Puppetry workshop

About this course

The workshop introduces core puppeteering techniques, including object manipulation, engagement with found objects and the creation of small puppets. Participants explore how to animate a puppet and develop its world through play, including contemporary three-person puppetry and Contemporary Bunraku Puppetry. Teaching combines practical exercises and improvisations, with opportunities to investigate object puppetry individually and in small groups. The course may also include physical observation work between classes.

What you'll learn

• Apply fundamental techniques for found-object and object manipulation puppetry
• Explore object puppetry independently and in small groups
• Describe key principles of Contemporary Bunraku Puppetry
• Animate a puppet through manipulation and performance

Is this course right for you?

The course is open to learners at all levels. Previous physical performance experience, acting knowledge and improvisation experience are described as beneficial rather than required. Participation includes individual and small-group work, physical exercises and improvisation, and some activities may be physically rigorous or challenging.

• Previous physical performance experience may be beneficial
• Acting and improvisation experience may be beneficial
• Some activities may involve rigorous physical activity
• The course may involve material that some learners find challenging

Before you go

• Wear black, comfortable clothing that allows ease of movement; jeans are not suitable.
• Shoes are not required and barefoot movement is advised. Slip-proof socks are permitted.
• There may be small physical observation exercises to practise between classes.