Festival attendees will have the opportunity to see all of the exceptional afternoon and evening performances that have been invited to the event. Mornings and Late Afternoons, however, are where choices will need to be made.
In the Mornings, there are several different events taking place: Festival Workshops will be offered each morning, Tuesday through Friday, at 9:00 and 10:30; The Critical Exchange will be a series of discussions, on selected topics, among practitioners, critics and scholars, being presented Monday afternoon and every morning, Tuesday through Friday; and Reel Puppetry: Craft on the Silver Screen will also be presented each morning, Tuesday through Friday and again each late afternoon, Monday through Friday.
In addition to Reel Puppetry, late afternoons will feature Puppeteers of America’s Membership, Regional and Guild meetings and UNIMA-U.S.A.’s Membership meeting. You will also have the opportunity to visit the six Festival-related exhibits: The Festival Exhibit in Jorgensen Gallery, The 50th Anniversary of The Bread and Puppet Company in the Benton Art Museum, Creations of UConn Alumni at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, Puppetry and the Contemporary Artist in the Contemporary Art Gallery, Children’s Literature and Human Rights in the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center and The Fettig Project in the Fine Arts Building.
As you are registering for the Festival, you will be asked to make choices of the Workshops that you would like to attend. Please consider all of these options and choose carefully.
Workshop Catalog
3D Printing and Puppetsimage015
Instructor: Laurie Berenhaus
Interested in combining cutting-edge technology with traditional mediums? Laurie Berenhaus, Puppet Artist and 3D Modeler/Sculptor will talk about her entry into the field of 3D Printing industry and her work on BYO Puppet, a catalog of modular puppet joints and parts for customizable puppet building. Laurie will discuss the possibilities of how 3D printing can revolutionize the creator’s toolbox and share resources that can help you take your puppet building to the next level so you can focus on telling your story. All questions encouraged. Laurie3d.com
Puppet Slam Networking Session
Instructor: Amy Rush
This will be an opportunity for Slam curators, performers and audience members from different parts of the country and world to meet face to face with each other to exchange information. The Puppet Slam Network aims to catalogue, connect, support, and raise awareness for the Puppet Slam Nation. The Puppet Slam Network fosters connections in the growing field of independently produced puppet slams, cabarets, and showcases, so that puppet artists know where they can perform, venues can find puppet artists, and audiences can enjoy this intimate, tactile, and compelling form of entertainment.
Objects and Materials in Performance
Instructor: Margarita Blush
In this workshop participants will explore a variety of objects and materials to create images and metaphors in a realm where puppetry, object performance and performance meet. They will work in small groups to collaboratively create short etudes that are inspired by object and material explorations, as well as their own imagination and creativity.
The workshop invites participants to take risks and stretch boundaries. It supports the development of imagination and creativity; ability to work collaboratively; focus; performing and puppeteering skills; and ability to create original work.
This workshop will be beneficial for both professionals and amateurs. Intermediate level preferred.
Beginning TV Puppetry
Instructors: Kamela Portuges and Lee Armstrong
If you want to learn the basics of TV Puppetry, this workshop is for you! Participants should have basic puppetry skills, as we will build on this to develop skills in front of the camera. This 2 part class will cover the use of monitors, eye focus, breath, mouth synchronization, walks, arm rods, etc. We’ll put it all together in front of the camera. The class will also cover some of the important technical aspects, tips and tricks that make for a professional production. Please bring a mouth puppet (arm rods, nice but not essential) to use.
Choreography for Puppetry
Instructor: Arlee Chadwick
This will be a two session workshop where we will explore techniques to develop your inner choreographer. We will begin with a short physical warmup. No previous dance experience necessary. We will explore how to define movement qualities and methods of sequencing and you will choreograph solo performances with some abstract puppets.
Do your monster puppets need to break dance? Do your hot dog puppets need to Can Can? In this workshop we will discuss what identifies a style of dance or movement and how to translate it for your puppet’s abilities.
Simple but Elegant Rod Puppets
Instructor: Bill Lorenzen
In this four session workshop, we will build a basic rod puppet using a technique adaptable to Bunraku style, marionette and table-top figures. In small teams, we will share ideas and provide “extra hands”. For a fee of $7, I will provide a kit of familiar materials, partially worked, to fit our available time. Please bring a notebook, pen and [if possible] scissors. We will explore simple manipulation, demonstrate adaptation to other styles, and investigate design of masks to change characters for your puppet performance. We will coordinate movement to text and practice team-writing using interactive performance- play. But most importantly, we will HAVE FUN.
Tradition and Innovation in Marionette Construction
Instructor: Fred Thompson
This fun and relaxed workshop for beginners and professionals will present proven methods of marionette construction and control while exploring new materials and possibilities beyond the traditional. Based on techniques developed by Rufus, Margo and James Rose, Prof. Albrecht Roser and others. This lecture-demo will provide insight and understanding towards creating a basic, yet effective working marionette; an instrument which will help the unique voice and vision of the puppeteer to shine through. A variety of puppets and materials will be available for examination with ample opportunities for questions and discussion.
