Deluxe Sock Puppets: (Grades 3 & up, 2 Hr. Class)
This is a more advanced version of a run-of-the-mill Sock Puppet class. This class teaches the basics of creating a puppet character, all the elements essential for this, and how to turn that into a puppet. Then students will learn to build a mouth plate and by using this plate as well as some foam for a "skull", they will give their puppets a much greater range of motion and movement than an average sock puppet. Students will then proceed to create their characters and build their puppets bringing their socks to life!
This is a more advanced version of a run-of-the-mill Sock Puppet class. This class teaches the basics of creating a puppet character, all the elements essential for this, and how to turn that into a puppet. Then students will learn to build a mouth plate and by using this plate as well as some foam for a "skull", they will give their puppets a much greater range of motion and movement than an average sock puppet. Students will then proceed to create their characters and build their puppets bringing their socks to life!
"Crank It Up!" (Shadow Puppets & Crankies)
(Grades 3 & up, can be modified for almost any age and length, from a short intro at 1.5 Hr., to a week long program)
This class is a puppetry class about the use of light and darkness (shadows), color, and movement to create a different kind of puppet show. Students will learn different shadow puppet styles to make movements using paper, fasteners, wood, skewers, punches, and stencils.
In the several day program, after we learn the basics we will build a "Crankie". A Crankie is a storytelling box with a moving screen that truly comes to life with the addition of shadow puppets. The students can then create their very own show and theater using the skills they learned.
(Grades 3 & up, can be modified for almost any age and length, from a short intro at 1.5 Hr., to a week long program)
This class is a puppetry class about the use of light and darkness (shadows), color, and movement to create a different kind of puppet show. Students will learn different shadow puppet styles to make movements using paper, fasteners, wood, skewers, punches, and stencils.
In the several day program, after we learn the basics we will build a "Crankie". A Crankie is a storytelling box with a moving screen that truly comes to life with the addition of shadow puppets. The students can then create their very own show and theater using the skills they learned.
"Best Supported Actor" (Foam & Rod Puppets)
(Grades 3 & up, 1.5 Hr.)
What color do you make your puppet? Should it be furry or smooth? This class is centered on creating a character, all of the elements needed to do so, and why those decisions are so important when creating a character. You will never see googlie eyes the same way again. We will also learn about the use of polyfoam in puppetry and how dynamic it can make your puppet. Students will then proceed to create their character and build their very own foam & rod puppets.
(Grades 3 & up, 1.5 Hr.)
What color do you make your puppet? Should it be furry or smooth? This class is centered on creating a character, all of the elements needed to do so, and why those decisions are so important when creating a character. You will never see googlie eyes the same way again. We will also learn about the use of polyfoam in puppetry and how dynamic it can make your puppet. Students will then proceed to create their character and build their very own foam & rod puppets.
Upcycled Inventive Puppets: (Grades 3 & up, 1.5 Hr.)
This class is a puppetry class about the use of shapes and movement to create a puppet. Students will make a puppet using an objects’ movement- like a kitchen tool, and a grab bag of various other objects. Then they will construct the shape of their puppets using various recycled materials (plastic and cardboard) to create their characters and puppets.
This class is a puppetry class about the use of shapes and movement to create a puppet. Students will make a puppet using an objects’ movement- like a kitchen tool, and a grab bag of various other objects. Then they will construct the shape of their puppets using various recycled materials (plastic and cardboard) to create their characters and puppets.
"Under the Hood?": (Simple Mechanism Puppets)
(Grades 3 & up, 1.5-2 Hr.)
What is a puppet mechanism? A puppet mechanism is more than just a device that you put inside your puppet to create movement, mechanisms bring a whole new life to your puppet by typically using a spring, cable, pulling a string, or using a wooden rod. Students in this class will build a simple mechanism and then construct a foam puppet around the device that they create. Then they will turn that creation into a puppet by building its character and thus breathing life into it.
(Grades 3 & up, 1.5-2 Hr.)
What is a puppet mechanism? A puppet mechanism is more than just a device that you put inside your puppet to create movement, mechanisms bring a whole new life to your puppet by typically using a spring, cable, pulling a string, or using a wooden rod. Students in this class will build a simple mechanism and then construct a foam puppet around the device that they create. Then they will turn that creation into a puppet by building its character and thus breathing life into it.
“Steamrolled puppets”:
(Grades 3 & up, 2-2.5 Hr.)
