Professional Classes

PUPPET HAPPENINGS:
New York Adult | New York Family | National | Puppetry Festivals | Museum Exhibits | Professional Classes


* Subscribe to the Puppet Happenings Newsletter and receive a weekly email of Puppet Happenings highlights every Friday. *


Explore Puppetry Series

Center for Puppetry Arts

Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring St NW
Atlanta, GA
puppet.org/programs/education/education-programming/
404-873-3391

The Explore Puppetry Series offers courses for adults ages 18+ who want to learn more about puppetry. Different classes are offered throughout the year.


The Joy of Puppet Mechanisms - Mail-Order Kit + Video Classes

Mike Oleon

roughhousetheater.com/store-2/p/mechanisms

Create your own mechanized puppet with this kit and online class. Whether you're a maker, a crafter, or a puppeteer, the Joy of Puppet Mechanisms will show you how delightfully easy it is to use simple "mechs" to make a magically moving puppet. When you purchase this class, we will mail you a puppet kit that includes a link to a class library of videos to help you build your puppet and show you the ropes of basic puppet mechanisms. Plus, we offer email support for any mechanistic questions you may have! We’ll mail you hand-crafted puppet kit that has nearly everything you need to *literally* make a new friend! Stream lessons online to complete at your own pace. We’ll take you through the assembly of the puppet as well the principles behind the techniques.

$150


Professional Training Internship

WonderSpark Puppets

Photo by: WonderSpark Puppets

The Jim Henson Carriage House, NYC
225 E 67th St
New York, NY
wondersparkpuppets.com/puppet-workshops-adults

Are you interested in a hands-on deep dive into the world of puppetry? WonderSpark Puppets offers a customizable internship program that can enhance your puppetry skills. Our program has been the first professional training many newcomers received on their journey to become skilled working puppeteers. The program runs 2-3 months and classes meet once per week, with homework on the side. Interns engage through structured learning with performance and building. Interns are provided with the support of a skilled mentor to assist and enhance critical hands-on learning. We offer a university-recognized internship credit to be issued at the completion of the program and comply with New York State laws regarding internships - you will not be doing unpaid labor. The program runs seasonally and seats are limited.

January 1 - December 31, 2024
Ongoing, seasonal

Free


TV Monitor Puppetry Practice & Play Sessions

Little Shadow Productions

Zoom
LittleShadowProductions.com

Are you craving a bit more professional development and or practice time with others? We've got you Puppet People!
What you'll get:
* 1.5 hours of practice and playtime with your peers
* A sneak peak into new lessons that will be in this summer's Puppet PLAYGround
* Community!!!
May 5th Session is for EXPERIENCED TV Puppeteers
May 19th Session is for All Levels of TV Puppeteers

May 5 - 19, 2024
5pm est

$14.99


Object Theatre Workshop with Yael Rasooly

Green Feather Foundation

225 E 67th St
New York, NY
greenfeather.org/event-details/object-theater-workshop-with-yael-rasooly

Participants will explore the dialogue and relationship between the performer / character and "ready made" objects. We will be looking at objects that are charged with symbolic associations or objects that hold an emotional cargo from personal memory and story. We will be doing exercises and improvisations in a group, and also touching on the theme of individual solo creation, a starting point for future development. We will be using our bodies in relation to the objects and their manipulation, as well as the voice both in speaking and singing.

May 6, 2024
7:00pm - 10:00pm

$40, $20 subsidized


Possibilities of Matter with Poncili Creación - ONLINE

Open Eye Theatre

Zoom
openeyetheatre.org/full-moon-workshop-possibilities-of-matter

Poncili Creación’s workshop ‘Possibilities of Matter’ will focus on taking a different approach to the production and creation of ideas in our modern world, with the intent on delivering a crash course on object manipulation and the transformation of matter. Every participant will have the opportunity to test new materials and unleash their creativity in an attempt to bring an idea from the mind into the 3D world. Championing DIY culture and artistic risk, the brothers will explain how they see no limits when it comes to acquiring and transforming matter into objects that can come alive and interact with reality. Together, we will go through the steps of conceptualization, sketching, creating, and activating our soft sculptures. The ultimate goal is for you to learn the skills needed to bring an idea to life and create an example — be it a puppet, a tool against the apocalypse, or both. This is not a workshop directly intended for artists; we can all benefit from using our creativity more wisely.

May 18, 2024
9:00am – 12:00pm Central

$30


An Exploration of Marionettes

Madison J. Cripps

Puppet Showplace Theater
32 Station St
Brookline, MA
puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2024/05/18/an-exploration-in-marionettes-workshop-with-madison-j-cripps

How do you make a marionette move? What connects its parts and pieces? Can you (yes, you!) make your very first marionette in an hour? Learn all this and more in an afternoon workshop with the incomparable Madison J. Cripps! In this workshop you will make a simple marionette, and also have the opportunity to use the puppets from A Slice of Crazy Pie to explore the relationships of gravity, pendular momentum, and active and passive movement. All those interested in exploring the construction and manipulation of string marionettes are welcome in this workshop!

