PuppetryLab.com

I’ve been thinking a lot about characters and character development lately. Maybe it’s because I’m getting back into writing; maybe I’ve seen too many pathetic attempts at live puppetry; or maybe I’ve just been reading too many storybooks to my kiddos. (Wait–is it really possible to read too many kids’ books? Hmm.) Well, whatever the reason for my personal desire to dig deeper into the realm of character development, I thought I’d share some of my discoveries.

First of all, there’s more to it than just a silly voice. Sure, the quality of the voice has a lot to do with a particular character’s likability and longevity, and it’s important for puppeteers to spend time working on developing consistent, fun, and believable character voices. But let’s go beyond that and look at other aspects of good characters. Read the rest of this article »

Back in June I posted a few pix of puppets I had been working on for I-Fest. Well, here we are eight months later and I finally got the caricature puppet in the same room with his inspiration. Whaddaya think?

The man is Phil Vischer. He’s the puppeteer (and brains) behind the silliness on the wildly popular web series, The Jelly News; he wrote the book that I puppet-ized last summer–for which I made this particular puppet; oh yeah, and Phil created a little thing called VeggieTales.

Phil was kind enough to drop by the Chicago Puppet Festival last weekend where I was able to introduce the two Phils and snap this picture.

Thought I’d share.

From their web site, “One Way Street sponsors about 35 regional Puppetry Festivals across the US. These Friday night and all day Saturday events feature workshops, performances, competition, demonstrations, excitement, and a spiritual challenge.”

More info @ OneWayStreet.com:
Louisville Puppet Festival - March 7-8, 2008

From their web site, “One Way Street sponsors about 35 regional Puppetry Festivals across the US. These Friday night and all day Saturday events feature workshops, performances, competition, demonstrations, excitement, and a spiritual challenge.”

More info @ OneWayStreet.com:
Greenville Puppet Festival - Anderson, SC - February 29-March 1, 2008

From their web site, “One Way Street sponsors about 35 regional Puppetry Festivals across the US. These Friday night and all day Saturday events feature workshops, performances, competition, demonstrations, excitement, and a spiritual challenge.”

More info @ OneWayStreet.com:
Minneapolis Puppet Festival - March 28-29, 2008

From their web site, “One Way Street sponsors about 35 regional Puppetry Festivals across the US. These Friday night and all day Saturday events feature workshops, performances, competition, demonstrations, excitement, and a spiritual challenge.”

More info @ OneWayStreet.com:
Chicago Puppet Festival - Tinley Park, IL - February 29-March 1, 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 - Farnborough (UK) - March 15, 2008

Rod Puppet Construction 101 (Spring Session, 5 weeks)

From their web site, “This multi-week course allows you to let your creative side run wild. Not only will you create your own puppets, but you’ll dress them up and learn how to manipulate them too. The Center’s own Director of Museum and Education Programs, Alan Louis, teaches this exciting, hands-on workshop series.” The Center for Puppetry Arts is located in Atlanta, GA.

More info @ Puppet.org:
Rod Puppet Construction Workshop - Mar 27, Apr 3, 10, 17, 24 2008 - 7-9pm