In this class I will challenge your puppet perceptions by asking; “What if the walls could talk, why wouldn’t they?” Walls as you know are generally really flat immovable objects and practically ignored. I mean we really don’t ever think of flat objects being capable of coming to life, and that’s where the challenge lies. Other flat surfaces have been known to emanate lots of life, movement, and stories, and we call them paintings. Your puppet, even a flat one can be a work of art. This other take-home-mechanism-puppet will prove that flat objects can be puppets too. Now, don’t even get me started on boxes!
(Grades 3 & up, 2-2.5 Hr.)
In this class I will challenge your puppet perceptions by asking; “What if the walls could talk, why wouldn’t they?” Walls as you know are generally really flat immovable objects and practically ignored. I mean we really don’t ever think of flat objects being capable of coming to life, and that’s where the challenge lies. Other flat surfaces have been known to emanate lots of life, movement, and stories, and we call them paintings. Your puppet, even a flat one can be a work of art. This other take-home-mechanism-puppet will prove that flat objects can be puppets too. Now, don’t even get me started on boxes!
"It's Alive!": (Stuffed Animal Puppets)
(Grades 3 & up, 2.5-3 Hrs.)
What would happen if Dr. Frankenstein was let loose in a toy shop? Now I know what you are thinking, my child will be devastated and traumatized if we cut their favorite stuffed animal apart to create a puppet! Relax my friends, I will supply an array of cleaned used stuffed animals to dissect. This class is a great & unique way to teach students about hand puppets. In this class each student will begin with a stuffed animal, which we will then proceed to turn into a hand puppet by opening it up, learning to pattern its mouth, and constructing & installing a mouth plate. Miraculously this will animate a formerly inanimate object, turning it from a mere toy, into a puppet.
(Grades 3 & up, 2.5-3 Hrs.)
What would happen if Dr. Frankenstein was let loose in a toy shop? Now I know what you are thinking, my child will be devastated and traumatized if we cut their favorite stuffed animal apart to create a puppet! Relax my friends, I will supply an array of cleaned used stuffed animals to dissect. This class is a great & unique way to teach students about hand puppets. In this class each student will begin with a stuffed animal, which we will then proceed to turn into a hand puppet by opening it up, learning to pattern its mouth, and constructing & installing a mouth plate. Miraculously this will animate a formerly inanimate object, turning it from a mere toy, into a puppet.
"Bunraku Style Puppets":
(Grade 5 & up, 1.5 Hr or 4.5 Hr for more extensive class)
As opposed to all of my other classes which focus on puppet building, this class centers a lot more on performance and how to bring a puppet to life. Students will learn about Bunraku puppets, an archaic form of traditional puppetry originating in 16th and 17th century Japan. Using brown paper and masking tape alone, students will build their puppets and learn to perform as a trio. In order for this to work properly all puppeteers have to learn to recreate movement and be in-sync with one another.
For the more extensive class, after learning how to use one of these puppets, then students will build a foam puppet head and a puppet body to make their puppet. In a very non-traditional form of the bunraku-style we will design and create our masterpieces!
(Grade 5 & up, 1.5 Hr or 4.5 Hr for more extensive class)
As opposed to all of my other classes which focus on puppet building, this class centers a lot more on performance and how to bring a puppet to life. Students will learn about Bunraku puppets, an archaic form of traditional puppetry originating in 16th and 17th century Japan. Using brown paper and masking tape alone, students will build their puppets and learn to perform as a trio. In order for this to work properly all puppeteers have to learn to recreate movement and be in-sync with one another.
For the more extensive class, after learning how to use one of these puppets, then students will build a foam puppet head and a puppet body to make their puppet. In a very non-traditional form of the bunraku-style we will design and create our masterpieces!
"Simple Foam Sculpted Puppets":
(Grades 5 & up unless part of the progressive puppetry series where we build up to it, minimum of 2 Hrs.)
This is a more challenging class where students learn a simple way to carve foam into a type of rod puppet. Students will begin with blocks of foam and some pre-existing patterns in multiple views to create a three-dimensional carving. Next they learn a way to carve foam using a pair of scissors and one method of coloring foam with pastels. They then add rods and bring that foam puppet to life.
In a more extensive version of the class, after build one puppet from a pattern the students will create their own pattern and make a second puppet completely of their own creation.
(Grades 5 & up unless part of the progressive puppetry series where we build up to it, minimum of 2 Hrs.)
