Acting: with puppets

Class format and activities

The session will begin with a set of warm up exercises, tailored to the skills and learning areas covered. Following this, the session will be a mixture of group and solo, tutor led physical exercises which will develop techniques, explore approaches, and equip tools and knowledge. There will be discussion, exploration, investigations guided by the tutor, as well as set tasks and exercises which will then be showed later to the group in presentations. Feedback will be provided throughout in a constructive and supportive environment. There will be an opportunity to discuss personal learning outcomes with the tutor to set your own personal targets, linked to the learning outcomes and future goals i.e.: progression to another course or supplementing other skills.

Learning Outcomes

• 01: Explored the fundamentals of puppetry
• 02: Gained confidence in manipulation and animation techniques
• 03: Examined the practicalities of puppetry in performance
• 04: Been introduced to a range of puppetry styles and forms
• 05: Increased awareness of "presence" on stage
• 06: Explore and analyse on-stage images and visual storytelling

Course entry requirements

Though not essential, some experience or knowledge in performance is desirable. The course may also be of interest to visual artists who work in 3D, and any makers wishing to explore puppetry performance practically for the first time. As a practical course you will need to be willing to actively participate.

What you need to know before you enrol

Excellent attendance and punctuality will be required from all students. This course will include some completion of activities outside of class time, e.g. research, finding something for next week, reflection or small preparation of a task.

What to bring to class

Comfortable clothing - though the course is practical and will involve some physical work, it will not be heavy duty and it is important to be comfortable and be able to move with a good range of movement. Notepad and pen (or something to take your notes on). You may also want to document any work with video or photo, though none of this is to be shared publicly or digitally outside of the classroom. We will be working with various materials and objects throughout the course. Some of these will be provided however at points we may need to form a collection or pool of things to choose from which will all be simple things brought from home.

What you can do next

Advanced Puppetry (in association with Little Angel Theatre). Please speak to your tutor, pick up a prospectus, look at our website or contact: [email protected] for more information