. Dumbstruck is a documentary about 5 ventriloquists and it features several Axtell puppets... releasing nationwide in select theaters. More information about the movie here.

New Mouse Puppet by Axtell Expressions

2011-04-01T12:07:00.001-07:00

Check out this new little mouse here!

Extra Large Hands-Free Drawing Board (sneak peek)

2011-04-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

This is a BIG 20x24" Extra Large Hands-Free Magic Drawing Board... coming soon! What do you think? Leave a comment!

Dumbstruck a Documentary Movie about Ventriloquists

2011-04-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

The documentary film DUMBSTRUCK is about to be released in some major cities in April and May.

WEB LINK TO DUMBSTRUCK

It has been winning awards at lots of film festivals. It's a heartfelt charming documentary about the lives, hopes and dreams of 5 vents in our circle of friends. Dan Horn, Terry Fator, Wilma Swartz, Kim Yeager and Dylan Burdette.

Each Theater is giving away a FREE Axtell puppet at each of the opening day premieres.

Atlanta, GA Midtown Art Cinema,April 15

Washington, D.C. E-Street Cinema, April 22

New York, NY, Village Cinema, April 22

Los Angeles, CA Regent Theatre, April 29

Dallas, TX Magnolia Theatre, May 6

Indianapolis, IN Keystone Theatre May 13

Minneapolis, MN Uptown Theatre May 20

St. Louis, MO Tivoli Theatre May 20

Support the movie and tell your friends!

Steve Axtell Interview

2011-04-01T12:03:00.001-07:00

Steve Axtell did an interview with Star Struck

P-P-Platypus Video hits One Million Views!

2011-04-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

Here is our original Video

CLICK HERE FOR YOUTUBE LINK

CLICK HERE to see WINNNER of the free Platypus Puppet...

New Hands-Free Animatronic Systems from Axtell Expressions

2011-04-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

More information HERE!

New Background Music from Axtell Expressions

2011-04-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

Arthur and Leslie Stead have done it again!

We have added 2 new CDs of TOP QUALITY Background music for your show!

[gallery link="file"]

Check it out Now!

Custom Puppets / Custom Designed Professional Puppets

2010-12-23T18:44:00.000-08:00

Axtell Expressions makes amazing custom puppets and custom animatronic characters for performers, producers and celebrities.

WaffleMan Doug

Nina Conti - Ventriloquist in the UK

More information on CUSTOM PUPPETS at http://www.axtell.com/custom.html

Hands-Free Magic Drawing Board

2010-10-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

Here is the Hands-Free Magic Drawing Board by Axtell Expression!
Click for more information!

Goose Puppet by Axtell

2010-10-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

Axtell Expressions GOOSE puppet!

We are making a Goose Puppet - sneak peek!

2010-09-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

A video tour of Axtell Expressions by Rocko the dog...

Enjoy the tour...CLICK TO WATCH

p-p-platypus Song Update!

2010-04-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

P-P-Platypus video is going nuts on Youtube! In just a few weeks... 280,000 views and 2,500 comments. It's received 3 honors from Youtube for being a favorite video...

Please make this a "Favorite" and leave a comment!

CHECK OUT THE YOUTUBE VIDEO HERE!

Thanks!!!!!!

P-P-Platypus Update

2010-04-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

Okay it's officially gone crazy! Thanks to Charles Trippy and Smosh and thousands of others who have spread this video into the viral universe! Today we are over 190,000 views in just over a week! Tons of commenst and overwhelmingly positive about the video.

There are 5 or 6 P-P-Platypus fan clubs on Facebook, but only one is the Official one that I head up... Join today! Click the photo and the Platty will take you to the FanClub.

P-P-Platypus Song & New Puppet!

2010-04-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

Here is the new Axtell Platypus puppet singing the P-P-Platypus song. More info at http://www.axtell.com/platypus.html

Sailing with Steve Axtell

2010-03-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

Who knows where this sailboat will end up with Steve at the helm!

Feb 2010 Axtell eNewsletter

2010-02-11T10:37:00.001-08:00

If you didn't get our eNewsletter here is a link to Feb 2010

http://www.axtell.com/axnews/feb2010.html

TERRY FATOR is our Special Guest

2010-02-11T10:33:00.001-08:00

We are pleased to have the one and only TERRY FATOR as our Special Guest next week on the Axtell Customer Forum. Tues - Thursday Feb 16-18. Come and ask Terry Fator questions about his career and the entertainment industry!

Terry Fator is the ventriloquist who won America's Got Talent and went on to become one of the most successful entertainers in Las Vegas! He is at the Terry Fator Theater located at the Mirage.

Here is the link to our special Forum site. Join us with your questions....

http://www.network54.com/Forum/660058/

The "Brandywine Band"

2010-02-07T17:49:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to locate my old band buddies. We used to be in a cover band called "Brandywine" or "Brandy Wine" back in the 80's and used to play around the central coast of California around Atascadero, Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo. We had the honor of playing a show with Chuck Berry.

