Online Resources to Learn Puppetry, Puppet Building, and Performing

 

Puppetry is an art form that has been around for thousands of years, and it is a fascinating way to bring characters and stories to life. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced performer or builder, there are many online resources available to help you learn and improve your skills in puppetry. Here are some of the best online resources for learning puppetry from experienced performers and builders.

1. Online Puppetry Workshops and Classes

There are many online workshops and classes that offer lessons in puppetry from experienced performers and builders. These classes can range from beginner courses to advanced lessons, and they cover a wide range of topics, including puppet construction, manipulation, and performance techniques. Some popular online workshop providers include Skillshare, Udemy, and Coursera.

2. Online Puppetry Communities

There are many online communities dedicated to puppetry that are a great place to connect with other puppeteers and learn from their experiences. These communities can provide a wealth of information, including tips and tricks, tutorials, and discussions on all aspects of puppetry. Some popular online puppetry communities include Puppet Place, Puppetry International, and The Puppetry Forum.

3. Online Videos and Tutorials

There is a wealth of online videos and tutorials available that provide step-by-step instructions on how to create and perform with puppets. These resources can be especially helpful for beginner puppeteers, and they can provide a great foundation for learning the basics of puppetry. Some popular online video tutorials include YouTube, Vimeo, and TED-Ed.

4. Online Puppetetry Books and Magazines

There are many online books and magazines available that cover all aspects of puppetry, from construction and manipulation to performance and history. These resources can provide in-depth information on specific topics and can be a great resource for those looking to further their knowledge and understanding of puppetry. Some popular online puppetry books and magazines include The Puppetry Journal, The Complete Guide to Puppetry, and The Art of Puppetry.

There are many online resources available for learning puppetry from experienced performers and builders. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced puppeteer, these resources can provide valuable information and insights that will help you improve your skills and bring your puppets to life. So whether you're interested in learning about puppet construction, manipulation, or performance techniques, there's an online resource out there for you!

Best Book on Puppetry Techniques from Building to Performing

If you’re looking to learn the art of puppetry, you’ve come to the right place! Puppetry is a great way to express yourself and bring joy to others. With the right resources, you can become a master puppeteer in no time. Here are some of the best books to learn puppetry: There are a variety of books available that can teach you the basics of puppetry. From books on puppet construction and manipulation to books on puppet performance, you can find a book to suit your needs.

 1. The Art of Puppetry by Jim Henson: This book is a must-have for any aspiring puppeteer. It covers the basics of puppet construction and manipulation, as well as performance techniques. 

  2. Puppetry: A Comprehensive Guide by David Currell: This book is a comprehensive guide to puppetry. It covers everything from puppet construction and manipulation to performance techniques. 

  3. The Puppetry Handbook by Richard Bradshaw: This book is a great resource for learning the basics of puppetry. It covers puppet construction, manipulation, and performance techniques. 

  4. The Puppetry Workshop by David Currell: This book is a great resource for learning the basics of puppetry. It covers puppet construction, manipulation, and performance techniques. 

  5. The Complete Guide to Puppetry by Richard Bradshaw: This book is a comprehensive guide to puppetry. It covers everything from puppet construction and manipulation to performance techniques.  

 6. The Foam Book by Drew Allison and Donald Devet: This book is an amazing resource that will teach traditional flat foam cutting and shaping techniques. 

 7. Puppetry 101: Creating Film and Television Style Puppetry Paperback by Adam Kreutinger: This text based book is a complete informative resource to learn the techniques of building and performing popular style puppet show characters.

8. Foam Patterning and Construction Techniques: This book is a giant treasure trove of flat foam patterning techniques. This is a veritable grimoire for turning 2d designs into 3d artwork.  

These books are a great way to get started on your puppetry journey. With the right resources and dedication, you can become a master puppeteer in no time. Good luck!

Puppetry and Puppeteers: Shari Lewis

 

Shari Lewis was a beloved puppeteer and children's entertainer who is best known for her work with the puppet character Lamb Chop.

Shari Lewis was born in 1933 in New York City and began her career in puppetry as a teenager. She quickly gained fame and success, and in the 1950s, she created the beloved character Lamb Chop, a lamb puppet that would become her signature character.