Exploring Marionette Movement
Instructor: Kurt Hunter
This workshop consists of a series of exercises based on techniques developed by marionette master Albrecht Roser. In a relaxed, playful atmosphere, participants will gain an understanding and appreciation for the process of exploring the movement of string puppets. They will also begin to understand how the physical characteristics affect the movement of even a very simple marionette. The workshop begins with a ball suspended by a single string and moves into two and three string abstract marionettes. Small groups will explore performance possibilities through marionette performance games. More advanced marionette technique will be explained and demonstrated.
Filming Puppets
Instructor: Alex Griffin
This workshop will look at ways to help bring puppets to the screen, utilizing both easy-to-access equipment as well as more professional equipment. This workshop will focus on set-up, lighting, editing, and working with (not against) the puppeteers and their puppets. We will conclude with an in-workshop short that will showcase readily available equipment for filming, and whatever puppets we can get ahold of or quickly produce. This will be screened as part of the film fest.
Puppets in the Raw
Instructor: Nicol Wander
Take the plunge and learn how to create a detailed puppet head and hands in an intensive workshop using wool, needles, and the amazing “felting” technique. See incredible examples of felted hand puppets and marionettes; have fun creating a one-of-a-kind character of your own. Each participant will receive two felting needles, a hand puppet “base,” and dyed merino wool for sculpting features. In addition to a glove puppet, you will also take home detailed instructions, a supplies list, and all of the knowledge and you need to continue creating felted puppets. Beginners and experienced puppeteers and artists are welcome.
“Ask Deb!” The Puppet Costume Clinic
Instructor: Deb Hertzberg
Are you having trouble designing, building or altering costumes for your puppets? Bring your puppets, costumes and questions to the Puppet Costume Clinic and “Ask Deb!” Deb will walk you through all the possible options available for the design, patterning, fabric selection, dyeing, distressing and altering of original or store-bought costumes for your puppet’s individual costume needs. Don’t have a puppet, no problem! Participants are welcome to drop in to the Costume Clinic and ask questions or observe.
Meet the Artist
Led by Allelu Kurten and Carole D’Agostino
Join Allelu Kurten and Carole D’Agostino for Meet the Artist, an interview-style workshop featuring a lively conversation with select 2015 Festival Performing Artists. Discover how fresh ideas blossom to a full scale production with valuable tips and tricks unique to each show. Allelu’s nurturing queries together with Carole’s inquisitive humor ensure lots of fun! Audience Q&A opportunities. Join us for a closer look at how the magic gets created!
Bringing a wooden sculpture to life
Instructor: Dimitar Dimitrov
This workshop offers participants the opportunity to explore two important aspects of puppet creation using the medium of wood: carving the sculpture and bringing it to life. Both of these elements are crucial in the process of creating engaging and compelling puppets.
Participants will work individually to carve a small sculpture and then with the instructor’s guidance they will proceed to set it in motion through the appropriate disassembling and reassembling. This workshop will be beneficial for both professionals and amateurs. Participants will bring their own hand-held wood-carving tools (please request the tool list).
Intermediate level required, advanced level welcomed.
Say Goodbye to Comic Sans
Instructor: Cameron Garrity
Puppet artists (and the graphic designers they commission) often fall prey to an aesthetic style that is generic and does not adequately communicate a show’s true sensibilities. NO MORE! Participants will learn about how color, imagery, and typeface can all be used to strengthen your show’s visual identity. We will look at successful puppet poster designs and identify easy strategies to make puppeteers’ posters stand above the rest.
The Dance of Puppet Theater Workshop
Taught by Luis Tentindo
This hands-on workshop will introduce puppetry techniques that are inspired by Japanese Bunraku Puppet Theater. In this form 3 people manipulate one puppet. We will explore the ‘task dance’ that occurs when groups of three collaborate to enliven figure objects. Participants will make paper puppets and devise scenes to share with the group. This supportive and fun workshop is for anyone who is interested to learn about this this rich form of puppetry. Our focus will be on hands-on learning, experimentation, and the joy of group work.
Chinese Shadow Puppetry
Instructor: Annie Katsura Rollins
With a complex and rich past of more than 1500 years, the brilliantly colored leather Chinese shadow puppets carry their history with them. This workshop, in two 75-minute sessions, aims to acquaint participants with traditional Chinese shadow puppet history and practices as well and equipping them with an array of adapted do-it-yourself Chinese shadow puppet-making techniques. Part lecture, part living museum, part hands-on workshop; these sessions are all you need to contextualize and utilize this incredible puppet form.