Members were Tom Valasquez or Velasquez (drummer and vocals), Danny Ebersol or Ebersole (guitar and vocals), Steve Axtell on keyboards (Fender Rhodes electric piano) and Richard on bass. For the life of me I cannot remember Richards last name. I think it started with an L.

I'm posting this on the forum here in hope that someday they do a google search for the band to reconnect. These blog posts show up on google searches nicely. So if you were in the band, email me at steve@axtell.com

Okay... I now return you to our regularly scheduled Blog!

Top Kid Show Performers visit.... Axtell Expressions

2010-01-16T10:04:00.000-08:00

(Left to Right)

BACK ROW

David Kaye (USA), Emanuel Shabum (Puerto Rico), John Kimmons (UK), Joaquin Kotkin (Mexico), Jim Carlo (UK), Mike Bent (USA)

FRONT ROW
Andres Hinojosa (Columbia) & Steve Axtell

This group of top kids magician and vents visited Axtell Expressions this week to see the new products and brainstorm!

Axtell's CHEEKY MONKEY

2009-11-18T12:25:00.001-08:00

Cheeky Monkey is available in 3 styles... Cheeky CHIMP (Dark Brown fur without a tail) Cheeky Monkey (Black Fur with Tail) ... Cheeky Monkey (Orange Fur with Tail). Puppets by Axtell Expressions

http://www.axtell.com

Hang-On Monster Puppet by Axtell Expressions

2009-11-08T19:33:00.000-08:00

This is the "Hang-On Monster" everyone is talking about! It's really different and really attracts attention. The now famous "Dangling uvula" is included. This monster is great for walk arounds or just in your regular show! Only $199.95 plus shipping! Lots of options. Collar, Colors, Rod Arm, magnetic feet....
http://www.axtell.com/monster.html

What you are saying about this Monster!
Kieran Powell - Awesome!

Bob Rumba - I could use him right now !
Mike Bent - Very cool!
Ony Carcamo - nice nice nice nice!
Dennis Hart - I LOVE IT!!!! Especially the wobbling uvula!!! LOL!! Great work!!!
Suzi Aron Grady - He's hilarous...I love him!

Margaret Davis - OHHHHH, I like him!

Mike Arter - Wonderful creation. I like the wraparound style. Awesome facial features!
George Mullican - Ugly? Yes! But, I LIKE HIM ... IT.

World's Oldest Man Puppet by Axtell

2009-11-08T19:26:00.000-08:00

The World's Oldest Man Puppet comes undressed with long hair and eyebrows...but there are lots of options! Clothes, Beard, Rod Arm, Shoes, Feet, etc. Just remember to handle this elder with tender loving care....even if all he does is yell at you! Ha!

We've pulled out all the stops for this incredible puppet

Who will he be for your show??
The World's Oldest...
....Magician?
....Singer?
....Dancer?
....Preacher?
Only $399.95 undressed, with lots of options:
http://www.axtell.com/wom.html

The Green Machine Recycling Magic Trick (Recycle)

2009-11-08T19:08:00.001-08:00

Magically recycle anything into anything...
One of the Hottest Educational Topics in the world!
Fits into a 12" x 12" x 12" space.
Large load area 9.5" x 8" diameter tube.
Engineered for incredibly safe angles!
Can also be used in any show as a "Time Machine!" (transporting objects forward and backwards in time when placed inside)
Available Now!
$149.95 plus shipping
Comes with Green Machine, Yellow & Orange Trash Tube, Secret Gimmick, Sound Effects on Mp3 & Instructions!
http://www.axtell.com/gm.html

What People are already saying!
Tony Blanco
Clever Idea and using a classic of magic to meet an theme on everyone's mind recycling and ecology..Your clever, yes you your clever!

Matt Bronsil
Steve, the stuff your company comes up with are always amazing.

Wanlu's Puppets
this is so cool!!! Great work Ax!!

Lou Hilario
Axcellent presentation.
Brett Roberts
I've seen so many magicians show a prop like that empty and then produce something from it. When they perform it, it's short and unspectacular. You've made this an amazing routine. And, your prop is designed in a way that it can really do a lot!

Stefano Di Pumpo
Hi steve, as you know recycling and magic it's my cup of tea... first of all congratulation, Good job !!
Austin Tyler Pruett
Awsome i want one!

Sally Alves Court
THAT is a VERY cool Squared Circle!!!! LOVE the spinner!!! Very, very cool. Okay, now I've got to have one!!!!!

Karl Sandham
great twist on a old trick, its uptodate and modern get down with the kids. well done Steve, you could use a draw box to put in all the recycled things then show theve gone back into trash :) or a puppet made of trash for big ending

Mike Henson -
COOOOL!!!
Hey Steve,

I just watched the demo video and I think you have a WINNER here!

The story line is absolutely PERFECT. The prop itself is fun and BIG! This will play anywhere. I also love the spinning Recycling Logo.

I noticed some very cool subtleties in you handling as well.

The production of the video was excellent as well. I like the multi-camera angle editing during the patter. Very cool shhhtuff!

Overall this is a great creation as we all come to expect from you!

Good luck with your sales!

