Puppet Improv Project

New Company Member

2012-01-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

The Puppet Improv Project is excited to introduce our newest company member, Jesse Overright. Jesse has performed with the PIP in "Crack!" the improvised puppet musical, and most recently as the character "Skittles" in "Elf Employment".

Swazzle Muppet Xmas

2012-01-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

I'm in LA visiting friends. I was checking out SWAZZLE's website & demo reel and saw they did the Simpson's Puppet Christmas Special. Here it is!

2012 Season Tickets on sale NOW!!

2011-12-13T16:41:00.000-08:00

We have made a slight change to the 2012 Season order to accommodate the research and development we wanted to do for our experimental show, "TRASH".

"Off the Reef" (summer | rated "G") -- an improvised underwater adventure with black-light puppets
"TRASH" (fall | rated "PG-13") -- an improvised puppet allegory set in a garbage wasteland
"Elf Employment" (winter | rated "G") -- the popular improvised puppet musical set in Santa's workshop returns for another run

You can see the show descriptions here -- http://www.puppetimprovproject.com/2012-Season.html

SEASON TICKETS

Options

single ticket = $24 / 1 seat to all 3 PIP shows in 2012 (20% DISCOUNT)
double ticket = $42 / 2 seats to all 3 PIP shows in 2012 (30% DISCOUNT)

Payment

Contact Sara Farr to make payment arrangements -- sara@puppetimprovproject.com

FREE TICKET CONTEST!!

2011-11-15T09:26:00.001-08:00

Hey Puppet Fans! The PIP is starting a CONTEST!! Our posters are going up around town. The first FIVE people to find a poster posted around town in a DIFFERENT location, take a picture of it, and share or post it here on our Facebook page will get a FREE TICKET! To our upcoming show, ELF EMPLOYMENT!! (One winner per person, please.)

Our "Elf Employment" poster looks like this

click me to go to the FACEBOOK page

Good Luck!

PIP's 2012 Calendar Sneak Peek!

2011-11-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

The PIP Company members this weekend and discussed our calendar for 2012. Though we are still fuzzy on some of the details, here are the 3 shows we will be producing in 2012:

Experimental (Summer) -- Though I am trying to make each of our shows unique, this "experimental" show is for us to test new technologies and directions for the company. IN 2011, we discovered that the experimental Blacklight part of Puppet Katamari was a big enough hit to make it into its own show. The 2012 show is pushed back into the summer so that we have time during the Winter and Spring to research and develop the technology. We are still working on what the Experimental show of 2012 will actually be, but it will include something you haven't seen us do before -- something NEW.
Underwater Blacklight Adventure (Fall) -- We found that the blacklight undersea adventure we did in Puppet Katamari was a really big success. Enough so that we are building the idea out into its own show, with additional puppets and an extended training period for our puppeteers. This will be our biggest production of 2012.
Holiday Musical (Winter) -- This year it's "Elf Employment". The show is an improvised puppet musical set in Santa's workshop. Each performer playing one elf throughout the run of the show. We are also having a new Guest Star each night playing the role of Santa. Depending on what we learn from the 2011 "Elf Employment" show (and from our other 2012 shows), the 2012 "Holiday Musical" will be a narrative show of some sort set in a holiday setting.

American Short Fiction Launch Party

2011-11-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

The PIP is doing a bit of Puppet Improv at the upcoming "American Short Fiction" event on Nov. 19th! They will be reading the animal-themed stories they've recently published. The event is at Domy Books, a really cool arts bookstore at 913 E Cesar Chavez.

Perhaps we will see you all there!!

The Art of the Musical

2011-10-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

This holiday season the PIP is bringing you an improvised musical set in the magical landscape of the North Pole and Santa's Workshop. Each night we will have a Special Guest Star playing the role of Santa, while all the elves and woodland creatures will be played by puppets.

