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An entertainer with a ready and natural smile, who can make audiences of all aged groups cross into another dimension of reality, that of ventriloquism, Brenda Stelzer is a consummate pro. The New Jersey born entertainer has called Florida home since 1965.

Stelzer was first introduced to ventriloquism as a young girl. She practiced speaking without moving her lips and soon after, people marveled at her extraordinary lip control. At age 11, Stelzer received a gift that would prove to shape her career. Doreen and George Church, a couple who recognized Stelzer’s talent, gave her the gift of a professional ventriloquial figure, also known as a “dummy.” Stelzer named the figure “George Henry” after the generous donor.

A nurse by profession, Stelzer performed part-time. However, as event opportunities started increasing, she made a slow transition to full time ventriloquism and has been doing nothing but since 1997.

Ventriloquism was hugely popular during the time when Edgar Bergen and “Charlie McCarthy” were beloved by audiences nationwide.

“In our high tech world today, with video games and the internet, people don’t know about this form of entertainment. I’ve even had teens ask, after I’ve entertained at their table and they are completely mesmerized, ‘How does he (George) talk?’ It is a personal mission for me to do what I can to keep ventriloquism alive and to spread the awareness of my craft to as many people as possible,” said Stelzer

Today, Stelzer works with George Henry, her main squeeze. They entertain with humor, song and audience interaction. George henry is known to deliver lines in a very outspoken manner, earning belly laughs and can even make some folks blush: “Hey baby, you’re a hot tamale,” he winks.

“Belle,” a true southern lady, is a recent addition. She is replete with feather boa, long blonde curls and an accent as sweet as tupelo honey. And recently, a new figure, “Yo-Yo,” an alien, was added to the act, to the utter delight of children.

“The kids love Yo-Yo. After a recent performance, they chanted his name and called for an encore,” Stelzer laughed.

Stelzer has an impressive list of appearances including: “Good Morning, America,” “The Learning Channel,” KABC TV, WINK TV, The Ritz-Carlton and The Naples Grande Resorts, among many other venues.

“I love what I do and am so blessed to be able to do what I love as a profession. I just love to make people laugh and smile – that is my joy,” Stelzer added.