Chance
Wolf 's Magic

Sneak Peek of some new Axtell Puppets coming soon!

2009-10-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.axtell.com/monster1.jpg

http://www.axtell.com/worldsoldest1.jpg

New Axtell Products

2009-09-27T15:53:00.001-07:00

LOTS OF NEW SUFF COMING!

Recycle Magic Trick... World's Oldest Man...Weasel...Meerkat...Platypus... Chicken...Silly Monsters...Funny Monkey ...and Much More!!! Check back here often!

Need a little help?

2009-09-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

We know times are tough,for some, more than others.

For a limited time, Axtell Expressions would like to help by offering a 10% discount for those that really need it...just ask Robin in customer service when you place your order. If you don't need the discount, please allow it to be passed on to someone who does. We're in this together... Thanks

The Axtell Team

2009-08-31T20:11:00.000-07:00

Axtell Expressions Hands-Free Remote Control Tree. Animatronic tree operates from mp3 technology totally programmable.

AXTELL Puppet Power Users

2009-08-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

If you consider yourself an Axtell Power User, post a photo here with your collection. I am always excited when I see Axtell Power Users, not only for business reasons, but because I am excited that they "get" the strength of a solid designer character collection. The characters look like they are from the same planet. It confirms my belief that our designs can REALLY excite an audience. They really WORK to build a performer's own business and because of that, they keep buying from us. Wow. I love this...

Check out Karl Sandham's collection.

The Axtell "Notebooks"

2009-06-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

The "Notebooks"
June 13 2009, 5:45 PM

On the Axtell Customer forum some folks have wanted to see some of my concept drawings of my ideas put out in a book called "The Art of Axtell". I don't know if my little doodles would be anything book worthy but..... I have always kept records of my ideas and activities since 1982 in spiral bound notebooks. I've logged well over 200-250 ideas and inventions....some I have patented, some I have made into products (Magic Drawing Board, Bird Arm Illusions, Off the Meter, etc). Add up all the things we've only put out and it might total 20 or 30 from those pages. So....right now I'm setting up a healthy R&D Dept with some new folks and we are going to be AXploding with new products over the next few years.

The death of Ron has caused me to think about a lot of things.... one of them is faith and mine is deeper now. Another is family, and I'm working on strengthening my relationships with Suzi and my kids. Another is to leave the world a better place. With the help of all of you entertainers who use Axtell puppets, magic and props, I can say that I am doing that in a small way with you. I got an encouraging email from a friend who reminded me of the rare position I am in that literally on any given day...thousands of people are laughing and enjoying watching my products entertain them through you. That just rocks!

So I'm going to be working with a little more focus toward releasing a mountain of this history of ideas into our new products. It is an exciting adventure. I don't know how many will eventually come out, but going through my old notebooks, and seeing all these 200 plus doodles.... is very exciting.

Ax

AxTelevision - Now Free to View

2009-05-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

Check out AxTelevision our video production that shows our shop in a behind the scenes show.... and watch us Make a Movie! A short puppet movie full of sound effects and action! Winner of over 10 media awards! Watch it here!

Steve Axtell On Stage (England 2009)

2009-03-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

S.Tyneside Magic Convention - England 2009
Introduced by Tommy the Trumpeter (Ray Spencer) at the Customs House, following a magic performance by Jasper Blakeley

Steve Axtell Interview at S. Tyneside England

2009-03-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

Here is Magic Convention Guide's review of my interview by Martin Duffy.

Steve Axtell Lecture - South Tyneside International Magic Festival
March 14th, 2009 by Richard Morrell

Steve Axtell of Axtell Puppets was interviewed in a very interesting hour long session by convention organizer Martin Duffy.

Steve started off by talking about the background of his company and how he got started as a boy with his interest being sparked by Sesame Street. He went on to talk about how to use a puppet giving several demonstrations with his own products, tips such as to always keep the puppet moving, and to point the eyes down to the audience were valuable advice from an obvious master.

As soon as Steve put a puppet on he was animating it complete with unique voice via his ventriloquial skills. He then went on to demonstrate his now world famous and best selling product, the Axtell Drawing Board, providing some interesting tips and techniques sent in by other users and he talked about the use of his Axtrax system to back this and the puppets. Next he demonstrated his Big Baby and the very funny Human version, this was followed with some tips on his bird arm illusion.

Finally he talked about creativity and how he comes up with some of the ideas, and what he has in the pipeline, and to that end he finished by demonstrating his anamatronic line, all remote control characters that can be freely controlled or left to move on their own, which look amazing, including a dragon that breathes smoke, a giant book and a cute baby gorilla and one final character a life size puppet that looked very much like Paul Daniels!

Article Steve Axtell Coming to England

2009-03-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a newspaper article about my coming to the S. Tyneside Magic Convention in England.

All the tricks in the book

10:39am Monday 9th March 2009

Steve Axtell, puppet master and maker of magic items, talks to Steve Pratt ahead of South Shield’s magic festival.

THIRTY years ago, Steve Axtell was a boy with hopes of becoming a performer. He made his own puppets and did shows at his local church. Then, after he was featured in a story in the local newspaper, his proud mother sent a cutting to Muppet Show supremo Jim Henson.