Veiled Illusions: Mask as Puppet
Instructor: Adelka Polak
This workshop practices a full-bodied approach to puppetry performance techniques utilizing fabrics as masks & masks as puppets. The puppet becomes an extension of the human form in this thoughtful and energizing performance movement workshop. Participants will work with veiling techniques where a performer can fully transform the human form using fabric and a puppet face to create illusions in the landscape of the set or character. The masked body becomes a puppet with the potential to play with scale individually or as a group.
Moving Objects: movement for puppeteers
Instructor: Kate Brehm
Manipulating puppets requires an understanding not only of how a puppet moves, but how you the performer move in service to that puppet. Find your vertical core, drop your weight and be ready to move in this movement workshop for puppeteers. With simple objects, we’ll discover the basic elements of rhythm, dynamics and breath to transform anything into a puppet. You’ll use your limbs in partnership with one another as opposed to as one block. You’ll become a more powerful and centered performer onstage, able to direct audience focus to either your puppet or yourself.
Finding a Voice
Instructor: Steve Abrams
This session leads participants step-by-step, from very easy animal sounds, to cartoon voices, to the creation of a character voice for a puppet. Visual artists who are uncomfortable with acting and puppeteers who offer workshops for others will discover a useful model. Workshop participants from professionals to shy beginners all find this fun filled session helpful and even inspirational. The workshop does not focus on traditional vocalization techniques used by singers and actors. Participants will leave with at least a dozen voices for puppet shows or storytelling. You will be amazed at your own acting skill.
Puppetry 101
Instructor: Aretta Baumgartner
Puppets have been used to tell stories since theatre and human communication began, and can be found everywhere from stage to screen. Puppetry celebrates all aspects of the theatre arts and is a “must-have” skill on every artist’s résumé! Learn about puppets from all over the world, dive into actor-to-puppeteer exercises and have a blast in an “Avenue Q” puppet skills boot camp! Come ready to move and play. Limited to the first 20 participants.
Contemporary Shadow Puppetry
Instructor: Faye Dupras
This workshop is a hands-on exploration of materials and methods used in contemporary shadow puppetry. Participants will be given an opportunity to explore how the choice of lighting source and screen affects the visual vocabulary and storytelling possibilities of the form.
Put a Little “Spring” in your Rod Puppet
Instructor: Heidi Rugg
Heidi Rugg of Barefoot Puppet Theatre explores rod puppet design and crafting with a special emphasis on the use of springs. This workshop focuses on mechanisms for use in live theatre. She will guide participants through her process including determining whether or not a mechanism is necessary to troubleshooting issues that arise. Participants will receive a manual, learn important vocabulary for talking about mechs (beyond “thingie” and “doohickey”) and receive useful tips that can be taken home and put to good use. Lots of examples will be shared — let’s get moving!
Foam Puppet Patterning Workshop
Instructor: Michael Schupbach
Heads up! Learn puppet head foam patterning and construction basics, puppet mouth-plate building, as well as how to alter your patterns. Come in ready to learn, and leave with a foam-patterned puppet parts and the patterns to make more.
Tabletop Rod Puppetry
Instructor: Magali Chouinard
This workshop will give participants the opportunity for understanding rod puppet performance and construction. Participants will be introduced to different kinds of puppets mechanisms with videos and examples. A table top rod puppet will be built and participants will have the possibility to customize their creation . Participants will receive a document to help them design puppets regarding head, hands and different mechanism specifications. A time will be reserved for the manipulation of the rod puppet on tables by exploring how to give life by a series of practical exercises: look and approach, body languages, character and personality, representation of the feelings, breathing …
Puppetry and the Future of Robotics
Instructor: Katie Correll
What do puppetry and robotics have in common? A lot more than you think! As robots become more prevalent in our everyday lives, roboticists are searching for ways to make their gestures more palatable and informative- and more and more we are turning to puppetry to solve these problems. This workshop provides a broad overview of robotic performance and Human Robot Interaction research that draws on techniques from puppetry to create expressive gesture for humanoid and non-humanoid forms.
2-D Illustration for Puppet Design
Instructor: Jeffrey Zwartjes
The workshop will be a beginner’s guide to getting ideas down on paper as a precursor to building a puppet in three dimensions, regardless of skill level in draftsmanship. Covering everything from doodling to inspiration boards to actual size drafts, and even electronic methods (laptops, tablets, etc.), the workshop will focus on important principles such as simplicity and the basics of the language of imagery. It will conclude with a short brainstorming session where attendees can make practical rough drafts of characters they might wish to build.
Theatre Games for Puppetry
Instructor: Aretta Baumgartner
By approaching puppetry as a theatre art and applying some “basic theatre know-how,” participants will grow as performers, writers and directors. Theatre games are an interactive way to introduce the concepts behind puppetry performance in a non-threatening manner. Attendees will take these games home with them so they can be applied to warm-ups, rehearsals, classes, workshops, and performances. Come ready to move and play!