Shari Lewis' Lamb Chop was featured on a number of television shows, including her own show "The Shari Lewis Show" which ran from 1960 to 1963, and also "Lamb Chop's Play-Along" which ran from 1992 to 1997. She was also a frequent guest on various talk shows and children's programs, and her performances were always met with great enthusiasm from her young audience.

Shari Lewis was known for her ability to bring Lamb Chop to life through her incredible skill as a puppeteer. She was able to imbue the character with a unique personality and sense of humor that endeared it to audiences of all ages. She also wrote and performed many of Lamb Chop's songs and stories which were enjoyed by many.

In addition to her work as a puppeteer, Shari Lewis was also an accomplished author, writing several books on puppetry and children's entertainment. She was also an advocate for children's education, and her performances often included educational elements that helped to teach children important life lessons.

Shari Lewis passed away in 1998 at the age of 65. However, her legacy lives on through the continued popularity of Lamb Chop and the many puppeteers she inspired. Her work continues to entertain and delight audiences of all ages, and her innovative approach to puppetry continues to inspire new generations of performers.

In conclusion, Shari Lewis was a true master of puppetry and her contributions to the art form will always be remembered. Her work has brought joy to millions of people and continues to do so. She will always be remembered as one of the most iconic and beloved puppeteers of all time, and her character Lamb Chop will continue to be loved by many generations to come.

Puppetry and Puppeteers: Bil Baird

 

Bil Baird was a pioneering puppeteer and one of the most influential figures in the world of puppetry. He was known for his innovative techniques, and his contributions to the art form continue to be celebrated today.

Bil Baird was born in 1914 in New York City and began his career in puppetry in the 1930s. He quickly gained fame and success, and in the 1950s, he created the Bil Baird Marionettes, a troupe of marionette puppets that would become renowned for their skill and artistry.

Bil Baird's marionettes were featured in a number of productions, including the first televised marionette show "The Bil Baird Marionettes" which aired from 1949-1952. He also contributed to the world of film and television, creating puppets for movies such as "The Sound of Music" and "The Love Bug" and for television shows like "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "Captain Kangaroo".

Bil Baird was known for his use of cutting-edge technology and special effects, which helped to enhance the performance of his puppets and bring them to life in new and exciting ways. He also developed new techniques for manipulating marionettes such as the "Baird Index" which is a method of controlling multiple marionettes with a single control rod.

In addition to his work as a puppeteer, Bil Baird was also an accomplished author, writing several books on puppetry and children's entertainment. He was also an advocate for the arts, and his performances often included educational elements that helped to teach children about the history and techniques of puppetry.

Bil Baird passed away in 1987 at the age of 72, but his legacy lives on through his contributions to puppetry. He was an innovator who pushed the boundaries of what was possible with marionettes, and his techniques continue to inspire new generations of puppeteers.

Bil Baird was a true master of puppetry and his contributions to the art form will always be remembered. He was known for his innovative techniques and his passion for puppetry, which continues to entertain and delight audiences of all ages. He will always be remembered as one of the most influential figures in the world of puppetry and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Puppetry and Puppeteers: Burr Tillstrom

 

Burr Tillstrom was a pioneering puppeteer and one of the most influential figures in the world of puppetry. He was known for creating the beloved character Kukla, and his contributions to the art form continue to be celebrated today.

Burr Tillstrom was born in 1917 in Chicago and began his career in puppetry in the 1930s. He quickly gained fame and success, and in the 1940s, he created Kukla, a puppet character that would become his signature creation. Kukla, was a charming and charismatic character who was featured on the television show "Kukla, Fran and Ollie" which ran from 1947 to 1957.

Tillstrom's puppets were known for their unique personalities and sense of humor, and he was able to bring them to life through his incredible skill as a puppeteer. He was also known for his use of cutting-edge technology and special effects, which helped to enhance the performance of his puppets and bring them to life in new and exciting ways.

In addition to his work as a puppeteer, Burr Tillstrom was also an accomplished writer and producer. He wrote and produced the many episodes of "Kukla, Fran and Ollie" and also contributed to the world of film and television by creating puppets for movies such as "The Sound of Music" and "The Love Bug" and for television shows like "The Ed Sullivan Show"

Tillstrom passed away in 1985 at the age of 68, but his legacy lives on through his contributions to puppetry. He was an innovator who pushed the boundaries of what was possible with puppetry, and his techniques continue to inspire new generations of puppeteers. His character Kukla, was a beloved character by many, and the show continues to be enjoyed by all ages.