The reaction wasn’t quite what 14- year-old Steve was hoping for. “When he received my picture he saw I was making copies of his characters. He wrote back and said ‘please don’t make my characters, find your own look’,” recalls Axtell.

Maybe it was a harsh thing to say to a boy, but it was good advice. Today, from its base in California, Axtell Expressions provides puppets all over the world, from big stage shows on Broadway and theme parks to churches and schools.

The company’s puppets and magic items have appeared in movies such as Planet Of The Apes and the show starring America’s Got Talent winner Terry Fator, at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. Several Axtell puppets will feature in the next series of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. Ventriloquist Jay Johnson recently won a Tony award for a Broadway show featuring Axtell’s bird arm illusion.

Axtell makes his performing debut in this country in South Shields as part of the sixth International Magic Festival.

The week-long convention in South Tyneside, which features public and schools performances, boasts UK names like Paul Daniels and comedy compere Tim Vine, as well as US stars including Banachek and Bob Sheets.

Axtell gave up his dream of performing full-time when he married and had children because it would have taken him away from home too much.

Instead, he concentrated on designing and manufacturing puppets and magic items. What started out in a garage in Ohio is now a world leader in puppet and magic development.

“The uniqueness of what we do can’t be copied, although others have tried.

Our look is really unique and being used by the top people in the field,” he says. He also goes into areas you might not expect, providing missionaries and Sunday school teachers with puppets for use in their work presenting the gospels.

“It’s a good thing to have in a Sunday school classroom. Take a puppet character, say a duck, and maybe use in the Noah’s Ark story. Or to tell an Old Testament story or just teach how to pray,”

he says. “That’s how I began. We were using them in church before we started in the other areas. We have professional speakers, motivational speakers using them.”

ONE of the trickiest jobs was for a top variety act in Japan. He created the idea for an alien mother who carried two alien babies in a box and one in a backpack. He flew to California to design it with Axtell’s team. The result was a man in a body suit, including fake arms and body parts, that looked and moved like an alien. It didn’t come cheap, costing about $30,000.

He’s now developing a hands-free puppet. New technology is making this possible. “This will allow for the puppets and characters to be just like Disneyland,”

he says. “Technology develops fast. There is the ability for a performer to think and have that thought translated into the speech of the puppet character. But it’s unaffordable at the moment.”

For the past few years, he’s been working with an engineer on animatronic puppets. “The challenge is how to do it and how expensive it will be,”

he says.

The South Tyneside visit marks Axtell’s first time lecturing and performing in Europe. It’s quite a coup for the magic festival, organised by magician Martin Duffy.

The event began after South Tyneside Council looked for a way of attracting people to the region. Duffy had done some work with the council and the idea for a magic convention was born. The first year some 70 people attended, now it’s nearing 200. Its size is dictated by the space at the Customs House, South Shields.

Along with lectures and shows for delegates, there’s a programme of public shows and a children’s programme that has teams of magicians visiting schools in the region.

southtyneside.info/magicfestival

Steve Axtell goes to England

2009-02-15T17:34:00.000-08:00

I will be going to England next week to the Blackpool Magic Convention. We will have a TON of product there! Feb 20-22 Blackpool Magic Information

In March 13-15 I will return to S.Tyneside (Newcastle) for a performance and workshop on Friday the 13th. S. Tyneside Magic Convention

I look forward to meeting many of my UK friends and customers.

Steve Axtell

Merry Christmas and Contest Winners!

2008-12-23T21:28:00.000-08:00

The "Axtell Puppet Video Contest" Winners are announced here!

Merry Christmas from the Axtells!

My son Ryan Axtell and I have recorded a few Christmas songs for our family and friends! Download them and Enjoy!

CHRISTMAS MUSIC FROM AXTELL

Axtell Puppet Video Contest

2008-10-18T10:27:00.001-07:00

Lights......Camera......AXion!

Time once again for the Axtell Puppet Video Challenge! Lots of prizes including a chance to appear in Las Vegas with Terry Fator!

More information here.... http://www.axtell.com/puppetvid.html

Ax

Terry Fator - New Puppet Character

2008-10-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a first look at Terry Fator's new puppet by Steve Axtell.

Five New Axtell Products Coming soon!

2008-09-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

Five new Axtell Products coming soon!

The Hands-Free Puppets are shipping!

Edna (a middle aged woman) quite the character. Gossip, Aunt, Neighbor, Librarian, etc.!

Reggie - A funny looking Man with big ears!

Magic Drawing Board - Tada! Hands. It's a big finish to a song or a great way to spring up a banner.

A new Dancing Bird puppets!

Ssidney the Ssilly Ssnake!

Steve Axtell: The Walt Disney Of Puppet Makers Unveils “Hands Free Remote Controlled” Puppets

2008-06-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

June 27th, 2008 by JOE GANDELMAN, Editor-In-Chief
The Moderate Voice

Away from the public spotlight, a Ventura-based puppet maker who was enchanted by Muppets creator Jim Henson’s creations as a kid has now become the Walt Disney of puppet makers. In reality, he has been on that track now for several years — but today he literally ushers in a revolution in puppetry, ventriloquism and character robots.
You’ll be seeing many more “hands free” puppets and cutesy entertainment robots as we move into the 21st century…And for that, you can thank Steve Axtell.