This is a more challenging class where students learn a simple way to carve foam into a type of rod puppet. Students will begin with blocks of foam and some pre-existing patterns in multiple views to create a three-dimensional carving. Next they learn a way to carve foam using a pair of scissors and one method of coloring foam with pastels. They then add rods and bring that foam puppet to life.
In a more extensive version of the class, after build one puppet from a pattern the students will create their own pattern and make a second puppet completely of their own creation.
"The Puppet Show":
(Grades 3 & up, 5 Day Program)
In this program we will learn about all of the elements that go into creating a puppet show. We will learn about a few types of puppets, then we will choose an existing story to turn into a show. Using a three tiered cardboard stage we will construct the set, puppets, and basic script and create our show that students may perform by the end of the week.
(Grades 3 & up, 5 Day Program)
In this program we will learn about all of the elements that go into creating a puppet show. We will learn about a few types of puppets, then we will choose an existing story to turn into a show. Using a three tiered cardboard stage we will construct the set, puppets, and basic script and create our show that students may perform by the end of the week.
"Progressive Puppetry Class":
(Grades 3 & up, 6 Class Series)
In this class series students will learn how to build several different kinds of puppets begining with very basic skills and building upon one another as we move forward through the series building up to the most challenging ones by the end. All of these classes descriptions can be found here on this page, and work together to increase skill level as we progress. Students will build puppets from these classes: "Best Supported Actor", "Deluxe Sock Puppets", "Steam Rolled Puppets", "Under The Hood", "It's Alive", and ending with "Simple Foam Sculpted Puppets"
(Grades 3 & up, 6 Class Series)
In this class series students will learn how to build several different kinds of puppets begining with very basic skills and building upon one another as we move forward through the series building up to the most challenging ones by the end. All of these classes descriptions can be found here on this page, and work together to increase skill level as we progress. Students will build puppets from these classes: "Best Supported Actor", "Deluxe Sock Puppets", "Steam Rolled Puppets", "Under The Hood", "It's Alive", and ending with "Simple Foam Sculpted Puppets"
"Puppetry Smorgasbord": (Build your own week)
(Grades 3 & up, Week long program)
This is a program of puppetry built of other programs. Many of my classes are a few hours long, however if you want a week long program that doesn't work. If you choose this option I can put together a week of puppetry classes made up of any of the classes listed above. This is a great option for summer camps or schools who want me to come for an artist-in-residence program. Pick and choose to your hearts delight!
(Grades 3 & up, Week long program)
This is a program of puppetry built of other programs. Many of my classes are a few hours long, however if you want a week long program that doesn't work. If you choose this option I can put together a week of puppetry classes made up of any of the classes listed above. This is a great option for summer camps or schools who want me to come for an artist-in-residence program. Pick and choose to your hearts delight!
"This is Puppetry!":
(Foam Patterned Hand Puppet)
(Grades 5 & up, 20-25 Hr. minimum-best taught as a week long program)
In this class students will build a foam and rod patterned hand puppet. Using a standard pattern as the base, students will construct a head with a mouth plate, hands with an armature, arms and torso with arm rod controllers, and learn the basics of covering the puppet in fabric, or with a silicone skin. Adding eyes, ears, nose, hair and facial features will add the finishing touches that bring your creation to life and really give your puppet its character.
**For this course all tools and supplies are provided, except if we are covering our puppets in fleece. Then students will need to bring fleece the color of your choice.
(There is a cheaper and quicker version of the class as well as a professional version)
(Foam Patterned Hand Puppet)
(Grades 5 & up, 20-25 Hr. minimum-best taught as a week long program)
In this class students will build a foam and rod patterned hand puppet. Using a standard pattern as the base, students will construct a head with a mouth plate, hands with an armature, arms and torso with arm rod controllers, and learn the basics of covering the puppet in fabric, or with a silicone skin. Adding eyes, ears, nose, hair and facial features will add the finishing touches that bring your creation to life and really give your puppet its character.
**For this course all tools and supplies are provided, except if we are covering our puppets in fleece. Then students will need to bring fleece the color of your choice.
