Jim Barber is an American ventriloquist, comedian and singer performing full time in his own theater he shares in Branson, Missouri.
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Barber is best known for his unusual performance in which "Seville," his dummy, actually appears to be holding Barber, contrary to the more orthodox way used by his peers. One of Barber's more popular routines involves "Diva," a female dummy which appears to be operated by Seville (with Barber on the other side), with all three engaged in an operatic song from The Barber of Seville — part of the pun from which the name of Barber's act, "Jim Barber and Seville," is taken.
Barber has been named "Ventriloquist of the Year" in 2006 by the International Magicians Society, "Ventriloquist of the Year" in 1984 by the Vent Haven International Ventriloquist ConVENTion, "Comedy Entertainer of the Year" by the National Association of Campus Activities, and one of the "Funniest People in America" by Showtime/The Movie Channel for his technical vocal skills and creative approach. He was featured in a performance during "Ventriloquist Week" on February 15, 2007 on the Late Show with David Letterman which aired again that April. He has also appeared on many other television shows on NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox, A&E, and TNN.
Barber co-stars in the Hamner Barber Variety Show in Branson with Illusionists The Hamners. His first work in the resort city was as a featured comedian in the Glen Campbell Goodtime Show. He also worked in Branson with The Osmonds, Tony Orlando, Bobby Vinton, Kirby VanBurch, and Eddie Rabbitt. Elsewhere Barber has appeared on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, The Nashville Network, A&E, Fox, ABC, and NBC. Barber has also been featured in Las Vegas, Reno, Atlantic City, New Jersey, and on USO shows visiting American troops abroad.
Jim Barber has his own 640 seat theater venue, the Hamner Barber Theater, in Branson, Missouri that he shares with partners Dave and Denise Hamner. They perform nightly from mid-February through December presenting a live variety show featuring magic, comedy, music and dance. Barber is also co-owner of a video production, graphic design and publishing company, having personally developed projects for Silver Dollar City, Big Cedar Lodge, Glen Campbell, Jimmy Osmond, Yakov Smirnoff, Pierce Arrow, Clay Cooper, Paul Harris and Tony Orlando among others.