PHOTO - Hands-Free Toucan at the Magic Castle with magician Ken Scott, Steve Axtell & Melanie Michaels.

Just as Walt Disney took his skills and used them, painstakingly honed them, stuck to his vision, expanded the artistic “product” he offered, and expanded his initial cartoon realm by innovating and using the latest 20th century technology, Axtell has used his skills, painstakingly honed them, stuck to a vision, expanded the artistic “product” he offered and is expanding his initial realm by innovating and using the latest 21st century technology.

The result of all this bursts on the scene today as he begins to offer “hands free remote controlled puppets.”
Disney worked in drawings, film and theme parks. Axtell has worked in drawings that he transformed into latex-faced hand-controlled cartoon-like puppets. As a result, his company Axtell Expressions has had a huge impact on puppetry all over the world since the last quarter of the 20th century. It’s the birthplace to cartoon-like puppets you see on TV, cruise ships, at fairs, at private parties — even in a movie such as the remake of “Planet of the Apes.”

At 12:01 a.m. this morning, eager customers from 12 countries started getting on a waiting list to buy these new-era puppets that could re-define a segment of 21st century entertainment. They’ll pay roughly $3,000 to $4,000 for them ($2500 deposit required) and take a new kind of entertainment once only available in certain venues into everyday places. Details on the new puppets are HERE.

“We are bringing the cost of high level animatronics down to a level that small businesses and entertainers can afford,” Axtell says. “Prior to this only available to theme parks and museums before now. Axtell robots will now be performing at your kid’s next birthday party and greeting you at the door of your favorite hot dog stand.”

The controls? MP3 technology. He’s selling remote control ventriloquists’ puppets, remote control magic puppets (for magicians, non-ventriloquists, educators, churches, corporations, clowns and comedians) and remote control live puppets for live events with a hidden operator. Axtell was always good at steadily churning out a batch of new characters, so expect to see a far bigger line a year from now than the present monkey and bird.

Ron Palmer, a 40 year robotics specialist, is making the Axtell characters come to life with this new technology. Ron has made thousands of professional robots and his work has been seen in movies like “Knight Rider” and “Lost In Space”.

Greg Jackson, Axtell’s Studio producer & musical arranger, is producing the specialized mp3 which control the robots and synchronize the actions with the voice. His Masters in music is being applied to this cutting edge concept.]

Axtell has always pushed the envelope. His innovations included the the patented Magic Drawing Board (which comes “alive” after the entertainer draws a face on it via a moveable mouth and eyes…and then can be completely erased), and characters such as an elephant that squirts water through its trunk and a dragon that has smoke (canned mist) come out of his nose.

Puppetry Journal has a long bio piece on Axtell which details his life and his multi-media combination workshop/studio in Ventura in detail HERE (it is a PDF file). It also explains the genesis of these 21st century puppets, the work Axtell put into them, and the collaborators who helped him create them.

Is all of this overstating Axtell’s impact a bit? Decidedly NO.

Puppetry has always been popular, and ventriloquism reached its peak during vaudeville, blossomed during the radio years of Edgar Bergen and was seemingly entrenched as a comedy art form as it enchanted Baby Boomers with its frequent appearance on 50s’ and 60s variety TV shows such as Ed Sullivan’s.

The variety shows largely vanished. Ventriloquism is still around but with the exception of a splashy cable or broadcast show, you don’t see see it regularly on what remains of “broadcasting,” versus the more tightly defined “narrowcasting” of cable (coupled with iPods, cell phones and the Internet).

Ventriloquism itself came of age during vaudeville’s earliest years when there weren’t even microphones. So the novelty of an entertainer with his hand in a puppet moving the manually operated robot worked best: no mikes meant there was a greater chance people thought the ventriloquist was truly throwing his voice (which he truly never is). The advent of sound systems diluted that illusion a bit. But no matter how entertainment evolved, ventriloquist “dummies” and standard puppets required a hand inside the puppets to manipulate them.

As of today, you’ll start seeing more “hands free” puppets voiced either by ventriloquism or recordings that can be used with the puppets. So the years of hands UNfree puppets are over? Hardly. Some hand manipulations will never be duplicated by remote control — but expect to see more and more hands free puppets as the time goes by, as the remote controlled movements become more intricate and refined.

So it’s new age that’s literally beginning today…. http://www.axtell.com/remote.html

2008-05-15T13:49:00.001-07:00

Ventriloquist Terry Fator announces mult-million dollar deal with puppets! Well, with the Mirage in Vegas! Terry made the announcement with the new "Winston the Impersonating Turtle" we built for him.

Read the Press story here....

Invest Tax Rebates in Your Show!

