Date: Mon, 08 Apr 2002 21:15:08 -0700
From: steve axtell <steve-AT-axtell.com>
Subject: Re: PUPT: Writing for puppets


At 08:50 PM 4/8/02 -0700, Setzer Michael wrote:
>        Something that's been tickling my mind for a bit...what are the
>differences between writing for puppets and writing for humans? Can
>puppets do everything humans can do or are there special considrations
>to take into account when writing for them?
>

We do a fair amount of comedy writing in the production of our AxTrax 
puppet routines.   We start with a concept and a well developed character 
and we write an outline.   Then we try not to rely only on strings of 
jokes, but are careful to observe what the puppet is capable of doing no 
matter how bizarre, and include it into a scenario as part of the 
routine.  It's a good discipline and opens up new ideas to help you 
write.   This might be an expression, a twist of the face, a funny look, a 
tic, a lightning fast double take, etc. This pulls on the uniqueness of the 
character, and for entertainment if we don't write for the puppet, it might 
as well be an actor.

Ax


Steve Axtell / AXTELL EXPRESSIONS, INC. - http://www.axtell.com
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