Though the PIP has created puppet musicals in the past, this show will be unique in its focus. We are trying some new skills with that will make it unlike any other improvised puppet musical we've done. First, we are really focusing on character development and will be creating puppet characters that will have a life of their own outside the show. We are doing this by developing character histories, and working closely with a small cast who will consistently play the same puppet character(s) throughout the show.

In addition to building our character skills, we are bringing in Susan Dias -- a veteran Sesame Street writer, and NYC musical theater improvisation instructor -- to help train the cast to strengthen the "book musical" quality of the show. We also hope to be joined by a few new musicians and musical guests.

"Elf Employment" (title by Valerie Ward) is directed by Sara Farr, who will join the cast in playing in the show. Other cast members include: Kate Bojanek, Topping Haggerty, Howard Katz, Patrick Knisley, Amy McKenna, Jesse Overright and Chadwick Smith.

The show is presented by Gnap Theater Projects in their mainstage show for the first 3 weekends in December. For more info and tickets, visit the http://www.gnaptheater.org website.

Puppet and People FLASH MOB!

2011-08-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

Wanna make your OOB experience
BIGGER and FUZZIER?
Come help Puppet Improv Project shoot a video spoof of Green Day's Boulevard of Broken Dreams (I Walk Alone).

In the short, a singer (a person) is singing about being isolated and alone. Some friendly puppets here his/her lament and come up trying to make friends. The singer, despondent, pushes them away. New puppets keep trying to come up and make friends or give hugs, but the singer keeps pushing, then punching, and finally booting them off frame. However, the puppets keep coming and they overwhelm the singer, who starts running and trying to hide from them. But the puppets, and now pedestrians, keep finding the singer and trying to get close to him/her. Until (final lines, final shot) there is a mass of people and puppets chasing the singer down Congress Ave to the gates of the capitol where he/she sings the last lines to the crowd.

We are going to be filming the CROWD SCENE at the end during the Out Of Bounds Comedy Festival that takes place during the week before and weekend of Labor Day. THE FLASH MOB part will take place on

Saturday 9/3

If you want to participate, send an email with “ALONE” in the subject to: info@puppetimprovproject.com

PIP Video Short - shooting on Thursday

2011-08-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

Hey all you PIP lovers! This Thursday night, we are shooting some video for a montage in the video short "Stolen" for the upcoming Puppet Katamari show. Our goal is to get a bunch of ppl with puppets going to SoCo, 6th Street, Amy's Ice Cream, the Broken Spoke, Alamo Drafthouse and some other "Austin" places.

If you wanna help and play a puppet (or a person) in our short, please let me know so I can plan on who is coming - email me at info@puppetimprovproject.com. We will meet at Fran's Hamburgers on South Congress at 7pm.

Cya there!

Puppet Katamari Cast is Set, & PIP Gains Sponsored Project status under ACA

2011-08-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

Cast is set for the upcoming show. We had a lot of fun people audition for this show which made my decision difficult, for which I was very grateful.

CAST - John Brewster, Jay Byrd, Topping Haggerty, Howard Katz, Patrick Knisely, Nancy Lyon, Amy McKenna, Menelaos Prokos, Chadwick Smith, Leng Wong; LIGHTING & VIDEO TECH - Gene Joe; DIRECTOR - Sara Farr

Also, I learned this week that the Puppet Improv Project's application to become a sponsored project under the Austin Creative Alliance was accepted. This is great news as it takes the pressure off me to fund everything, and we can now start looking for funding to help bring in training, sponsor workshops, help us enter festivals and travel, and generally share our art form with a larger crowd. In the immediate future, this could mean that some of the things we planned but were doubtful we could do in the upcoming show, can now happen. Yay!

Puppet Katamari - Video and Auditions

2011-07-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

Whew! What a GREAT day. :-) The PIP had a morning video shoot in Zilker Park for a comedic short film we are working on for the upcoming Puppet Katamari show. It included a bunch of kids and Schave & Reilly and it went off splendidly. The rain clouds threatened - it was humid - but as usual, no rain. Good for us, bad for Texas. We also got to then shoot some video of the puppets riding the miniature train!