2008-04-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

The US Tax Rebate checks ($300-600 avg) will be hitting mailboxes beginning in May. After you have paid off some debts, think about upgrading your show. What new puppets, props, sets, etc. could you spend it on that would improve your show and even help to sell it better. If you do this, instead of buying an Ipod or a new TV, you will not only help stimulate the general economy, but you will also stimulate the arts, and the economy of your own personal entertainment business! Check out Axtell Expressions for great puppets!
Ax
Steve Axtell

www.axtell.com

Terry Fator uses Jazzman on Oprah!

2008-04-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

Terry Fator, the ventriloquist that won America's Got Talent has just appeared on Oprah with the Jazzman puppet. Check out the video from the show....

<

Blackpool's "International Chidren's Entertertainers" Winners!!!!

2008-03-01T14:48:00.000-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS to The BLACKPOOL MAGIC CONVENTION Winners!
(Blackpool England, Magic's largest convention)

Children's Entertainer World Championship Awards go to:


John Kimmons (right) 1st Place & Ken Dodd Comedy Award!	2nd Dave Allen (left) - 3rd Andy Clockwise (right)

1st PLACE - John Kimmons
(used Willie the Kid)
He also won the Ken Dodd comedy award for outstanding comedy performance at the convention
No one before now has won both, even seperately...this is a huge accomplishment!

2nd PLACE - Dave Allen
(Used the Remote Control Magic Drawing Board and a Youcan Toucan puppet)

3rd PLACE - Andy Clockwise
(using the Axtell Neurotic Rat and a Dodo bird)

Axtell Creations were a major element of all the acts that won!!

Prices Announced for the Hands-Free Puppets!

2008-02-07T20:41:00.000-08:00

We have posted the prices for the Remote Control puppets at http://www.axtell.com/remote.html

Take a look now and sign up for the mailing list. Once we send out our next mailing announcing that we are ready to take orders, we will begin to make a waiting list! Hundreds are already waiting for that moment.

Ax

Do you get the Axtell Newsletter?

2008-01-31T11:33:00.001-08:00

Are you a subscriber of the Axtell Newsletter? No??

Here is our January issue....

http://www.axtell.com/axnews/jan08.html

Subscribe today.

VOTE for your favorite Hands-Free Character

2008-01-16T12:44:00.001-08:00

Help us prepare for production by voting on your favorite character & style....Take our poll on the HANDS-FREE Page here

AxCHAT every day at 4 PM

2008-01-15T17:14:00.000-08:00

Come join Steve Axtell and other customers in AxCHAT a cool new chat room designed for puppet talk.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN AxCHAT

Axtell "Hands-Free" Animatronic Puppets

2007-11-16T19:56:00.000-08:00

We have been in development on some very exciting exclusive remote control puppets with robotics expert Ron Palmer using new proprietary technology. Here is what we are coming out with....

REMOTE CONTROL VENT PUPPETS
for Ventriloquists or those who want to provide their own live voice.

The vent style characters will be operated by a control (like you would beep your car doors with). On stage with you the puppet always looks alive automatically active "Auto-Alive" and slightly moving, watching your audience and your show. When you want to control him, just push one button to "look over at you" and the next to "move it's mouth"! Then when you are finished with this puppet speaking, return it to it's "Auto-Alive" state. You can now work with a puppet in your hands, and also with the tiny control hidden in your other hand, also control the remote puppet from a distance!

REMOTE CONTROL MAGIC PUPPETS

This is great for the non-vent, Magician, Puppeteer, Educator, Comedian.

This is controlled by a tiny remote. Each track in a playlist controls both the voice (and any music) ...and...the movements. In between the desired "active" programmed tracks, the puppet returns to an automatic animated state called "Auto-Alive" (looking around naturally, at you & your audience....never looking dead).

Ready for his next "active" program?....just secretly play the next track and the character starts in!

TOTAL CONTROL

This will be upgradeable to a headset microphone that will move the puppet's mouth when you speak by automatic voice activation called MotorMouth. No joystick needed for the mouth (but it's still an option). Also you can use a larger RC Transmitter (two hand unit with an antenna). You have live control over any other movements like head rotation, arms, etc. Nothing is animated in this mode.

For more info see Web Page

ENJOY!

Axtell Expressions New Products!

2007-10-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

We have just finished a ton of new products (Puppets & Magic) for entertainers.

The Jack-O-Lantern Puppet is here in time for the Halloween season. Imagine the fun bringing out a mystery bag and pulling a pumpkin out of it. Hold up a knife and start to carve a face into it and BOO! Your pumpkin comes to life as a talking Jack-O-Lantern! This latex puppet will serve you well every year...very commercial.

Instant Magic Holiday Turkey! This magical latex production item can be produced from magical boxes and apparatus. It looks like a real plump Butterball turkey fresh from the oven ready for a Thanksgiving or Christmas feast!

Fred the Fried Chicken / Cooked Holiday Turkey Puppet Imagine the fun you'll have bringing out a poor cooked turkey (or fried chicken)latex puppet to sing or talk to in your show. He might sing his "last song" for your audience... Very funny - not for the very young of course.

Splash the Dolphin Puppet! Flipper has come to life as a latex puppet!

