Puppets Part 2

Puppets still work, IF they are done well.  Here's step 2, operating the puppet.  Keep in mind that some of these skills may come naturally to some, and others it could take months to master, but everyone can learn these basic skills with practice.  The entire goal of manipulating a puppet is to make it seem alive, real, and natural.  No one should perform puppets to children until they feel confident in these basic skills.

Basic Puppet Manipulation

1. Lip Sync- Open the mouth on every syllable.  Avoid biting your words.
2. Lower Lipping- When opening the mouth, drop the jaw. Avoid flipping the lid.
3. Eye Contact- You must look down about 45 degrees to connect with your audience. Remember, they’re below you and the puppet’s eyes are above your hands, look down to compensate.
4. Body Position- The stage should rest about “belly button” height on the puppet. Avoid sinking, leaning on the stage, or standing in a hole.
5. Entrances & Exits- Puppets typically enter and exit as if walking up and down stairs.  Avoid the appearance of elevators, rocket packs, escalators, and trap doors.
6. Life- Keep your puppet alive with head movement, arm movement, body language, and reactions.  Movement doesn’t have to be big, but it should be constant.
7. Characterization- Use appropriate movement for your character.  Adults, children, animals, bullies, monsters, elderly, etc. all move differently.  Move according to your puppet’s character.
8. Ambidexterity- Ooh, big word.  Practice all skills with both hands as much as possible.  You will thank yourself in the future when you can either switch hands when tired or perform two puppets at once.