Terry Fator Announces Clinton Detweiler Scholarship for Fellow Ventriloquist Enthusiasts

The Mirage Hotel & Casino headliner Terry Fator would like to pay it forward to fellow ventriloquist enthusiasts with the announcement of "The Clinton Detweiler Scholarship" presented by he and his wife, Taylor Makakoa.

"Taylor and I created this scholarship to afford opportunities to those who otherwise may not have them," said Fator. "I know firsthand the countless hours and endless effort that goes into ventriloquism and puppeteering. I want to reward those performers for their dedication and passion to their craft."

Three Clinton Detweiler Scholarship packages will be awarded-two for performers 17 years of age and under and one going to a performer 18 years of age and up. Included in the scholarship packages is entry to the 2013 Vent Haven Convention (provided by Vent Haven) which takes place July 17 - 20 at the Cincinnati Airport Marriott. The scholarship package also includes:

- $2,000 in trip expenses for winner and a guest/chaperone, provided by Terry Fator and Taylor Makakoa.

- A $350 credit towards an Axtell Expressions puppet provided by Steve Axtell.

- Enrollment fees for nine ventriloquism courses at www.learn-ventriloquism.com provided by Tom Crowl.

To qualify for a Clinton Detweiler Scholarship, contestants must submit a two-minute video showcasing their ventriloquist talents to www.terryfator.com/scholarship. Submissions are due Friday, May 31. A panel of judges will select 10 finalists and announce the three scholarship winners Monday, June 10.

The scholarship's namesake is dedicated to the late Clinton Detweiler, the former President of the North American Association of Ventriloquists. Detweiler was a major influence in the ventriloquist community and served as friend and mentor to many, including Fator.

Fator currently performs in Terry Fator: The Voice of Entertainment at The Mirage Monday through Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Terry Fator Box Office, online at http://www.mirage.com/entertainment and www.terryfator.com and by phone at 702-792-7777 or 800-963-9634.

As a successful headliner on the Las Vegas Strip, Terry Fator captures the hearts and funny bones of audiences from around the world with Terry Fator: The Voice of Entertainment live at The Mirage. In 2013, Terry Fator was named the "Best Show," "Best All-Around Performer," "Best Impersonator" and "Best Overall Show" in the Las Vegas Review-Journal's prestigious "Best of Las Vegas" poll. Backed by a live band, Fator wows audiences nightly with singing, comedy and unparalled celebrity impressions. The "America's Got Talent" winner brings to life a hilarious range of characters including Winston, the impersonating turtle, Emma Taylor, the little girl with the big voice and lounge singer Monty Carlo. With comedic banter and amazing vocal impressions of musical superstars such as Garth Brooks, Dean Martin, Aretha Franklin, Lady Gaga and more, Terry Fator: The Voice of Entertainment is a one-of-a-kind experience, only at The Mirage.