The Mark Truman Scholarship
About Mark Truman
Mark Truman, beloved member of our Vent Haven Ventriloquist ConVENTion community.
Mark was first told of The Vent Haven ConVENTion by Steve Axtell of Axtell Expressions. After Mark’s first visit, he was committed. Mark worked sound and lighting for seven years at VHC and loved working the late night gig on Bob Rumba's Open Mic Nite-since he was from California and the time difference never caused a problem! Mark always picked out a first timer (known as a ConVENTion 'red dotter') and made sure they made the most of their time at ConVENTion. We've all become a family at VHC, and Mark is one of our original family members that is loved, missed, and who's ConVENTion spirit lives on through this scholarship.
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Meet The Judges
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Landon Harvey
Landon’s passion for performing and love of making audiences laugh originated in his grandparents' dining room, as he put on holiday skits for relatives. Today, at twenty three, Landon is known for being the "Viral Ventriloquist". Branded under the moniker "LandonVenting", Landon has amassed an online fanbase of over 1 Million followers on his TikTok page alone. Aside from performing, Landon spends his time working meticulously on professional custom character orders at his puppet building company, The Original Dummy. Not only does he build for collectors, performers, and companies worldwide-Landon has also produced every puppet he uses (from the comfort of his Las Vegas studio) allowing him to feel "closer to the art" while he's away from the effervescent stage lights.
Liz VonSeggen
Liz VonSeggen trained to become a high school teacher and taught Spanish, English, and speech as she began her professional career over 30 years ago. She has taught on every level from preschool to college and enjoys speaking, teaching, and performing for all ages. Liz and her late husband Dale founded One Way Street, Inc- a publishing and training company for the creative arts. They spent many years traveling across the country and around the world, inspiring many teens and adults to become all God designed them to be. Liz served on the Vent Haven Board of Directors for many years and has been a strong supporter of the ventriloquist community all her adult life. Recently, Liz met and married Dave Bon, a retired Army chaplain and they reside in Lone Tree, Colorado where Liz continues to share her teaching and performing with her signature character, Taffy the Duck.
Jeff Goltz
Jeff Goltz is a 25 year old ventriloquist from Indianapolis Indiana who specializes in Night Club ventriloquism. He has attended the Vent Haven Ventriloquist ConVENTion for more than 10 years. As a youngster, Jeff won the Junior Competition. This was possible due to the guidance and support of the ConVENTion. Nowadays, Jeff teaches Junior Vent University at VHC, alongside his mentors. He truly grew up at the ConVention. Jeff’s goal is to provide the same resources and opportunities that ConVENTion offered him. Encouraging the next generation of ventriloquists.
Linda Truman
Linda was the supportive spouse of Mark Truman. Her first time attending was at The Drawbridge Inn- which long-time conventioneers remember for its unique charm. Since Linda didn’t attend workshops, she asked Jody Wade if there was anyway she could help. From that moment on, Linda began her role, working registration and helping manage office duties. She has been part of our Vent Haven ConVENTion family for seven years. Today, she manages The Mark Truman Scholarship, to keep Mark's legacy alive through offering opportunities to join the Vent Haven ConVENTion family, to those kids that otherwise wouldn't be able to afford the opportunity.
Scholarship Entry Info
What you win...
-Vent Haven ConVENTion registration for you and your adult guardian/chaperone.
-Four nights at the conVENTion hotel.
-Three days of meal plans ( Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
-Additional $100 usd (can be used for food, travel, dealers' room, etc.)
-An additional $300.00 usd for travel expenses.
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Requirements..
-Must be between the ages of 8-18 years old.
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-Must fill out the form below, upload your video entry as MP4 File OR AN UNLISTED YOUTUBE LINK.
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-Your video entry should feature you and your puppet performing a routine no less than three minutes and no more than seven minutes, showcasing your ventriloquism skill and why you deserve to win.
Let us get to know you and your puppet in a comedic and entertaining way, and, most of all, HAVE FUN!
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Entries close on Friday, April 19th.
Winner announced Tuesday, April 30th, notified via email, and MUST respond to claim winnings.
Meet The 2024 Truman Scholarship Winner!
Meet Sandy Netburn, this year's winner of The Mark Truman Scholarship for Deserving Ventriloquists.
In Sandy's entry, she sings and does a charming routine with her character.
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We are proud to announce Sandy as this year's scholarship winner as she's been practicing the art of ventriloquism for two years.
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Congrats, Sandy! See you this summer at The Vent Haven ConVENTion!
Meet Brady McAtee, last year's winner of The Mark Truman Scholarship for Deserving Ventriloquists.
In this charming entry, Brady McAtee sings Al Bowlly's 'Guilty' with the help of a figure he made himself.
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Congratulations on winning The 2023 Truman Scholarship, Brady! We look forward to seeing you at this year's Vent Haven Ventriloquist ConVENTion!