Puppetry

Inspiration & Exploration

You're about to discover one of the oldest storytelling tools on the planet — puppets! Start by watching puppet performances on YouTube: search for "Jim Henson puppet builds," "Bunraku Japanese puppetry," and "shadow puppets for kids." Notice how each style makes you feel something different. Visit the Salt Lake City Public Library and look for books in the 791.5 section — that's where puppetry lives on the shelf. Try sketching three puppet characters in a notebook: one based on an animal, one based on a person you know, and one totally made-up creature. What story might each one tell? You're ready for the next step when you can describe three different puppet styles and sketch a character you'd want to build.

Tools & Techniques

Every puppeteer has a toolkit — and you don't need much to get started. Watch free tutorials on the Puppet Pelts YouTube channel and search "how to make a sock puppet" on Instructables.com for free step-by-step photo guides. Learn the difference between hand puppets, rod puppets, marionettes, and shadow puppets. Practice the basic "puppet mouth sync" technique: hold your hand in a puppet shape and open and close it in time while you speak a sentence — that's the foundation of all puppet performance. Gather some basic supplies: old socks, foam sheets, googly eyes, hot glue, and felt scraps. Check the DI (Deseret Industries) thrift stores around Salt Lake for cheap materials. You're ready for the next step when you can name four puppet types and demonstrate a basic mouth sync with your hand.

First Creations

It's time to build your first puppet! Choose one style — sock puppet is a great start — and follow a free Instructables tutorial from beginning to end. Don't worry about it being perfect; your first puppet is about learning the process, not making a masterpiece. Hot glue takes practice, so go slow and let each piece dry before adding the next. Once your puppet is built, stand in front of a mirror and practice making it "talk" in sync with your voice. Try giving it a simple personality: shy, bold, funny, or serious. Record a 30-second video of your puppet introducing itself. Watch it back and notice what works. You're ready for the next step when you have a completed puppet and a short video of it speaking in character.

Style Development

Now that you've made one puppet, push into a new style or technique. Try building a simple rod puppet from cardboard and wooden dowels, or experiment with a paper bag puppet with moving mouth parts. Search YouTube for "how to make a rod puppet for beginners" — the channel Make It! Workshop has solid free tutorials. Start thinking about your puppet's voice, backstory, and the kind of stories it wants to tell. Write a short two-minute script where your puppet interacts with someone or something. Practice performing it three times, focusing on keeping the puppet at eye level and moving naturally. Utah's Pioneer Theatre Company sometimes offers free educational workshops — check their website at pioneertheatre.org. You're ready for the next step when you can perform a two-minute puppet scene from memory.

Refine Your Craft

At this stage, you're going beyond making puppets and becoming a real puppeteer. Study professional puppeteers: search "Behind the Scenes Sesame Street puppet building" and watch the Henson Company's free documentary clips on YouTube. Focus on two advanced skills: puppet eye contact (always keeping the puppet's eyes aimed at what it's "looking" at) and two-puppet handling (controlling two characters at once). Build a simple tabletop stage from a cardboard box so your hands stay hidden. Practice performing your two-minute script with improved mouth sync, eye focus, and character voice. Film it again and compare it to your earlier video. The Utah Arts Alliance (utahartsalliance.org) lists local puppet workshops and performance events. You're ready for the next step when you can perform your scene with a hidden puppeteer and consistent eye focus.

Portfolio Piece

This is your moment to create something you're proud to share. Write and perform a complete three- to five-minute puppet show — a story with a beginning, middle, and end. Your show should have at least two puppet characters and one moment of conflict or surprise. Build or refine a stage backdrop that fits your story's setting. Record a clean final performance video with good lighting (natural light from a window works great) and clear audio. Share it with the SLCTrips community and consider submitting it to the Utah Puppetry Guild (search Facebook for "Utah Puppetry"). Label your video, keep it saved, and write two or three sentences about what you learned building this project. You're ready for the next step when you have a recorded, complete puppet performance you could show to a stranger and feel proud.