Mark Merchant
Ventriloquist in Atlanta, GA
Why hire Mark Merchant?
I provide Comedy Ventriloquism for corporate dates, private parties, conventions, trade shows, commercials and family events.
Year 34 of entertaining and have been around the world doing this act, and will travel wherever the gig takes us!
Wow! What a great performance!
We booked Mark Merchant for our annual client holiday party and he was a resounding hit with our clients! We had numerous rave reviews from smiling faces after his performance. We have done client events for many years and this was the most entertaining performance we've had yet! Mr. Merchant even had the names of some of the clients in attendance and their interests and wove them into the show. Best of all, we had adults as well as kids in the audience and he managed to bring a hilarious performance that delighted both groups - an amazing feat. I would highly recommend Mr. Merchant and his wacky, zany group of friends to anyone and everyone.
Response from Mark Merchant:
Merrill Lynch could not have been more cooperative! Dream client and dream audience!Thank You!
Mark Merchant
Hired by: Nathan T.
- Expertise
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Priced Fairly
- Adaptability
Event Date: December 11th, 2012
Event: Holiday Party in Oxford, Alabama
Services provided: Comedy Magician, Comedy Show, Variety Entertainer, Ventriloquist
Performer with Integrity
I tried to hire Mark for a Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet but Mark had a scheduling conflict and could not make our date. He felt so bad that he put us in touch with another performer and even made a contribution to the pack! He was more than professional.
I wish that our schedules had worked out because I'm sure that he would have been a hit with the boys given his ties to scouting.
Review by: Meggy G.
Event Date: February 10th, 2013
Event: Awards Night in Alpharetta, Georgia
About
When Mark Merchant was eight in Atlanta, Georgia, his parents were concerned with his tendency to talk to himself and had him examined for multiple personality disorder. However that same talking to himself, without moving his lips, has taken him around the world, paid for his home, and introduced Mark to his wife of 22 years.
A chance meeting with ventriloquist Jimmy Nelson, of the Nestl’s commercials(Chocolate!) in the 60’s started Mark. Nelson’s record of ventriloquism instructions featuring Danny O’Day and Farfel led to the development of Mark’s vocal and superb technical skill.
In high school Mark was known to call himself out of class by using his voice tossing ability. Devoid of athletic ability, the penchant for making others laugh was a ticket to fun and girlfriends, not always in that order.
At University of Georgia School of Journalism, Mark wrote for the school newspaper. His instructors frowned on his tendency to make up the news. It hastened his descent into fantasy and jobs at Atlanta radio stations where fact checking was not as important as humor. Mark graduated from Georgia a full six years into a difficult four-year program. While achieving his BA in Broadcast Journalism, he also attained a degree from Clayton College in Dental Hygiene. He loved the nitrous oxide, but the fun was making them talk while their mouths were full of dental tools.
Mark’s first gig as a ventriloquist was on a USO tour for American service personnel at bases all over Europe. A 33-year career in comedy has traversed from cruises to casinos and corporate events. Atlantic City Magazine awarded him “Best Variety Act” for his performance. Mark’s time on stage features material fresh as the news headlines and political humor with something for all. Never partisan, he entertained for leaders as varied as Pres Jimmy Carter and Governor Sarah Palin. Valley Magazine reviewed Mark’s act, “Clever, edgy and so funny we were wiping the tears from our eyes with cocktail napkins.”
The Reno-Gazette commented, “This is politically incorrect and makes fun of its own political incorrectness by pointing out the ridiculous nature of that term. He and his friends are a talented and good humored team!”
When not entertaining on cruises or corporate events with Zelda, Alonzo, Wing Tip Shu.,Mark enjoys time at home in Stone Mountain, Georgia with his lovely wife Cindy and their ten year old girl, Nixie, who has four legs and lots of fur and loves her Michael Vick chew toy.
Mark Merchant's show is custom tailored to the individual audience with names of prominent audience members woven into the routine in a clever and funny way.
Personnel
Mark Merchant: Performer
Influences
David Letterman, Red Skelton, Clem Fortner, David Ginn, Jimmy Travis
What to Expect
Typical Gig Duration: 12 - 90 minutes
Complete satisfaction and appreciation for the effort in my show.
Stage/Setup Requirements:
Sound system
Additional Notes:
All my act requires is a functioning sound system with built in CD player.
Set/Song/Sequence List:
Characters from my vault of puppets for exclusive shows.
Experience
2006: 300 gigs
2007: 300 gigs
2008: 240 gigs
2011: 350 gigs
2012: 230 gigs
Available for Your
Reunion
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