Junk Puppet Workshops

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 puppet mechanisms
Showing different types as well as drawing on the student’s own experiences.

2. Design of Junk Puppet
Brainstorming design of the junk puppets, working in small groups or solo, students will investigate the possibilities of materials available. Particular attention will be paid to the mechanisms of the design, as to how the puppet will be manipulated by the puppeteer.

3. Construction of the Junk Puppet
Workshop tutor assists and guides the construction of the junk puppets, and then free creative time with an array of materials, developing character details.

4. Puppetry as a Physical Artform
Warm up of body and voice, simple exercises to limber up minds and hands.

5. Development of your Junk Puppet’s character
Students can also choose to develop the characters’ personality, build scenarios and refine their puppetry skills. Asking questions like: ‘What environment does my puppet belong in?’ ‘How does my puppet interact with its environment?’

6. Presenting your Puppet Character
An opportunity for the children to perform - the tutors will provide different exercises and outcomes depending on the age group of the students involved.

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

• A couple of helpers or volunteers to assist the tutor if necessary
  
• Weather protected space
  
• Three trestle tables
  
• Parking close to the site

Suitable for: Children of 8 to 12 years

For enquiries and bookings, please contact:
Julie Wright
Operations Coordinator
julie@polyglot.org.au
03 9827 9667