Council for the Arts bringing popular ventriloquist to Lincoln

The Lincoln Council for the Arts has sponsored two performances by nationally recognized ventriloquist Lynn Trefzger, who is slated to bring her vocal illusion talents to Lincoln School students Wednesday April 10, and to the Community Hall Friday, April 12.

Described in her artist's bio as "Disney Entertainment's favorite ventriloquist," Trefzger has performed for family audiences worldwide and presents a puppet act tailored to amuse both kids and adults. She was first discovered by national audiences on Star Search, and has performed on TNN, VH-1, Lifetime and Comedy Central. She also stars in "I'm No Dummy," a documentary feature film about ventriloquism, and has been voted ventriloquist of the year three times by a jury of her peers.

Lauded for her comedic talents, Trefzger's act includes a trunk full of puppet characters such as an inebriated but loveable camel, a grumpy old man and a feisty little girl. Her act is known for its spontaneity – no two shows are alike – and its interactive qualities, as audience members often find themselves part of the show.

Arts Council President Annette Gardner said the Council decided to retain Trefzger after they learned how popular her act had been in Deer Lodge, where she performed both at the school and at Deer Lodge's Rialto Theater.

"A couple of years ago I started a conversation with Steve Owens, who is with the Rialto...if they work together with us, we're far enough apart that maybe someone coming to the area would stop in Lincoln, do some sort of performance, and then they could move on to Deer Lodge," Gardner said. "He mentioned how much they liked her, both at the school and for the performance in the evening."

Gardner said the Council has been waiting for more than a year for Trefzger to return to Montana, and the opportunity to bring her to Lincoln. She will also be returning to Deer Lodge for an encore performance at both the Deer Lodge school and the Rialto.

Trefzger's performance at the school will be free for students of all ages. Admission for the following performance at the Hall, scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 12, will be $5 for students and $12 for adults and $30 for families. Preschoolers get in free.

"It's definitely for everyone, and we hope that kids and adults both will come down to see the performance at the Hall," Gardner said.