Registration Deadline: May 11

May 18, 2024
1:00pm - 4:00pm

$75 / sliding scale $60 & $90


Puppeteering with Victor Yerrid - ONLINE

Sound and the Furry Studio

Zoom
soundandthefurry.com/workshops?

Learn to puppeteer like the pros, with Master Puppeteer, Victor Yerrid (The Muppets, Crank Yankers, Hup in The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance). Victor will teach you the essential components of monitor-style puppetry used in television and film today – lip-sync, eye focus, rod & live hand manipulation, and full body movement. You will also work on creating strong characters, and most importantly, acting. Newbies to experienced-bies alike are welcome. This workshop will be highly interactive from beginning to end.

May 21, 2024
7:00pm - 10:00pm ET

$135


MASS MoCA Wood Carving and Puppet Design Residency

David Lane

Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art
1040 MASS MoCA Way
North Adams, MA
assetsforartists.org/workshops-in-residence

The wood carving puppet laboratory returns for another edition in residence at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. This edition, we’ll dig deep into traditional European-style carving techniques and create beautiful, inspired puppets together. Topics include: Character design, technical drawings, band-saw rough outs, knife technique, controls, joints, Fettig mechanisms, painting, and simple costume patterning.

June 6 - 10, 2024
Formal instruction and demonstrations begin each day at 9 am and run until dinner. The evenings will include open studio and specialized programming such as a show-and-tell, and puppet-film night.

$950 USD, Includes materials, single room with shared bath, access to kitchen, lunches, and dinner on the first night.


Metaphysics of Object Performance - ONLINE

Dr. Paulette Richards

Zoom
https://rb.gy/ftz2tf

Find inspiration for new work or useful insights about your current practice through reflection on how object performance illuminates the relationship between human consciousness and the material world. No written assignments, no required reading. Watch video presentations and discuss how the issues they raise apply to object performance in a supportive community of artists and puppet enthusiasts. Join Dr. Paulette Richards’ 6-week virtual seminar on the Metaphysics of Object Performance.

June 6 - July 18, 2024
7:30pm EDT

$150


3D Mixed Media Puppet Painting with Sarah Eaton - ONLINE

Open Eye Theatre

Zoom
openeyetheatre.org/full-moon-workshop-3d-mixed-media-puppet-painting

Create a simple form in the first half of this 2-part class or work on an existing project for the full 3 hours. Let’s get some paint on those puppets! We will go over materials, layering processes and how to paint on different three dimensional surfaces depending on your puppet medium of choice. Explore brush techniques, texturing, color mixing, and fine detail work to bring life into your puppets!

June 8 - 9, 2024
10:30am – 12:00pm Central

$30


Final spots - June Marionette Carving Workshop

Puppets in Prague

Photo by: Ray Baseley

Puppets in Prague Workshop
Holandksa 20
Prague
puppetsinprague.eu

We have a few spots left in our popular summer workshop coming this June! At the workshop, you spend time with leading Czech puppet designers, carvers and puppeteers to learn how to make a professional quality marionette of your own design. You work with a team of ten experts and learn the whole process, starting with design, ending with a beautiful marionette and the skills to make more. This June students are also going to the International Skupa Puppetry Festival, where our students can apply to be part of their puppet slam. They have the option to see more puppetry at the European Regional Theatre Festival in Hradec Kralove and visit the extensive Jan Svankmajer exhibition. You will discover why UNESCO included Czech puppetry on its list of Cultural Heritage as you immerse yourself in the rich puppet community of the Czech Republic. Sign up now!

June 12 - 28, 2024

1,100 Euros


2024 New England Puppet Intensive — Design Edition

New England Puppet Arts

Historic Eclipse Mill
243 Union St.
North Adams, MA
newenglandpuppet.org

Immerse yourself in the ultimate studio experience with NEPI’s fully stocked puppet-making lab set against the backdrop of the beautiful Berkshires. Alongside studio activity, we engage in a mindful and physical practice — providing participants time for reflection, and the opportunity to explore creative impulses that dovetail with expressive design. Curriculum includes: Character Design; Technical Drawing, Sculpting & Casting, Painting, Controls, Joints, Costuming, Lantern Puppets, and more!

July 12 - 22, 2024
Daily training and studio instruction begins at 9 am and continues into the evening.

$1450 USD (includes materials, family style lunches & dinners). Artist-friendly priced accommodations available around the corner at MCLA (not included).