That was really fun. I've never ridden the Zilker Zephyr, and even though a small child fell off the train (and was scared but did NOT get seriously hurt, and in fact finished the ride), both the ride and the puppet filming was MORE than I had hoped it would be. I really do LOVE trains, and have a dream of someday opening my own PUPPET THEATER with a little toy train that circles the room on a elevated track when it's time to open house for shows. This imaginary theater will be called "The Depot" and have a train station theme. Doesn't that sound AWESOME!! So imagine my joy at getting to ride a tiny train in Zilker with a bunch of friends acting silly with puppets.

BTW! Those awesome puppeteers today were: Jayme Ramsey, Gene Joe, Topping Haggerty, Cody Melcher and Amy McKenna. And I had great acting and production assistant support from the fabulous Jenn Baldillez.

After that, the PIP held auditions for the upcoming Puppet Katamari show. We had a nice big group auditioning and everyone was really strong. It is going to be a tough decision to narrow down the list -- which is a success in itself.

Next up for the PIP? More filming and finishing our puppet building. Once the cast is set, our rehearsals begin. Look to the site soon for ticket sales, and look to the newspapers soon for our ads. THIS SHOW IS GOING TO BE GREAT!!

Blacklight Puppets

2011-07-20T01:42:00.001-07:00

Here are some blacklight puppet designs for the 3rd quarter show, Puppet Katamari.

FISH SHAPES


TRIANGULAR - PINK	ROUNDED - ORANGE	RECTANGULAR - YELLOW

OTHER - LOBSTER

LOBSTER - GREEN

OTHER - STARFISH

STARFISH - ORANGE

OTHER - BARRACUDA

BARRACUDA - BLUE

OTHER - EEL

EEL - GREEN/WHITE

EEL - YELLOW/WHITE

EEL - PINK/WHITE

OTHER - JELLYFISH

JELLYFISH (ROD) - PINK/ORANGE

"Puppet Katamari" Casting Call

2011-07-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

The Puppet Improv Project is ramping up production on it's next show, "Puppet Katamari" (directed by Sara Farr).

SHOW FORMAT

The show will be a puppet variety show lasting 1 hour and 40 min, (with a 10 min intermission). There will be pre-filmed puppet video shorts, some games/scenes created like Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, filmed live over the players heads, and an underwater themed black-light narrative (3 acts interwoven into the show).

DATES & TIMES

"Uncensored Shows" Fri. 9/23, Sat. 9/24, Fri. 9/30, Sat. 10/1 @ 8PM
This show will be rated "T [Teen]" for audiences ages 13+
(1 hour 40 min with a 10 min intermission)

"Family Matinees" Sun 9/25 & 10/2 @ 2PM
This show will be rated "E [Everyone]" for audiences ages 6+
(only 1 hour, no intermission)

REHEARSALS

We will rehearse once a week starting in August (time/date pending).
Rehearsals will be split into skill sets to maximize rehearsal time. Though the best effort will be made to set an accommodating rehearsal schedule, cast members will be REQUIRED to attend all rehearsals relevant to their role in the show in order to be cast into the show.
* Tech (just tech ppl) - 7pm Tue, Sept 20th
* Full Tech - 7pm Wed, Sept 21st
* Full Dress - 7pm Thu, Sept 22nd

CAST

Principle cast includes Topping Haggerty, Patrick Knisley and Bob Khosravi. We will have a stage manager and tech assistant to Sara Farr (director & lead tech). However, we need a SEA] of supporting players to help create our PUPPET KATAMARI show.

AUDITION DATE & TIME

Sat. July 30th 2-4pm.

AUDITION LOCATION

Yellow Room at the Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd

WHAT TO WEAR

Come wearing comfy clothes that allow you to move freely. Knowledge of puppet manipulation and puppet improv basics are a PLUS!

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are reaching out to all of Austin in search of people who SERIOUSLY want to PLAY with puppets, and be a part of the BIGGEST puppet improv show in Austin. Some puppet manipulation skills with Fleece & Foam puppets is helpful. BUT, if you'd like to be a part of this show and learn more about puppet improv, this will be a good learning opportunity.

PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT INFO@PUPPETIMPROVPROJECT.COM BY 5PM THUR. 07/21 TO RESERVE AN AUDITION SLOT.

You *must* reserve an audition slot and let me know you're coming to make sure we have room for everyone. The Auditions will run 2 hours, but you will not be required to be there the entire time. Each persons slot will be a limited time.

I WILL E-MAIL YOU BACK BY FRI. 07/22 AND LET YOU KNOW YOUR AUDITION TIME.

Super Fun @ "Nerd Nite"

2011-07-07T23:00:00.000-07:00

The PIP made an appearance last night at Nerd Nite to talk about our passion for puppets.

This monthly event is really cool because it's a bunch of people talking about the THING that they are obsessed with. Last night the 3 speakers talked about birds watching, hydroponic plants and puppet! I was the one talking about puppets. Patrick Knisley went with me to do a puppet improv demo. We also brought up a nerd from the audience to play with us. It was SUPER fun!

So, here is a BIG thank you to the organizers - Dan Rumney, JC Dwyer and Lewis Weil- who were kind enough to let us share our love of puppets and improv. Check out their site for info about upcoming shows.

Here is their website - NERD NITE AUSTIN - and you can find their Facebook page HERE and join their group HERE.

If you are sad you missed us, come on over to the Puppet Improv Project Facebook page HERE so that you can learn about our next shows and appearances.

Puppet "Magic"

2011-07-07T22:55:00.000-07:00

I got to work with a new group of puppet improvisers in the recent PIP Workshops. Watching these guys pick up and improvise with puppets was delightful. It seems a bit "magic." I remember learning about this "magic" on my trip to Atlanta and the Center for Puppetry arts back in September. Puppets act on our psyche in two ways.

First, they act on our intellect. We understand they are not real, and we suspend our disbelief and see them for what they are -- symbols. And since our brain is already in a mode to see everything in a puppet show as symbolic, it really messes with us when the other punch lands. (Punch! Ha ha!)

Second, they act on our spirituality. The "base" puppets dredge up our own memories, and then they become part of our association with the iconic symbol the puppet represents.

Fraggle Rock Fun

2011-07-07T22:48:00.001-07:00

Snaps? Ingenious!

Wrap Party

Behind the Scenes of Fraggle Rock: Blue Screen

Behind the Scenes of Fraggle Rock: More Blue Screen

Money for Minny

2011-07-07T22:47:00.000-07:00

The "Puppet Improv Project" (PIP) and "Girls Girls Girls Improvised Musicals" (GGG) are heading to Minneapolis for the Twin Cities Improv Festival in June. Please join us for a Very Special Saturday Night Special to help us get there!

The Puppet Improv Project will open the show with "Puppet Fever", followed by Girls Girls Girls' musical improv stylings. Girls and puppets all in one show. Irresistible.

Tickets are $10 and all proceeds will help cover our travel costs. Stay around for the after party and pay what ya want for beer, soft drinks, and Emily Breedlove's famous cupcakes.

Please go to http://gnaptheater.org/ to purchase tickets online.

2 Free Summer Workshops

2011-07-07T22:44:00.000-07:00

By popular demand, the PIP will be hosting 2 puppet workshops this summer. And, we understand that people's pocket-books are a bit light this year, so both workshops will be FREE!! However, the space is limited, so only the first 14 ppl to sign up will get in. Check out the Workshops area of the site to get more info.

Puppet "Mayhem" for Gnap Theater Projects

2011-07-07T22:39:00.000-07:00

Look who I'm taking with me to the Gnap Theater Projects "Mayhem" fundraiser party tonight. This gorgeous puppet will be in the Silent Auction and could be yours to take home if you take the time to come place a bid! at "SPACE 12' -- 3121 E 12th St Austin, TX.

Join Gnap! Theater Projects for our first annual spring/summer fundraising spectacular!

