Basic Puppetry Skills

Staging a Puppet Show

• Performing a puppet show is not just a matter of controlling the puppet's movements, but also of how the puppet it presented to the audience. Making an entrance can set the mood for the show by demonstrating skill from the beginning. When going onstage, puppeteers are advised not simply to carry their puppets but rather to have the puppets mimic their own entrance. For example, if it is necessary to use steps to get to the stage, the puppeteer can make the puppet climb the steps along with him. Practice in maintaining a constant height for the puppet is also important. Puppets should not bob or weave, but should remain at a consistent height throughout the performance.

Synchronization

• In making the puppet speak, lip synchronization is the distinguishing factor between an effective and ineffective performance. The puppeteer's mouth should not appear to be forming the words. Puppeteers can employ a basic technique that calls for opening and closing the puppet's mouth for every syllable spoken. The mouth should open at the beginning and close at the ending of each syllable. When synchronizing dialogue from a recorded piece, the puppeteer may have problems keeping up with the rate of words being spoken. To avoid an inauthentic performance, puppeteers should concentrate on correctly forming the first and last syllables while also mouthing any other syllables they can from the middle of the dialogue.

Imitating the Jaw Movements of Speech

• Another part of puppetry that contributes to making the vocal skills of the puppet seem more real is learning how to mimic the jaw movements associated with speech. Just as humans speak by moving their lower jaw up and down, puppeteers need to master the same movement to make their puppets speak. The puppet's head should not move as it speaks; instead the lower jaw should move separately to imply the opening and closing of the mouth.

Developing Ambidexterity

• The puppet's movements during performances need to be realistic. Arm movements are especially important in projecting a semblance of life in the puppet. Employing too much movement can be distracting, but the proper amount of movement in the puppet's arms helps to punctuate the tone of the dialogue. Movements can include scratching or pointing, clapping, bowing and hugging. Puppeteers can increase the effectiveness of these gestures through developing their dexterity in operating the puppet. Practice should include movements performed with the puppeteer's dominant and secondary arm. For instance, a right-handed puppeteer should also practice movements with the left hand to increase performance stamina and effectiveness.