The Importance Of Working On Puppetry Fundamentals
In our puppet practices, we incorporate time to work on puppetry fundamentals both at the start and end of our time.
In the beginning we work on fundamentals using the strong arm and at the end the weak arm.
The three areas we focus on are: entrances and exits, lip synchronization, and arm rod movements.
Without this intentional work on fundamentals, there is the tendency to become sloppy in practices and performances.
We use a manipulation tape purchased from Puppets from One Way Street which they now offer in CD form.
This CD includes 3 different routines, one for each of the 3 main fundamentals listed above.
A good plan to strive for is to play all 3 tracks at the beginning of practice without stopping while working on the strong arm.
It takes about 10 minutes so it not only helps perfect the fundamentals, but strengthens the arm muscles.
Then, do the same at the end of practice focusing on the weak arm.
Once that goes well, you can increase its effectiveness by running through the arm rod manipulation routine twice; once with one rod and the second time using two.
This is the least favorite part of practice and often receives groans and complaints, but is vital if you want to have a quality team.
Also, don't let your team just run through them halfheartedly, but do each one properly to turn them into habits.
The real pay-off comes during a performance when the team presents a quality program that ministers to hearts.
If you don't have a practice tape or CD, you can still work on the fundamentals.
Have your team get behind the theater and start with entrances and exits.
Call the puppets up and down in a variety of ways: top row, bottom row, right-handed puppeteers, left-handed puppeteers, guys, girls, etc.
Watch the puppets and correct any wrong movements.
Always keep in mind that practice doesn't make perfect; practice makes permanent.
When you correct mistakes early, they don't form into habits that are hard to break.
Next go on to lip sync.
Have the puppets introduce themselves, quote a Bible verse, tell you their favorite color, list their favorite foods, sing a song, etc.
Make sure the puppeteers drop the lower jaw, don't bite their words, look down at the audience, etc.
Correct any flaws you see.
Finally, go on to arm rod movements.
Call the puppets up, making sure they use a proper entrance, and tell them things to do such as: touch their nose, rub their chin, cough, blow kisses, rub tummy, point in a certain direction, etc.
Have them come in and out several times and make sure the entrances and exits are done properly.
When you take time to focus on fundamentals in practice, it will show up in your performances.
Work on developing both left and right-handed skills and you will have a team God can use in amazing ways.
In the beginning we work on fundamentals using the strong arm and at the end the weak arm.
The three areas we focus on are: entrances and exits, lip synchronization, and arm rod movements.
Without this intentional work on fundamentals, there is the tendency to become sloppy in practices and performances.
We use a manipulation tape purchased from Puppets from One Way Street which they now offer in CD form.
This CD includes 3 different routines, one for each of the 3 main fundamentals listed above.
A good plan to strive for is to play all 3 tracks at the beginning of practice without stopping while working on the strong arm.
It takes about 10 minutes so it not only helps perfect the fundamentals, but strengthens the arm muscles.
Then, do the same at the end of practice focusing on the weak arm.
Once that goes well, you can increase its effectiveness by running through the arm rod manipulation routine twice; once with one rod and the second time using two.
This is the least favorite part of practice and often receives groans and complaints, but is vital if you want to have a quality team.
Also, don't let your team just run through them halfheartedly, but do each one properly to turn them into habits.
The real pay-off comes during a performance when the team presents a quality program that ministers to hearts.
If you don't have a practice tape or CD, you can still work on the fundamentals.
Have your team get behind the theater and start with entrances and exits.
Call the puppets up and down in a variety of ways: top row, bottom row, right-handed puppeteers, left-handed puppeteers, guys, girls, etc.
Watch the puppets and correct any wrong movements.
Always keep in mind that practice doesn't make perfect; practice makes permanent.
When you correct mistakes early, they don't form into habits that are hard to break.
Next go on to lip sync.
Have the puppets introduce themselves, quote a Bible verse, tell you their favorite color, list their favorite foods, sing a song, etc.
Make sure the puppeteers drop the lower jaw, don't bite their words, look down at the audience, etc.
Correct any flaws you see.
Finally, go on to arm rod movements.
Call the puppets up, making sure they use a proper entrance, and tell them things to do such as: touch their nose, rub their chin, cough, blow kisses, rub tummy, point in a certain direction, etc.
Have them come in and out several times and make sure the entrances and exits are done properly.
When you take time to focus on fundamentals in practice, it will show up in your performances.
Work on developing both left and right-handed skills and you will have a team God can use in amazing ways.
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