Control Mechanisms for Rod and Shadow Puppets

Workshop Presenter:

Hobey Ford

Description:

If you are interested in adding mechanisms to your puppets this workshop is a lesson in how to approach that endeavor. This not a "how to" workshop as much as a workshop in "how to begin thinking about" creating your own unique mechanisms. We will explore various systems, mechanisms and controls for rod and shadow puppets including: jointing, rods, universal head controls, materials and basic principals of overall movement in these puppets. We will touch on eye and mouth mechanisms. I will share systems and explore the materials and systems available. Bring your own favorite mechanism trick to share. The goal is to foster the inner engineer in every puppet maker.

Materials fee: None
Date/Time: Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Max. # Participants: 50

Bio of Workshop Presenter:

Hobey Ford is an innovator in the art of puppetry. He has received three Henson Foundation grants and his "Turtle Island Tales" was winner of a UNIMA Citation of Excellence. Hobey is the creator of the "Peepers Puppet" and is a Kennedy Center Teaching Artist. He lives in the mountains of North Carolina.