From: "Alan Cook" <alangregorycook-AT-msn.com>
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:15:24 GMT
Subject: [Puptcrit] Length of puppet shows


While there is a great variation in attention spans, there are ways of extending them. Sometimes a complete change of pace (a stretch break for little kids is just one) or an unexpected turn in a puppet story (contrast). Avoid monotone. Have slow & fast (variety). Individual performers can find their own way to accomplish the goal to "keep it interesting". When something onstage does not work, shorten it. When it has potential, explore further. 

It isn't as hard as it looks, but the audience will tell you a lot to help you (feedback).

Many times a performer will be told that a particular audience needs a short show, yet the performer "breaks the rule" by doing a longer, more interesting performance than they previously have seen.

Steve Golden (sitting here while I type) points out the hazard of doing a short show, leaving the audience "wanting more" (and not in a good way---they want their money's worth as Jim Menke put it). The trick is doing a longer show and still leave the audience "wanting more".

If you can figure out how to do that, you are a master puppeteer.

ALAN COOK


-----Original Message-----
From: Mark S. Segal
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 3:51 AM
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Length of shows

Does any one know of the 20 minute rule? :) Think it was first expressed by 
Anton Chekov "the angles of silence have descended upon us" (or something 
like that).

My audiences generally are between 3 and 8 or there abouts. Over the years 
have seen a decline in attention spans (major). Depending on the audience my 
shows can go up to 45 minute or longer...but actually find shorter -better 
like around 25 -30 minutes.
My workshops which used to be an hour and incorporated 3 puppets (to make) 
years ago are now down to 45 minutes and one puppet (2 if I am lucky).

In any event this past year incorporated (in what I hope was a humorous 
fashion) a "stretch break" at around the 20 minute mark...Seems to have been 
met with some success.
Guess it depends on what your are doing though. The only performer that I 
have ever seen hold an audience without an intermission for close to 2 hours 
was Garrison Keeler.

Have also noticed that during what ever performance I was attending - tended 
to glance at my watch at that magic 20 minute mark.

When asked about how long one of my shows is usually give a range of time 
and say in the words of a friend who is a lawyer - it depends.......
Cause it really does.
Check your own fidget time.

Mark



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Menke" <jim99jr-AT-gmail.com>
To: <puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:49 PM
Subject: [Puptcrit] Length of shows


> Andrew wrote that the production he is involved with worries about a show
> being one hour without intermission. In the 50 years I have done marionett
> story shows, 55 min to an hour has been the norm. Even in sdhools that is
> the time. Sponsors seem to feel that shorter shows are not giving full 
> value
> for the $. This can be different for something like Punch and Judy where
> slapstick can get a bit much over a long period.
>
> The exception for me is a marionette variety show that is usually 40 min.
> and that is even for preschool/nursery schools. They want a certain value 
> in
> time for the fees.
>
> These are the times that work for my shows and I'm sure others will come
> back and blast me for this observation.
> -- 
> JIM MENKE PUPPETS
> open your mind
> fantasies unwind
>
> www.jimmenkepuppets.com
> _______________________________________________
> List address: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
> Admin interface: http://lists.puptcrit.org/mailman/listinfo/puptcrit
> Archives: http://www.driftline.org 

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