Mini Masks: Roser's Paper Sculpture Methodology with Sarah Frechette - ONLINE

Open Eye Theatre

Zoom
openeyetheatre.org/full-moon-workshop-mini-masks

Legendary puppeteer Albrecht Roser’s Paper Sculpture Technique has inspired artists all over the world. Join acclaimed puppeteer and Roser alumna Sarah Frechette for a hands-on workshop exploring how to discover expressive, sculptural characters in a flat piece of paper. By following a series of unique paper folding steps, participants will learn how to create and adapt patterns for dimensional faces. Along the way, Frechette will introduce Roser’s unified approach to construction and performance. As Roser theorized: “technique and art must serve expression.” This is a great class for designer/builders, educators, paper art enthusiasts, and anyone interested in puppetry design and performance.

July 13, 2024
9:00am – 12:00pm Central

$30


Marionette Carving and Performance Summer Workshop

Puppets in Prague

Puppets in Prague
Holandska 20, Prague, Czech Republic
Prague
puppetsinprague.eu

Immerse yourself in puppetry this summer - all in the magical city of Prague, where marionettes are an integral part of the culture. The first part of the workshop lasts 15 days (including 3 days off):
you go through the whole process of making the wire marionette, learning design, technical drawings, woodcarving, painting, assembly, costume, controller, stringing. In the second part you work with a professional puppeteer, rehearsing an original show and then performing for 2 days at the Letni Letna New Circus and Theatre Festival. During this second half, you learn how to manipulate their marionette and the principles of creating an original show for children. You also get the chance to see many other professional children's theatre performances at the festival. Puppets in Prague has been teaching hundreds of students since 2000.

August 8 - 30, 2024


Pop-Up Book Stages with Monica Leo - ONLINE

Open Eye Theatre

Zoom
openeyetheatre.org/full-moon-workshop-pop-up-book-stages

Pop-up books make magical stages. Each page reveals an entirely different scene and elicits a delighted gasp from the audience. You will learn the best ways to create these as performance spaces. During the workshop, you will create a step-by step mockup. You should have pencils, markers, paper, card stock, poster board, scissors, glue and tape handy.

August 10, 2024
9:00am – 12:00pm Central

$30


Adhesives I Have Loved Along The Way with Sam Cobb - ONLINE

Open Eye Theatre

Zoom
openeyetheatre.org/full-moon-workshop-adhesives-i-have-loved-along-the-way

Proper selection and use of a variety of adhesives in fabricating for all environments and materials commonly found in the making of puppets and puppet rigging. Includes a Q&A for participants to talk through specific project needs and concerns.

September 21, 2024
9:00am – 12:00pm Central

$30


Make it Pop! A Dive into the World of Blacklight Puppetry with Z Puppets Rosenschnoz - ONLINE

Open Eye Theatre

Zoom
openeyetheatre.org/full-moon-workshop-make-it-pop

Blacklight, or ultraviolet light, is one way to make a BIG impact relatively simply. In our Blacklight Lab, we will experiment with materials that glow and materials that hide the glow. We will explore the range of visual spectacles blacklight can provide us with, the materials and equipment needed, and tricks and tips for building and performing a piece that will leave audiences gasping in amazement.

October 12, 2024
9:00am – 12:00pm Central

$30


Distance Learning, The Center for Puppetry Arts - ONLINE

Center for Puppetry Arts

Center for Puppetry Arts, ONLINE
puppet.org/programs/?type=digital-learning-workshop

The Center for Puppetry Arts uses the latest technology to offer nationwide Distance Learning programs for PreK-adult through videoconferencing, webinars, and streamed content. Arts-infused workshops are conducted via videoconferencing and are tailored to specific classroom topics and curriculum for K-12 groups. For K-5, hands-on puppet building integrates with science, social studies, language arts and other disciplines to create a dynamic, interactive virtual classroom for a virtual field trip experience. Middle School/High School programs are discussion based. Programs complement national curriculum standards in language arts, social studies, science, math and other areas. The Center provides a comprehensive study guide and materials list for most programs. Webinars (both live and streamed) and streamed workshops and lectures are available for teachers seeking demos and professional development (also available via videoconferencing). Streamed workshops are also ideal for anyone interested in learning about puppetry.


National Puppetry Conference

Eugene O'Neill Theater Center

Photo by: Richard Termine / Eugene O'Neill Theater Center

Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
305 Great Neck Road
Waterford, CT
www.theoneill.org/pup
860-443-5378

The National Puppetry Conference provides a meeting and creating ground for master artisans to pass their craft and ingenuity to new artists in the field of puppetry. Participants gather from across the globe to create works that defy the bounds of contemporary theater and the imagination. Applications for the 2025 National Puppetry Conference will open at the beginning of 2025.


Puppets in Prague - Online & In-Person Courses

New Workshops!

Puppets in Prague
puppetsinprague.eu

Choose from our wide range of top-quality long-term classes. With us you can turn your dreams into a reality, plus become a part of the flourishing Puppets in Prague community.
Table Top Puppet - February 3, 2024
Miniature Theatre - February-June 2024
Stomper Marionette - March 16, 2024
Toy Theatre & Puppets Online - March-June 2024
Marionette Carving In-Person - June 2024
Marionette Carving & Performance In-Person - August 2024