Burr Tillstrom was a master of puppetry and his contributions to the art form will always be remembered. His legacy lives on with the beloved character Kukla, and his passion for puppetry continues to entertain and delight audiences of all ages. He will always be remembered as one of the most influential figures in the world of puppetry, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Puppetry and Puppeteers: Brian Henson

 

Puppetry is an art form that has been around for centuries and continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages. One of the most talented puppeteers working today is Brian Henson, the son of the late Jim Henson.

Brian Henson began his career in puppetry at a young age, working alongside his father on various projects. He quickly developed his own skills and style, and eventually took over as the chairman of the Jim Henson Company after his father's passing. Under his leadership, the company has continued to produce beloved characters such as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the Muppets, as well as new and exciting productions.

One of Brian Henson's most notable contributions to puppetry is his work on the Henson Alternative puppet shows, which feature more adult-themed humor and subject matter. He's also known for producing and directing the 1996 film "The Muppet Treasure Island" and the 1999 film "Muppets from Space"

In addition to his work as a puppeteer and producer, Brian Henson is also a talented puppeteer in his own right. He has performed numerous Muppet characters over the years, and has even won an Emmy award for his work on the television series "Farscape."

Brian Henson continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with puppetry, using cutting-edge technology and special effects to bring his puppets to life in new and exciting ways. He is also committed to preserving his father's legacy and ensuring that the Muppets and other beloved characters continue to entertain and delight audiences for generations to come.

In conclusion, Brian Henson is a highly talented and accomplished puppeteer who has made significant contributions to the art form. He is a true successor of his father's legacy and he continues to entertain audiences with his work. He is a true master of his craft and has a great passion for puppetry.

Puppetry and Puppeteers: Jim Henson

 

Puppetry is an ancient art form that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for centuries. One of the most popular puppeteers of recent times is the late Jim Henson, who is best known for creating the beloved Muppets.

Jim Henson was born in 1936 in Mississippi, and began his career in puppetry as a teenager, creating puppets for a local television show. He quickly gained fame and success, and in the 1960s, he created the Muppets, a group of lovable and charismatic puppets that would go on to become cultural icons. The Muppets were featured on a number of television shows, including "Sesame Street" and "The Muppet Show," as well as in films such as "The Muppet Movie" and "The Great Muppet Caper."

Henson's puppets were known for their unique personalities and sense of humor, and he was able to bring them to life through his incredible skill as a puppeteer. He was also known for his use of cutting-edge technology and special effects, which helped to enhance the performance of his puppets and bring them to life in new and exciting ways.

Despite his success, Henson remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to work tirelessly on new projects and ideas, and was always looking for ways to push the boundaries of what was possible with puppetry.

Sadly, Henson passed away in 1990 at the age of 53. However, his legacy lives on through the continued popularity of the Muppets and the many puppeteers he inspired. His work continues to entertain and delight audiences of all ages, and his innovative approach to puppetry continues to inspire new generations of performers.

In conclusion, Jim Henson was a true master of puppetry and his contributions to the art form will always be remembered. His work has brought joy to millions of people and continues to do so. He will always be remembered as one of the most iconic and beloved puppeteers of all time.

Puppetry and Puppeteers: Edgar Bergen

 

Edgar Bergen was a master ventriloquist and one of the most beloved entertainers of his time. He was known for his skillful manipulation of his dummy Charlie McCarthy, and his contributions to the art of ventriloquism continue to be celebrated today.

Bergen was born in 1903 in Chicago and began his career as a ventriloquist in the 1920s. He quickly gained fame and success, and in the 1930s, he created the character of Charlie McCarthy, a wisecracking dummy that would become his signature creation. Charlie McCarthy was a charming and charismatic character, who was featured on the radio show "The Chase and Sanborn Hour," which ran from 1937 to 1956.

Bergen's ventriloquism was known for its skill and artistry, and he was able to bring Charlie McCarthy to life through his incredible talent as a ventriloquist. He was also known for his use of cutting-edge technology and special effects, which helped to enhance the performance of his dummy and bring it to life in new and exciting ways.

