PuppetryLab.com

We love concentration games! This week’s feature is a simple game that forces players to watch each other, listen, and concentrate to avoid a repeat. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: it is important that puppeteers (actors) are able to focus attention on lines and choreography and other characters no matter what is going on around them. It is also important to be able to “read” your fellow actors and anticipate their actions. Concentration games help build those necessary skills. Read the rest of this article »

This is a game that we do in my “Let’s Play: Learning Puppetry Improv” class. It’s a good introduction to discussions about characterization. In order to perform a character, we need to know about him: how does he move, in what environment does he exist, etc. This is also a helpful physical exercise to get your body moving and give you an opportunity to really think about what it’s doing and why.

Set up. This improv game is intended to be played in a group setting, but you might find it a good solo exercise as well. You’ll need an open area free from tables, chairs, and other obstructions. During the game, players will mill around the room and follow the directions from the leader. Read the rest of this article »

One of my favorite writers is Phil Vischer, founder of Big Idea Productions and VeggieTales. From my first encounter with VT in ‘94, I was hooked when he actually rhymed the word, Babylon. (Watch Episode #1, Where’s God When I’m S-Scared? to find out the rhyme.) I’ve been a fan of Phil’s work over the years–singing along to the videos, watching on the big screen, and reading his kids’ books–but recently I’ve been having more fun seeing him get back to his puppetry roots on JellyfishLand.com.

Not many folks are aware that VeggieTales former Top Tomato is also a skilled puppeteer. As a matter of fact, Phil met his friend (and VT cohort), Mike Nawrocki, on the puppet team at college. (That explains a lot, doesn’t it?) Read the rest of this article »

I first played this oldie-but-goodie as a get-to-know-you exercise at college. It’s a nice warm-up group game that requires a bit of concentration and creativity.

Set up. Gather your group into a circle and have everyone sit down. It’s up to you whether you would like everyone to sit on the floor or on chairs. Select one player to be “it” and have that person stand in the middle of the circle. Read the rest of this article »

Focus & More: Me…No, Me

This is the last exercise in our focus section. (And there was much rejoicing.) Grab a friend and try to remember what we’re working on here… focus! This is a good game for adding drama and characterizations so have fun and ham it up. Just don’t get too violent. We cannot be held responsible for your foolishness. (Puppeteers? Foolish? Come now.) Read the rest of this article »

Focus & More: Exit Stage Left

Here’s a game that provides more practice training the left/right reversal as well as increasing your ability to focus on the camera while moving. Characterization is also an important element in the variations listed below. Don’t forget that you have a personality on your hand while you’re working on the specific skills. FYI: The Exit Technique post is helpful for a little movement theory as you get into playing this game. Read the rest of this article »

Before we get into the the next game, we need to spend a few minutes with a little puppet movement theory. But don’t go grab a cup o’ joe just yet. First, do this: stand up, turn to the left and take a few steps, then come back. Are you back? Wait. Did you actually do it? Come on. We need full participation here. Try it. Stand up, turn to the left, take a few steps and then come back.

Now, think about what you did. In order to turn to the left, you had to shift your weight onto your right foot first… right? (If you don’t believe me, try it again in slow motion.) This is the basis for an important movement principle that I first learned from Andy Holmes, “Go left to go right, go right to go left.” Read the rest of this article »

Watch Now:

 [Exit Technique Examples] [0:49m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Dates and a location for the annual Fellowship of Christian Puppeteers National Conference have been announced. There is not much more information on their web site at this time, but you can always ask!

More info @ FCPFellowship.org:
FCP National Conference - Winthrop University - Rock Hill, SC - July 14-18, 2008

From their web site, “One Way UK hold more than 40 Training Days/Seminars/Festivals throughout the UK in the course of a year. These are a combination of Workshops, Performances, and Competitions designed to Teach, Challenge and Equip the puppeteer (Beginner or Advanced) and the director for continued and effective ministry.”

More info @ OneWayUK.com:
Training Day - Mansfield (UK) - Dec 2, 2006