A real Gepetto's Workshop? Amazing, but that is what Steve Barry calls his ventriloquist dummy creation studio.Born in Freeport, Long Island, Steve Barry grew up in the suburbs of New York. He has been involved in figure making and ventriloquism for most of his life in one form or another. He now lives in the state of Maryland with his wife Darlene who helps make up Gepetto's Workshop.
Each of his dummies is a work of art with a head that is hand sculpted with realistic details hand painted. Barry's figures come alive as individual characters; no two look exactly the alike.
Steve Barry says his finished dummies are just looking for a partner!
Most of Barry's Figures are 34 inch vent figures with a ball and socket head attachment which allows 360 degree movement. The dummy can look up or down, can cock his head or spin it around! It has moving eyes that are self centering and it has raising eyebrows. Its mouth has a slot jaw style movement. The dummy's padded wooden body is hollow and roomy inside. It has its own control post with mounted brass levers that enable you to easily manipulate the figure. But, the best thing is each dummy is unique & original,hand painted and characterized so no two look exactly the same. Barry individually sculpts each figure's head and adds realistic looking hands and hair!
Barry's figures are made similar to Maher Studios Deluxe Conversion Line which sold on their website for over $ 360. He usually has a few of his "little guys" for sale on ebay for under $300 if you are lucky enough to get one before it sells to someone else.
Says Barry of his newest creation,
"He is fresh out of Gepetto's Workshop and itching to be part of your act! His animations are smooth and he is ready to perform for friends family and audience!"
One last thing...each figure comes with a certificate of authenticity which will have the name that you pick for him added to it. (These are bound to be collected items one day- handmade and each with its own name)
You also get a basics of ventriloquism operation booklet to help you get started and a full year warranty!
Says Barry, "I keep the cost low to make them affordable to all and don't worry, I guarantee all my work to be quality figures that if maintained properly, will give you many years of satisfaction."
