PuppetryLab.com

Here’s a fun move that is good practice for working with double-rod manipulation and it’s pretty impressive when done well. Watch the vid to see how I make a puppet rub his tummy and pat his head. Remember, your puppet’s arms and your hand may work differently… play with it and find the best option for you.

Watch Now:

 Rub Tummy Pat Head [1:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
 Rub Tummy Pat Head [1:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
 Rub Tummy Pat Head [1:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

PuppetryLab is pleased to announce our newest contributing author… master puppeteer, writer, illustrator, and funny man… Andy Holmes.

Andy’s most notable projects seem to have revolved around an immensely cute and extraordinarily funny little orange headed puppet named Gerbert. The TV series based on this character was named by TV GUIDE as “one of the top ten children’s shows for preschoolers” in March of 1994. Andy has worked with amazing people like Kermit Love and Nikki Tilroe. He’s also a writer and illustrator, and he frequently teaches and performs at puppet festivals across the U.S. Now he’s going to be sharing his insights here at PuppetryLab!

Personally, I’m thrilled to see what Andy’s going to share. When I sat in his “Little Things Make a Big Difference” class fifteen years ago, he challenged me to a level of excellence that improved my performance and expanded my whole approach to puppetry.

So watch for Andy’s posts… they’ll be in a new category to the right, “Ask Andy“. Enjoy!

It’s been a couple weeks since the Denver Regional Puppetry Festival, but I wanted to share some highlights of this year’s conference. I was not on the teaching staff at Denver this year, but since the festival took place just a few miles from my house, I decided to crash the party and just enjoy the weekend instead of having to work it. (Yippee!)

Friday night’s puppet song competition brought some fun ideas and interesting creations like these singing African masks. Read the rest of this article »

From the San Francisco Bay Area Puppetry Guild’s website, “We are glad to announce a gathering for the celebration of Roger Mara’s life. Friends, Family, Cohorts, and Fellow Puppeteers are all welcome! Please spread the word!”

More details @ SFBAPG.org:
Celebration of Roger Mara’s Life - Palo Alto, CA - May 26th - 11am-2:30pm

From the PuppeteersUK web site, “Peak Puppets will introduce you to the magic of Shadow Theatre through exploration, making and performance.”

More info @ PuppeteersUK.com:
“Shades of Meaning” Shadow Puppetry Weekend - Derbyshire - May 25-27, 2007

May 19-20, 2007
Blackpool, Lancashire
Contact Tel: 07976946003

Link via: PuppeteersUK.com

Fairy Tale Character Puppet Workshop

The Norwich Puppet Theater is sponsoring a puppet making workshop for ages 5 and up. From their web site, “A chance to create a puppet based on your fairytale character… be it good or bad, beautiful or ugly …. or a bit of each!”

More info @ the Norwich Puppet Theater web site:
Fairy Tale Character Puppet Workshop - May 5, 2007 -10:30

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 - West Drayton (UK) - May 12, 2007

From their web site, “WAP - World Association of Puppeteers and International Institute of Marionette Art - have a great pleasure to invite theatres and puppet film productions for World Festival of Puppet Art which take place in Prague from 27 May - 3 June 2007.”

More info @ puppetart.com:
World Festival of Puppet Art - Prague - May 27-Jun 3, 2007

From their web site, “‘Puppet Power’ is a bi–annual conference that explores the power of puppetry beyond performance. It features keynote speakers and hands- on workshops lead by international artists and professionals. Other components often include panel and round table discussions, puppet performances, Master classes, puppet exhibits and film/video screenings.”

More info @ wppuppet.com:
Puppet Power 2007 - Calgary, Alberta - May 25-27, 2007