From: Angusson-AT-aol.com
Date: Tue, 26 Jul 2005 11:21:14 EDT
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Puppetry Schools
To: puptcrit-driftline.org-AT-lists.driftline.org


Hi Jim:

Here's probably more than you needed to know............

Follow-up to Dimitri's post: The Evergreen State College theater/puppetry 
program is led by Ariel Goldberger.  Ariel, and Dan Luce, one of his students 
both have participated at O'Neill...(See below)

UConn (University of Connecticut) Puppet Arts program under the direction of 
Bart Roccoberton is still going strong. (BP.Roccoberton-AT-uconn.edu) UConn 
offers several degrees in puppetry including MFA. (www.drama.uconn.edu)
They moved into a new LAB several years ago which is a far cry from the 
limited basement 'digs' they used for years. The LAB offers bright spacious studios 
and shops, rehearsal, casting and sewing rooms, etc., with each student 
assigned his own personal work space. 

O'Neill puppetry Conference (www.oneillpuppetryconference.com) offers nine 
day sessions each June with visiting guest artists leading 'ensemble' 
productions. 
The main conference is preceded by three day 'intensives' where participants 
can investigate a particular area of interest in depth. Nikki Tilroe has led 
movement and manipulation intensives; Leslie Carara offers 'character 
development,'  and this June, Jim Kroupa of '3Design' studios and "Between the Lions' 
fame led classes in studying mechanical devices for puppets. (Eyes, mouths, 
etc.) 

The conference boasts a professional resident staff of 15 +- which is there 
to help the participant realize his vision and who help to develop those ideas 
within a solid dramaturgical framework.

Just by way of decribing how O'Neill differs from other puppet training 
opportunities, let me give you a little detail. 
Participants may choose to work with the guest artist in developing an 
'ensemble' production, usually of the artist' design. Some years, they work on 
individual pieces under the guidance of the guest artist. Some of our past artists 
have included Theodora Skipitares, Jon Ludwig, Paul Zaloom, Larry Reed, 
Albrecht Roser, Blair Thomas, each doing works in their own disciplines. This June, 
Martin P. Robinson and Annie Evans of 'Sesame Street' and 'Little Shop...' 
fame created and directed a full production in which the participants did double 
duty as actors and puppeteers. 
The participants witness how a particular artist approaches his work and is 
expected to contribute to the overall process.

We have an emerging Artist program where past O'Neill alum are invited back 
to further refine their work. They are given full tech and staff support and 
can make use of the FLOCK theater company which joins us each June as 'resident 
puppeteers/actors.'

Tim Lagasse conducts 'Video Anarchy' wherein the participants explore the 
possibilities of creating 'edgy' puppet peices using video and other electronic 
media.

We also feature a yearly marionette component led by Jim Rose. Jim offers 
instruction in the Rose method of marionette technique. Some determined 
participants complete a full sized marionette in eight days.  Jim is joined by Phillip 
Huber (as his schedule permits) and Phillip works with those who wish to 
refine their manipulation and control techniques. 

Larry Siegel is our composer in residence and offers instruction in composing 
original music and soundscapes for puppet productions.

Participants may opt to work only on their individual pieces and are guided 
through the process by various staff members. 

Public performances are presented on the weekends, featuring many of the 
participants' projects.

Hope this helps.
Fred Thompson

_______________________________________________
List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Admin interface: http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org
Archives: http://www.driftline.org