Junk can make the most intriguing puppets. This workshop takes the ordinary and transforms it into something imaginative and surprising. Through the use of found objects and recycled materials, participants can create characters big and small with a charm and invention all of their own.

If you want to, bring along some junk to add to our pile of materials for puppet making – you could turn a milk carton into a monster, a folder into a flying machine, or a spring into something completely unexpected. Who knows? We will turn absolutely anything you can lay your hands on into a puppet bursting with personality.

What happens:

1. Short introduction to puppetry and puppet mechanisms
Showing different types as well as drawing on the student’s own experiences.

2. Design of Junk Puppet
Brainstorming design of the junk puppets, working in small groups or solo, students will investigate the possibilities of materials available. Particular attention will be paid to the mechanisms of the design, as to how the puppet will be manipulated by the puppeteer.

3. Construction of the Junk Puppet
Workshop tutor assists and guides the construction of the junk puppets, and then free creative time with an array of materials, developing character details.

4. Puppetry as a Physical Artform
Warm up of body and voice, simple exercises to limber up minds and hands.

5. Development of your Junk Puppet’s character
Students can also choose to develop the characters’ personality, build scenarios and refine their puppetry skills. Asking questions like: ‘What environment does my puppet belong in?’ ‘How does my puppet interact with its environment?’

6. Presenting your Puppet Character
An opportunity for the children to perform - the tutors will provide different exercises and outcomes depending on the age group of the students involved.