Date: Wed, 29 Jan 1997 20:21:27 -0500 (EST)
From: jdunfee-AT-shadow.net (Joe Dunfee)
Subject: Re: Hi a question if I may


>Hi I am the environmental sciences teacher at my high school. I have been
>playing with the idea of having my students create puppet or marionette shows
>to be performed at local elementary schools. These show would help to spread
>the concern for environmental awareness. I would like to do this but I have
>littel background on making puppets. I was wondering you you could help me
>out or tell me where I migh get more information about puppetry? ANy help
>would be most aprreciated. Thank you.

  Initially, my recommendation would be to not try to get into making your
own puppets. There are several commercial puppet companies available to
purchase professional puppets from (as opposed to the kinds available in toy
stores).  The reason I don't suggest ways for you to learn to make puppets
is that it is not a quick and easy thing to do, if you want good quality
puppets. 
  If you are going to perform for elementary schools, I assume that you want
to do a good show. As opposed to just performing for your own fellow
students, where they can make inside jokes and depend on things other than
the quality of the show to make it entertaining. If one of your students
make a puppet that the nose keeps falling off of and the eyes are mismatched
- he and his fellow classmates will view it as very funny. But another
audience may view it as a lack of quality.
  I have lead groups of students (from 3rd grade to adults) in makeing
reasonably good puppets from polyurethane foam. If you want to persue the
make-it-yourself route, then I would recommend contacting local puppeteers
to see if you can find someone with more experience to help.

  But if you really want to learn to be  a puppeteer and puppet maker
yourself, welcome to the club - but be aware that it will not be a quick
thing to learn.

  If you can tell us where you are located, we may be able to direct you to
some specific people.

Joe Dunfee
Miami, Florida U.S.A.



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