Date: Tue, 17 Sep 2002 00:25:39 -0400
Subject: Re: PUPT: Training for Puppeteers
From: Christopher Hudert <heyhoot-AT-mindspring.com>


on 9/16/02 7:32 PM, OhioToon-AT-aol.com at OhioToon-AT-aol.com wrote:

> My question for help comes with regard to our training.  I will be taking the
> advice of some comments posted here that mentioned to include Music, Dance
> and Acting classes as part of your training, and will be signing up my
> puppeteers and myself for some classes soon.  My BIG question comes with
> Puppetry exercises.  I would like to take everyone back to the beginning and
> have them be trained with the basics.  Does anyone have any comments or
> thoughts about what exercises we can do to improve our performances and what
> basic exercises to include in our daily training?  We use our arms and hands
> quite often, as I'm sure most Puppeteers and Ventriloquists do, and I'd like
> to know if there are any special weight exercises we can use to improve the
> strength in our arms, hands and rest of the body.

 IMHO, you should add voice, comedy, and for those who don't want to do
dance (and maybe even for those who do), some sort of movement/exercise
class like ti chi that is geared more to stamina, balance, and flexibility
rather than bulk. That's for the long range.
 For the short range/everyday sort of stuff - PRACTICE. That will build the
specific muscles used in your shows, be it the body, voice, or mind. A short
warm up and stretch routine would be helpful, including the hands and
fingers. Learning to play a musical instrument will also help with finger
dexterity, timing, and musical ability.
 Now, all that being said, I wish I would take my own advice. And that I had
the time and money and devotion to do so. In an ideal world I'd be there. My
hat's off to you if you can make that kind of plan for you and your company
and stick to it.
 Oh, and in a really ideal world I'd throw in some regular art classes, some
sort of mechanical classes, and last but certianly not least some business
and computer classes. Maybe a writing class.....
 The hard part is then figuring out when to schedule any puppetry in there.

Christopher

Oh, and don't forget reading. It's not a class but it is good exercise for
the mental muscle.



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