Junk Puppetry

In this workshop, children choose from an appealing pile of junk the bits and pieces that will go to make their own puppet character. Junk is transformed as our artists take the participants through techniques of joining, connecting and performing.

Turn a milk carton into a monster, a binder into a baby, or a spring into something completely unexpected.  In this workshop, participants learn techniques to turn absolutely anything they can lay their hands on into a character bursting with personality.  They learn about puppet design, manipulation and construction – and get to take home their very own creation. Embracing recycling and sustainability, this workshop makes sure participants never look at junk the same way again.

 

“I was amazed by how the workshop unlocked the creative powers of my students, inspiring them as well as us, the teachers.”

 

What happens:

1. Short introduction to puppetry and Polyglot

Drawing on the children’s experiences and their conception of puppetry, we brainstorm the different forms of puppetry we can think of.
 
2. Introduction to specific puppetry workshop (15mins) – whole class focus
We talk about construction techniques, materials and tools. We demonstrate how to make a joint using various materials. We set the ground rules including a safety brief – handling of tools and materials
 
3. Making the Puppet (60mins) whole class for group instructions then individual work
We begin with a discussion of “listening to the materials”: showing how different materials give you information that can help you make a puppet. We encourage exploration of materials for inspiration. Then there is free creative time with materials for construction and play
 
4. Performance Preparation (10mins) whole class focus, puppets down     
Warm up of the children’s body and voice ‐ exercises to limber up minds and hands. The children work with their creations to discover all its 5 senses and how it moves.
 
5. Presenting the Puppet (20mins) 
The Artists provide an opportunity for the children to work with the puppet they have created, demonstrating how it moves and talks; development of character and story. This is an opportunity to give children specific puppetry manipulation techniques, depending on the type of puppet they’ve created.     
 
Style
Structured Workshop or can be run as festival-style drop-in workshop
 
No. of participants
Max 30 per workshop workshop (can run 2 or more workshops concurrently if numbers are greater than 30).
 
Length of workshop
2 hours (can be tailored)
 
Requirements
Teachers willing to participate and a couple of helpers or volunteers to assist the artist if necessary
Weather protected space
Three trestle tables
Parking close to the site
 
Suitable for
Children of 8 to 12 years
 
To book a Polyglot workshop contact:
 
Julie Wright
Company Manager
t: +61 3 8060 4680

 

 

 

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