The Big Bee Puppet! Catch all the buzz with the Bee Movie coming out. Bee Kind, Bee Happy....lots of ideas.

Axtell Puppet Video Challenge!

2007-04-16T16:04:00.000-07:00

We are having an incredible contest for users of Axtell Puppets! Check out our webpage to learn more about this great opportunity. We want to showcase your talents in a Big Way! Big Prizes (3 categories - each with $1000 first place, $500 second place, and $250 third place)....all in free Axtell products!

We have assembled an incredible panel of judges for the new puppet video contest.

Kelly Asbury - Director of Dreamworks Shrek2, Spirit, Author: Dummy Days
Jay Johnson - Ventriloquist star of Broadway's Two and Only.
Fred Holmes - Director of Wishbone & Barney & Friends
Ronn Lucas - Las Vegas Headliner Ventriloquist at Aladdins
Lee Armstrong - Producer / TV Puppeteer, Images In Motion
Stephen Stiles - Writer, Director, Producer / Focus On The Family Films
Clinton Detweiler - Maher Studios / Newsyvents Blog / Ventriloquism Instructor
Mark Wade - Kidshow Vent & Exec Director Vent Haven Convention
Kevin Johnson - America's Got Talent favorite - This time he's a judge!

Join the fun and create a puppet video today...you could win $1000 in Axtell Puppets & Magic! - More info here Puppet Video Challenge

Magic Tricks by Axtell Expressions

2007-04-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

MAGIC ILLUSIONS by AXTELL

Magic Drawing Boards, Special FX Board,

Remote Control Drawing Bd, Pizza-To-Go,

Bird Arm Illusion & Bubba the Bullfrog

Learn Ventriloquism and Puppet skills! DVDs, Books and more!

2007-04-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

RESOURCES & AXcessories -

Cds, Video, DVD by Axtell

Video Catalog, Instructional Videos, Audio Cassettes, AxTrax Performance Routines, Routine Books, etc.

Latex People Puppets by Axtell Expressions

2007-04-07T07:22:00.000-07:00

PEOPLE PARTY - PEOPLE PUPPETS by Axtell

The Jazzman, The FAM (Dad, Mom, Papa, Nana, Buddy, Sis) Cry Baby,Old Storyteller, Granny Gertie, Laughin' Louie, Willie the Kid, Grampa Floyd & Buster.

Dog and Cat Puppets by Axtell Expressions

2007-04-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

The PETSHOP PUPPETS by Axtell

Basset Hound, Alley Cat & Bulldog

Wacky Crazy Latex Puppets by Axtell Expressions

2007-04-07T07:14:00.001-07:00

WILD and WACKY PUPPETS by Axtell

Neurotic Rat, Seal, Shark, WIldThing, DinoStar, Kangaroo, Dragon, Big Mouths,

Man Eating Plant, Book Puppets, Donut

Farm or Barn Puppets by Axtell Expressions

2007-04-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

FUNNY FARM - BARNYARD PUPPETS by Axtell

Horse, Camel, Lamb, Donkey, Cow, Chicken,

Turkey, Pig & Duck

More Latex Bird Puppets by Axtell Expressions

2007-04-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

BIRD PUPPETS Page 2 - Bird Puppets by Axtell

Toucan, Owls, Pelican, Duck, Eagle, Turkey,Chicken, Rooster, Penquin,

Bird Arm Illusion & Animated Bird Arm

Latex Bird Puppets by Axtell Expressions

2007-04-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

BIRD PUPPETS Page 1 - Bird Puppets by Axtell

Ostrich, Real McCaw, Vern, Verna, Cockatoo, Buffy Bird, Benny Birds, Buzzard, Dodo, Vulture, Parrot, Flamingo, All American Bird, Crow

Woods or Woodland Latex puppets by Axtell Expressions

2007-04-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

BACKWOODS BUDDIES PUPPETS by Axtell

Turtle, Skunk, Bear, Possum, Raccoon, Squirrel,Rabbit, Frogs

Jungle Puppets by Axtell Expressions

2007-04-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

JUNGLE SAFARI PUPPETS by Axtell

Chimpanzee, Gorilla, Orangutan, Hippo, Lion, Gator, Real McCaw, Zebra,

Giraffe, Tiger, Wild Boar, Elephant, Bongo Gorilla

(also see birds for Jungle birds)

AxTrax CDs. Routines for Puppets

2007-04-07T07:03:00.000-07:00

Check out these funny routines on CD for puppets. One puppeteer, One puppet, one CD!

AxTrax PUPPET ROUTINES on CD

Several CD routines on CD for non-ventriloquists. Use any puppet. Funny pre-recorded puppet voice, music and sound effects for live performance. General Humor, Gospel & Educational

Custom Puppets - Wow!

2007-03-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Wow! We have been overwhelmed with orders for exclusive custom puppets for customers all over the world. Recently we have made a Porcupine for an TV advertising agency, an Alien puppet for a children's book author, another customer from Japan ordered a large costume puppet of a mother Alien carrying 2 baby alien puppets in a box and also carrying this ventriloquist in it's backpack (you'll have to see this when it comes out on television) ...and some other creatures we can't discuss yet. Exclusive custom puppets is the way to go if you need all the rights to your puppet. Consider if you are making a pilot for a TV show or you are pretty confident your new act is going to make you famous. You will want exclusive rights with 100% ownership of the character. This will allow you to negotiate your own production and licensing deals.