Featuring the destruction of an effigy of Gargamel to welcome in the summer weather, free drinks from Republic Tequila and eats from Gastrogiant, and entertainment from awesome Austin locals, Gnap! Mayhem promises to be a great evening in support of some fun local theater makers.

Musical acts include:

Best Best Best Friends at 7:30 (outdoor procession)
Band of Liars at 8 pm
Mongoose at 8:30
Southpaw Jones at 9:15
Linen Closet at 10:15

At Space 12, 7:30 to 11

Price $20 normal people, $5 broke ass artists

Admission gets you access to great eats and drinks and we'll have items up for silent auction, including some rare Gnap! memorabilia and other sundries. Hope to see you there!!

Be our Facebook Friend

2011-07-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

Hey puppet lovers! Be our Facebook friend and get even more news about what’s up with PIP. Just posted some sweet photos of our new puppet cast.

Facebook! It's not just for kids anymore!

Summer Musical & Travel

2011-07-07T22:32:00.000-07:00

The summer is heating up here in Austin, TX -- probably in part due to the fact we've started rehearing the "Puppet Fever" show that we will be taking to Minneapolis, MN at the end of June as an official selection of the Twin Cities Improv Festival. We are going to be improvising a complete summer themed musical... in under 20-25 minutes. So far rehearsals have been a ton of fun as we are playing with favorite characters from some of our most favorite summer themed movies -- ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,’ ‘Beach Party,’ ‘Picnic,’ and ‘Summer School’ (the 1987 version).

Fortunately, Unfortunately...

2011-02-13T21:55:00.001-08:00

I had a bit of bad luck this past week -- my car was stollen . That in itself was a blow, but what was even more shocking and sad was the moment I realized most of the PIP hand-made puppets where in the trunk.

Fortunately, my car was found a few days later. It is now in the shop getting the break-in damage repaired.

UN-fortunately, the puppets that were in the trunk were gone. This was especially stressful as the PIP is in rehearsals for our next run of shows -- "PIP on TV" -- and we had our 2nd rehearsal coming up! I basically had ONE day to get enough puppets for us to use at the rehearsals, or else our show timeline would be ruined.

FORTUNATELY! my friends have been incredibly generous. When they learned what had happened, Patrick & Erica Knisley of "Abstract Rainbow", surprised me by coming over and donating TEN <<10>> puppets to the PIP! Additionally, some friends come over this past weekend to help build puppets. We cranked out shells for 15 more base puppets! Additionally, my dad is creating an additional 5-10 puppets he plans to deliver before the start of our next show run. SO! not only is the PIP back in business, but we will be better than ever, with 20-30 NEW PUPPETS in our cast!!

I feel incredibly lucky, and am extremely grateful, that my friends have come to love the PIP as much as I do and have contributed to keeping it going, even when it seemed like we would be KO of our March shows. So here is a B-I-G shout out to all the incredibly awesome people who have helped rebuild the PIP Puppet Cast in just a few days!!

Patrick & Erica Knisley
Amy & Walter Averett
Andreas Fabis
Topping Haggerty
Menelaos Prokos
Jessica Salinas
W. Emil Farr

Also, since I am in midst of generating a new puppet cast, my brain is in puppet building mode and I see life in the strangest of objects. Found this "Jim Henson Hour" episode called "Monster Maker" that hits close to home. Enjoy!!

The Jim Henson Hour, Episode 6 "Monster Maker" 1/6 -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq6wBK_rmlY

"PIP on TV" in rehearsals

2011-02-13T21:17:00.000-08:00

We are into our rehearsals for our upcoming run of shows in March at the Hideout Theater, "PIP on TV". We are working with a camera and monitor system and finding it pretty difficult to get used to the NON-MIRRORED effect of watching ourselves on a TV screen. We are also working to be more accurate in our eye focus and economy of movement. We were all wiped out after a two hour work out. Working above our heads is exhausting! Here are some videos of Henson talking about the art of PUPPETS ON TV...

