To: <puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org>
Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:23:54 -0500
Subject: [Puptcrit] Puppet Spine


One thing I rarely see in puppet design is the inclusion of a functionning 
spine.
Either we rely on gravity and balance (marionettes), or on the puppeteer's 
control of the various body parts (tabletop and a few other types), or we 
just make a stiff torso.

What's amazing is that we don't really need a spine, a lot of the time!


A possible upcoming contract (not confirmed) would have me build a 
realistic-moving humanoid puppet, which might benefit from a spine to make 
the puppet's back spring back into position. I can certainly do it without, 
and it would move very well, but why not try a notch higher, just for fun? 
I've been thinking of using a thick strip of higher density polyfoam 
combined with elastics, or a link of big wooden beads over an elastic,  or 
even a lenght of some kind of memory wire, or a plastic bar that springs 
back to shape.

I'm at a bit of a loss as to where to find memory-wire type things around 
here.
Every time I check leftover pallets in shipping areas, they either have the 
cheap palstic straps, or the non-memory metal straps.
I wouldn't evne know how to attach a spine made of it to my puppet.
Any pointers?

I'm curious about any type of puppet spine you would know how to build.




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