From: patriot-AT-mip.net
Date: Wed, 26 Feb 1997 04:28:46 -0200
Subject: Re: One Man Portable Puppet Theater


There are several versions of a "walk around" puppet theater.  A couple are
illustrated in Bessie Ficklins book on Hand Puppets.  One is simply a
"shelf" hung round the neck with cords with a curtain hung from the front
edge to hide the arms.  Another is a "bag theater", that rests on the
shoulders with straps (sort of like horizontal suspenders !).  Bruce Swartz
used one a lot and might have plans even.  But you'll find them in several
of the older puppet books, at least described if not detailed.  The one you
describe sounds a bit more elaborate, but should be fairly easily
constructed - sort of a "short" Punch booth with shoulder straps.  When
used, you'd simply fold out the "seat" (never heard of one with a seat !)
and "squat" so that the legs were on the ground and play away.  I'd think
that if you insist on the seat that you would be addind quite a bit of
weight to be carried when you are doing the "walking" bit !  The "chinese"
bag theater was very light but you perform while standing, but then most
Punchmen stand and, probably, most hand puppet performers as well.

At 07:59 PM 2/25/97 -0800, you wrote:
>Greetings everyone.  I just got back from the TAOM Magic Auction in
>Austin Texas this last weekend.  While there I met a gentleman who told
>me of a One Man Portable Puppet Theater.  His description was that this
>theater was worn by the man as he walked around.  He said when the man
>wanted to stop and perform a seat or stool folded out from the stage for
>the man to sit on.  The person would perform using two different hand
>puppets and was able to see through the backdrop while he was walking
>around and as well as he was performing.   I know that this is a pretty
>poor description, but it got me thinking.  I love to do walk around
>puppetry/ventriloquism.  I think a portable stage like this would be
>great.
>
>My question is....Has anyone seen anything like this?  If so do you know
>where I might be able to get something similar? 
>
>Thanks in Advance,
>
>Keith
>
>-- 
>Remember
>    "To be one's self, and unafraid whether right or wrong,
>     is more admirable than the easy cowardice of surrender
>     to conformity."    Irving Wallace
>
>
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>
David M. Adams
Frederick, Maryland



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