Puppet Construction Techniques

Session one: From 2D to 3D - Introduction to flat patterning.

In puppetry, as well as a range of fabrication arts, the artist begins with flat materials, foam, metal, wood, and fabric, and needs to transform them into dimensional forms. In this session, we'll use cardboard to begin learning core techniques for putting together any shape we can imagine. Participants will create a rough puppet head from cardboard.

Session two: Junk - A puppet can be made from anything.

In puppetry, we don't really have a store we can walk into and get all the supplies we need. Most puppeteers learn to cobble together resources from the hardware store, the art supply store, the grocery store and dollar store to create even some of the most professional pieces. If you've seen the Muppets, their eyes were created from ping pong balls, plastic toys and even fishing buoys. We'll explore techniques to turn junk into characters, finding inspiration and resources from unlikely places.

Session three: Process and product!

Puppets occupy a particular realm between art and engineering. They not only need to look good but they need to DO particular things. In this session we'll explore the process of designing and realizing a puppet, looking at some professional examples and walking through testing, mechanisms and revision. Registration required.