Acting: with puppets

About this course

Participants explore the fundamentals of puppetry, including manipulation, animation and the relationship between puppets, objects and performance. The course introduces different puppetry styles and forms, while examining stage presence and visual storytelling. Teaching combines warm-up activities, tutor-led physical exercises, discussion, investigation and set tasks. Work is completed both individually and in groups, with presentations to the class and feedback throughout. Learners can also discuss personal targets with the tutor in relation to the course outcomes and future development.

What you'll learn

• Apply fundamental puppetry approaches and techniques
• Manipulate and animate puppets and objects
• Examine how puppetry can function in performance
• Identify characteristics of different puppetry styles and forms
• Analyse stage images and visual storytelling

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for improver-level learners, including people with some performance experience or knowledge, although this is described as desirable rather than essential. It may also suit visual artists working in three dimensions and makers approaching puppetry performance for the first time. Active participation in group and solo physical exercises is expected.

• Some performance experience or knowledge is desirable, but not essential
• Suitable for visual artists working in three dimensions and makers exploring puppetry performance
• Requires active participation in physical exercises and presentations
• Some research, reflection or small preparation tasks may be completed outside class

Before you go

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows a good range of movement.
• Bring a notepad and pen, or an alternative note-taking method.
• Some materials are provided, but learners may sometimes be asked to bring simple household objects from home for a shared pool of materials.
• Learners may document work with photographs or video for personal use; this material is not to be shared publicly or digitally outside the classroom.