Also we have been working on non-exclusive custom puppets. These are creations that a customer may want Axtell Expressions to build for them, but they do not need exclusive rights. They can save a bundle of cash by purchasing the first one for themselves, but Axtell retains the rights to the character and adds it to their catalog. For some who don't need the rights to themselves, it's an affordable way to add a character to their show. Before accepting non-exclusive work I must determine there is a need for the character in our line of products.

If you are creating a pilot for your own TV show....do NOT get a non-exclusive with the idea that if the pilot goes and the show is taken you will then buy exclusive puppets. If the pilot is accepted well, it will be largely due to the characters you are using. Start with Exclusive and you won't have to re-design around them. To avoid copyright infringement, we cannot make new puppets look much like another puppet (even our own)!

Which custom puppet option is right for you? Send me an email and let me know today!

Friends on TV

2007-02-08T19:52:00.000-08:00

No not the show "FRIENDS"....with David Schwimmer (who used our giraffe puppet in Madagascar premieres) ..... but my real friends on TV.

Last week, my friend and customer Arthur Stead was on PBS's SOUNDSTAGE with Peter Frampton. Arthur has been on tour with many famous rock acts and most recently on tour with Frampton playing keyboard and guitar.

Arthur is an amazing composer who has produced the incredible royalty free background music we offer to entertainers. You can see and hear his awesome music on our website http://www.axtell.com/arthurstead.html

This next week several ventriloquists and customers will be on NBC's LATE SHOW with David Letterman. Monday will be my friend and customer Kevin Johnson who will be using our Cockatoo puppet. Check it out!

Also friends and customers - Jim Barber & Brad Cummings will be on Letterman later in the week.

The week after that..no doubt someone else I know will be on TV and using one of our puppets or magic props..... If it's YOU, please let me know!

Have a great week!

Ax

2007-01-07T11:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I hope you've had great holidays. I sure have.

I always try to take time at the end of the year to sit down and review. It's a great habit. Annual review will let you set new goals, see how the old ones are working, and if they should be continued.

If you are an entertainer, it's very important for your show. How are is the appearance of your act? Are the props in good shapes? Is the sound system needed any technical work? Do the puppets need to be freshened up? Do I need new puppets or magic in my act this year?

We have quite a great year of puppets & magic planned to be released this year. The first one is Big Babies check this out! Customer and ventriloquist Sylvia Markson presented this idea to us a few years ago and we are producing it this year. You can join in the development process on the Magic Cafe. I hope you do.

My oldest boy Ryan will be getting married in June, so our summer convention trips will probably be missed this year. I'm so excited to be his best man, and my rock band is playing at the reception. Oh yeah....I'm also a keyboard player in a 70's & 80's cover band. My hobby...another form of entertainment!

Have a great year...don't forget to sit down and make some entertainment goals!

Ax

New Products 2006

2006-12-19T08:03:00.000-08:00

The new products this year will be shown in our product line page. The page has been updated with graphics to help navigation. Do you find that more fun and interesting? Let me know.

Off The Meter - Comedy Prop - This was the run-away hit magic product this year for us. It's not as much magic as it is a comedy prop, but is used in hundreds of magic shows as a warm up. Also it's being used by other stage performers such as ventriloquists, puppeteers and even hypnotists! If you haven't seen this prop yet, check out off the Meter!

The Jazzman Puppet - This is our tribute to the great Jazz Singers of New Orleans. This latex puppets comes with a trumpet and a CD of songs in the voice of Jazz singer Al Stevens, similar to Louis Armstrong. Check out the demo of this guy in his tux!

Dolly the Hippo Puppet - Okay what can I say....a hippo in a bikini! She's a real charmer and a favorite!

Our other new products can be seen from our News web page.

I'll give you some hints as to new products in an upcoming post!

Welcome to Axtell Expressions Puppets & Magic Blog!

2006-12-19T07:35:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to my entertainer friends.

If you are not familiar with our company and have found this blog, let me share a little bit with you. I am Steve Axtell, president and creative director of Axtell Expressions, Inc. located in Ventura, California. It's a coastal city on the upper part of Southern Cal. For 27 years we have been making professional latex puppets and novel magic props and illusions. Our line of characters and tricks have been featured in tens of thousands of shows in over 60 countries. Many of our creations are famous, in movies, on, television on Broadway, etc.

Axtell Expressions has had an incredible year serving the needs of ventriloquists, magicians, ministries, kids-workers, clown & puppeteers. As Christmas approaches quickly I begin to reflect on the year, and to begin to formulate new plans and goals for the upcoming year.

Check out the web page www.axtell.com and take a look around, then come on back and we'll chat some more.

Welcome to the Wacky World of Axtell Expressions!

Ax
Steve Axtell
www.axtell.com