Stage Managing Theatrical Puppets

Additional Authors

Melissa Shafer, Department of Theatre and Dance, College of Arts and Sciences, Johnson City, TN. Karen Brewster, Department of Theatre and Dance, College of Arts and Sciences, Johnson City, TN.

Abstract

In this thesis, I will detail my experience working with theatrical puppets in academic and professional settings. The paper will specifically address the construction and planning for puppets in performance and compare this to how the puppets were adapted to fit in the needs of each show and puppeteer. With a brief examination into the general history of puppets in performance, the paper will explore how puppets played a role in three recent productions and how their use drove the storytelling of each show. Much of this research has been gathered through practical design and performance experience with the ETSU Theater and Dance Department, documentaries such as Jim Henson: Idea Man, Handspring Puppet Company’s Ted Talk War Horse, and through my professional internship experience at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia during the summer of 2024. The productions analyzed in the thesis include ETSU Theater and Dance Department’s productions of Little Shop of Horrors (Spring 2023) and James and the Giant Peach (Fall 2023) and Barter Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz (Summer 2024). Through a discussion of ETSU’s production of Little Shop of Horrors, I will explore puppeteering large-scale puppets and the process of adapting puppeteering techniques while still using the puppets to fully and clearly tell the playwright’s story and needs for the show. Using ETSU’s James and the Giant Peach I will discuss the process of researching and renting puppets to fit overall production design and storytelling needs. Details from my practical experience as puppet master for The Wizard of Oz provide insight into adaptations when the original intent for puppets changes from the design stage to rehearsal and performance, as well as maintenance and care for puppets over a long production run. Discussions of puppet construction and functionality—and bringing puppets to life—will make use of research from Jim Henson: Idea Man and Handspring Puppet Company’s discussion of their puppet designed for the Broadway production of War Horse

Start Time

16-4-2025 11:00 AM

End Time

16-4-2025 12:00 PM

Room Number

252

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Presentation Subtype

UG Orals

Presentation Category

Arts and Humanities

Faculty Mentor

Jonathon Taylor

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Apr 16th, 11:00 AM Apr 16th, 12:00 PM

Stage Managing Theatrical Puppets

252

In this thesis, I will detail my experience working with theatrical puppets in academic and professional settings. The paper will specifically address the construction and planning for puppets in performance and compare this to how the puppets were adapted to fit in the needs of each show and puppeteer. With a brief examination into the general history of puppets in performance, the paper will explore how puppets played a role in three recent productions and how their use drove the storytelling of each show. Much of this research has been gathered through practical design and performance experience with the ETSU Theater and Dance Department, documentaries such as Jim Henson: Idea Man, Handspring Puppet Company’s Ted Talk War Horse, and through my professional internship experience at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia during the summer of 2024. The productions analyzed in the thesis include ETSU Theater and Dance Department’s productions of Little Shop of Horrors (Spring 2023) and James and the Giant Peach (Fall 2023) and Barter Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz (Summer 2024). Through a discussion of ETSU’s production of Little Shop of Horrors, I will explore puppeteering large-scale puppets and the process of adapting puppeteering techniques while still using the puppets to fully and clearly tell the playwright’s story and needs for the show. Using ETSU’s James and the Giant Peach I will discuss the process of researching and renting puppets to fit overall production design and storytelling needs. Details from my practical experience as puppet master for The Wizard of Oz provide insight into adaptations when the original intent for puppets changes from the design stage to rehearsal and performance, as well as maintenance and care for puppets over a long production run. Discussions of puppet construction and functionality—and bringing puppets to life—will make use of research from Jim Henson: Idea Man and Handspring Puppet Company’s discussion of their puppet designed for the Broadway production of War Horse