In addition to his work as a ventriloquist, Bergen was also an accomplished actor and comedian. He appeared in several films and television shows, including "You Can't Cheat an Honest Man" and "The Goldwyn Follies." He also hosted his own television show "The Edgar Bergen-Charlie McCarthy Show," which ran from 1957 to 1958.

Bergen passed away in 1978 at the age of 75, but his legacy lives on through his contributions to ventriloquism. He was an innovator who pushed the boundaries of what was possible with ventriloquism, and his techniques continue to inspire new generations of ventriloquists. His character Charlie McCarthy, was a beloved character by many, and the show continues to be enjoyed by all ages.

Edgar Bergen was a legendary master of ventriloquism and his contributions to the art form will always be remembered. His legacy lives on with the beloved character Charlie McCarthy, and his passion for ventriloquism continues to entertain and delight audiences of all ages. He will always be remembered as one of the most influential figures in the world of ventriloquism, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Jim Henson, early life

Jim Henson, the creator of the beloved Muppets, had a passion for puppetry from a very young age. Born in Greenville, Mississippi in 1936, Henson began experimenting with puppetry as a teenager. He created a puppet show for his high school's television club, which sparked his interest in the medium.

After graduating from high school, Henson attended the University of Maryland where he studied home economics and art. He continued to work on his puppetry skills, creating a show called "Sam and Friends" which aired on a local Washington, D.C. television station. The show featured a cast of puppets, including a character named Kermit the Frog, who would later become one of the most iconic figures in the Muppets franchise.

In the early 1960s, Henson moved to New York City where he began working on commercials and children's shows such as "Sesame Street" and "The Ed Sullivan Show." It was during this time that he developed the Muppets into the characters we know and love today.

In 1969, Henson created "The Muppet Show," a television program that featured a variety of colorful puppets and characters, including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Fozzie Bear. The show was a huge success and ran for five seasons. Henson and his team continued to create new Muppet characters and shows, including "The Muppet Movie," "The Great Muppet Caper," and "The Muppet Christmas Carol."

Throughout his career, Henson received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He passed away in 1990, but his legacy lives on through the beloved Muppets franchise, which continues to entertain audiences of all ages.

In conclusion, Jim Henson’s early life was marked by his passion for puppetry which started at a young age. His high school television club and college years were the starting point of his journey to become one of the most iconic figures in the entertainment industry with the creation of the Muppets, which continue to entertain audiences today.

Puppetry and Puppeteers: George Middleton

 

George Middleton, a well-known and accomplished puppeteer, passed away at the age of 89 on August 8th, 2023. He was a master of the art form, and his contributions to the world of puppetry will be remembered for many years to come.

Middleton was born in 1933 and began his career in puppetry in the 1950s. He quickly gained fame and success, creating several puppet shows that were enjoyed by audiences of all ages. He was particularly known for his work with marionettes, and was a master at manipulating these delicate puppets. His marionette shows were known for their intricate storytelling, and for the skill and artistry that he brought to the craft.

Middleton's puppets were known for their unique personalities and sense of humor, and he was able to bring them to life through his incredible skill as a puppeteer. He was also known for his use of cutting-edge technology and special effects, which helped to enhance the performance of his puppets and bring them to life in new and exciting ways.

Middleton's contributions to the world of puppetry were not limited to his performances. He was also a dedicated teacher, and spent many years passing on his knowledge and skills to the next generation of puppeteers. He was a mentor to many young puppeteers who have gone on to have successful careers in the field.

Middleton received many awards throughout his career, including a lifetime achievement award from the Puppetry Guild of America, and the UNIMA-USA citation for excellence in puppetry.

George Middleton was a true master of puppetry, known for his skill and artistry in manipulating marionettes, his creative storytelling and his innovative use of technology. His passing is a great loss to the puppetry world and his legacy will live on through the many puppeteers he inspired and mentored. He will be remembered as one of the most influential figures in the world of puppetry and his work will continue to entertain and delight audiences for many years to come.

Puppet Websites aka Puppets and Puppeteers on the Internet

Here are some great resources for puppeteers, builders, and fans!
Puppet Kitchen www.puppetkitchen.com
Puppet Pelts www.puppetpelts.com
Project Puppet www.projectpuppet.com