This fun workshop covers not only simple making techniques that can be achieved at home, but also manipulation skills and ways to make characters come alive. The rod puppet is created from materials that are accessible and environmentally friendly.

What happens:

• Short introduction to the variety of puppets
  Showing different types as well as drawing on the students own experiences.
• Making the puppet
  Step by step construction of the basic puppet and then free creative time with fascinating materials, developing character details.
• Puppetry as a physical art form
  Warm up of body and voice, simple exercises to limber up minds and hands.
• Presenting your puppet character
  An opportunity for the children to perform – the tutors will provide different exercises and outcomes depending on the age group of the students involved.

Max 30 per workshop Length 1.5 hours Suitable Children 5 to 12 years

We provide

Tutors (1 to 5 depending on participants) All materials

You provide

A couple of helpers or volunteers to assist the tutor if necessary Weather protected space Three trestle tables Parking close to the site

Childrens 803B-Marionettes -Melbourne

The well known and very popular Marionette Puppet can be traced back to ancient times; string operated puppets made from ivory or clay have been found in Egyptian Tombs!  In this workshop, the students are free to make all creative decisions in the design and character development of their marionette.  There is a focus on the performance aspect, with all students having the opportunity to learn manipulation techniques.

Workshops are popular in the drama and visual art streams at schools, as part of the VELS education stream, and in Vacation Care Programs.

What happens:

• Short introduction to the variety of puppets
  Showing different types as well as drawing on the student’s own experiences.
• Making the marionette
  Step by step construction of the marionette and then free creative time with fascinating materials, developing character details.
• Puppetry as a physical art form
  Warm up of body and voice, simple exercises to limber up minds and hands.
• Development of your marionette’s character

Students can also chose to develop the characters’ personality, build scenarios and refine their marionette puppetry skills.

Presenting your puppet character
An opportunity for the children to perform – the tutors will provide different exercises and outcomes depending on the age group of the students involved.

Max 30 per workshop (can run 2 or more workshops concurrently if numbers are greater than 30). Length 1.5 hours (can be tailored to the needs of the school or organisation).

We provide Tutors (1 to 5 depending on participants, All materials

You provide A couple of helpers or volunteers to assist the tutor if necessary, Weather protected space, Three trestle tables, Parking close to the site

Suitable for Children 10 years and above.Workshops can be tailored to Primary and Secondary, Adults and Teachers.  VELS teachers workshops also available.