(There is a cheaper and quicker version of the class as well as a professional version)
"Pop-Up Puppetry & Paper Engineering":
(Grades 3 and up,can be modified for almost any length, from a short intro class at 1.5 Hr., to a week long program)
Everyone loves Pop-Up books, just opening a page and having the paper come to life right before your eyes. In this workshop students will get a taste of the very basics to this fascinating art, focusing mainly on the paper mechanisms that will make things move across your page. Then we will create a few small projects to practice these skills
(Grades 3 and up,can be modified for almost any length, from a short intro class at 1.5 Hr., to a week long program)
Everyone loves Pop-Up books, just opening a page and having the paper come to life right before your eyes. In this workshop students will get a taste of the very basics to this fascinating art, focusing mainly on the paper mechanisms that will make things move across your page. Then we will create a few small projects to practice these skills
Illuminated Puppets: (Grades 3 and up, 15 Hrs., but may be modified into shorter classes)
Everyone is mystified and mesmerized by things that light up or glow. In this class students will learn about different kinds of foam puppets and how to build them, but we will also learn about how to sew with conductive thread, and how to make electrical circuits in our puppets that make things light up. We will also learn about florescence and how we can make skins on our creations that glow in ultraviolet light. This will be a very unique puppetry experience!
Everyone is mystified and mesmerized by things that light up or glow. In this class students will learn about different kinds of foam puppets and how to build them, but we will also learn about how to sew with conductive thread, and how to make electrical circuits in our puppets that make things light up. We will also learn about florescence and how we can make skins on our creations that glow in ultraviolet light. This will be a very unique puppetry experience!
"This is Puppetry!":
(Foam Patterned Hand Puppet) (20 Hr. minimum-can be taught in a two day intensive or as a week long program) In this class you will build a foam and rod patterned hand puppet. Using a standard pattern as the base, you will construct a head with a mouth plate, hands with an armature, arms and torso with arm rod controllers, and learn the basics of covering the puppet in fabric, or with a silicone skin. Adding eyes, ears, nose, hair and facial features will add the finishing touches that bring your creation to life and really give your puppet its character. **For this course all tools and supplies are provided, except if we are covering our puppets in fleece. Then students will need to bring fleece the color of their choice. |
"Mechanized Puppet Power":
(Foam Carved & Simple Mechanism Puppets) (8 Hr. minimum)
In this class you will build a carved foam puppet with a simple “mech” or mechanism. Sometimes a foam puppet is too small to fit your hand, or too long for your arm to reach, and that is when a “mech” can be a great solution. Learn to carve and sculpt, paint and dye foam, or to use a newer silicone skin covering, and how to build a simple spring mechanism that can bring your creation to life. We will also learn how to make puppet eyes and add facial features. At the end of the class you will be able to apply these techniques used in building your puppet in a multitude of alternate ways to create a host of other puppet characters
**All materials and tools will be provided, however if you own a Dremel tool I highly recommend bringing your own so that when you leave the class it is retrofitted to use for puppet carving.
(Foam Carved & Simple Mechanism Puppets) (8 Hr. minimum)
In this class you will build a carved foam puppet with a simple “mech” or mechanism. Sometimes a foam puppet is too small to fit your hand, or too long for your arm to reach, and that is when a “mech” can be a great solution. Learn to carve and sculpt, paint and dye foam, or to use a newer silicone skin covering, and how to build a simple spring mechanism that can bring your creation to life. We will also learn how to make puppet eyes and add facial features. At the end of the class you will be able to apply these techniques used in building your puppet in a multitude of alternate ways to create a host of other puppet characters
**All materials and tools will be provided, however if you own a Dremel tool I highly recommend bringing your own so that when you leave the class it is retrofitted to use for puppet carving.
"The Head of the Class":
(Foam Carved Puppet Head) (8 Hr. minimum)
In this class students will build a carved foam puppet head from a foam ball. Learn to carve and sculpt, paint and dye foam, and learn how to build a mouth plate. We will also learn how to make puppet eyes and add facial features. At the end of the class you will be able to apply these techniques used in building your puppet in a multitude of alternate ways to create a host of other puppet characters
**I will provide all necessary materials and tools, however if you own a Dremel tool I highly recommend bringing your own so that when you leave the class it is retrofitted to use for puppet carving.
(Foam Carved Puppet Head) (8 Hr. minimum)
In this class students will build a carved foam puppet head from a foam ball. Learn to carve and sculpt, paint and dye foam, and learn how to build a mouth plate. We will also learn how to make puppet eyes and add facial features. At the end of the class you will be able to apply these techniques used in building your puppet in a multitude of alternate ways to create a host of other puppet characters
**I will provide all necessary materials and tools, however if you own a Dremel tool I highly recommend bringing your own so that when you leave the class it is retrofitted to use for puppet carving.
Please contact me at: [email protected] (subject line: Homeslice Puppetry),
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