9110 - Introduction to Puppetry

Course Description

Artwork by Carolyn Gennari

This studio-based course presents individuals with an opportunity to learn a variety of puppet building techniques and explore their own relationship to the ideas of character, transformation and storytelling. You will become puppet makers and puppeteers as you create unique puppet forms and practice how to imbue these creations with the semblance of thought, emotion and life. Participants of all skill levels will be introduced to different methods of puppet building from armature, sculpture, to papier-mâché. Emphasis will be on constructing a variety of puppet types (e.g., hand/glove, rod, and flat figures for shadow shows) and participants will make simple table top theatres, and learn basic manipulation of the puppets made.

Play and experimentation are essential parts of the creative process and a large part of this class. We will look to the rich history behind these enchanting forms as well as the magical worlds of contemporary puppet practitioners for inspiration. For your final experience, you will create a brief performance using your puppet forms to mime movements, create characters, and tell stories. 

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Animation : Electives
• Graphic Design : Electives
• Interactive Design : Electives
• Natural Science Illustration : Electives
• Painting Studies : Electives
• Photography : Electives