Jim Barber

Recognized as one of the world’s great ventriloquists, Jim Barber began his career as a magician and implements magic techniques into his ventriloquist characters and routines.

Jim has been honored as the “International Ventriloquist of the Year,” “Comedy Entertainer of the Year,” by the National Association of Campus Activities and Showtime, the Movie Channel named him one of the “Funniest People in America” (Tennessee Representative) for his technical vocal skills and creative approach to the art of ventriloquism.

Jim is co-owner of the Hamner Barber Theater in Branson, Missouri. His business partners are professional illusionists Dave and Denise Hamner. Jim was first introduced to Branson as the featured comedian in Glen Campbell’s Goodtime Show. He has since been featured in other successful Branson productions with The Osmonds, Tony Orlando, Kirby VanBurch, Bobby Vinton and the late Eddie Rabbitt. He served as a national co-host for the Jerry Lewis “Stars Across America” Labor Day Telethon, has appeared on every major television network including CBS's “Late Show with David Letterman.”

Jim has performed for hundreds of national corporate events and his participation in USO shows have taken him around the world entertaining our troops.

Beyond his reputation as an area performer, Jim also combines his creativity with computers as co-owner of Image Works, Inc., a video production, graphic design and publishing company. Jim has extensive training and experience in multimedia and has personally developed projects for Silver Dollar City, Big Cedar Lodge, Glen Campbell, Jimmy Osmond, Yakov Smirnoff, Pierce Arrow, Paul Harris and many other businesses in the Branson area and around the country.

Jim serves on the Board of Directors for Mountain Country Homes of Hope, the Board of Advisors for Vent Haven Museum, and the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Jim’s wife Diane has an extensive musical theater background and performs in the show’s holiday production, “The Wings of Christmas” during November and December.

Related Websites: Hamner Barber Theater, Jim Barber's Personal Website, Jim Barber and Seville, BransonWebcast.com