The Jim Henson Hour - Lost Episode 2/6 "Secrets of the Muppets" -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuJWN8N9NV4

The World of Jim Henson (1994) 1/9 -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjw7bFM8zPM
The World of Jim Henson (1994) 2/9 -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vKHfb3fJA4
The World of Jim Henson (1994) 3/9 -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB5WrjvFnRI
The World of Jim Henson (1994) 4/9 -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D43BHZP1A4
The World of Jim Henson (1994) 5/9 -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU20upYTK7U
The World of Jim Henson (1994) 6/9 -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvXCA0s15cM
The World of Jim Henson (1994) 7/9 -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og1Puy4W8N4
The World of Jim Henson (1994) 8/9 -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_4ixWxnKug
The World of Jim Henson (1994) 8/9 -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlsnwbtaQUY

Research - Marionettes & Rod Puppets

2011-01-31T21:32:00.001-08:00

Very cool Marionette

Cool fish, and rod ballerina

Research - Let's Go Fly a Kite! (or build a giant puppet!!)

2011-01-31T21:31:00.000-08:00

Kite Builder Dot Com

Research - Disney Park shows that use Puppets!

2011-01-31T21:25:00.000-08:00

Finding Nemo: The Musical- Disney's Animal Kingdom (Part 1)

Finding Nemo: The Musical- Disney's Animal Kingdom (Part 2)

Finding Nemo: The Musical- Disney's Animal Kingdom (Part 3)

Research - Baby Tooth & the Funky Funk

2011-01-31T20:58:00.000-08:00

Baby Tooth and the Funky Funk
Baby Tooth and the Funky Funk are a trio of rod Muppet monsters from Sesame Street who danced in many segments including "Feel the Beat." They were used to teach various forms of dance, from hip-hop to ballet to square dancing. Kevin Clash performed Baby Tooth. They started appearing around 1991 and last appeared in new segments in 1997.

Feel tha Beat

Get yo body buzy!

Get The Funky Rhythm

Puppets in NYC

2011-01-27T07:16:00.000-08:00

There is a PIP puppet building workshop coming up this weekend. In preparation, I've been thinking about puppets around the US and looking for NEWS about them. I found a couple of interesting articles in the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Here they are.

Pulling Strings in Central Park | JANUARY 18, 2011
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703396604576088021232202768.html

Nurture, After Nature Turns Ugly | November 6, 2010
http://theater.nytimes.com/2010/12/07/theater/reviews/07puppet.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=a28
Inside a Halloween Puppet Workshop | SLIDESHOW
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704657304575540460052450720.html

The Puppet Kitchen's Recipe for Success | JULY 23, 2010 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703720504575377450361778826.html

Opera About a Giant’s Life, Complete With Giant Puppets | April 11, 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/11/arts/music/11saty.html

From the Long Center to the Off Center

2010-12-05T19:21:00.000-08:00

This month, the PIP will be making an appearance at the Off Center (home to the Rude Mechs) in Shrewd Productions "A Feast of Fools." The show is a fundraiser for the Shrewd Production company and will feature 12 acts, each giving tribute to one of the 12 days of Christmas. The PIP has the honor to present for the Eighth Day.

Feast of Fools

Merriment & Misrule

http://www.shrewdproductions.com/

Date: December 16-18, Thursdays – Saturday at 8pm; Doors open at 7pm

Venue: The Off Center

Map: 2211-A Hidalgo, Austin, TX

Cost: Tickets: $20-30

NOTE: a portion of all proceeds will be donated to "HAND" (Helping the Aging, Needy and Disabled). http://www.handaustin.org

Trouble Puppet "Object Theater" Workshop

2010-11-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

I am super happy to be a part of this 6 week workshop... Here are the deets:

Trouble Puppet kicks off its Working Artist Workshop Series, a six-session workshop series conducted by artist with specializations in the field of puppetry and related arts. The first workshop will be on Object Theater, facilitated by Caroline Reck, who directed FupDuck as the Visiting Guest Artist this year for Trouble Puppet.

The workshop will have a dual focus on manipulation technique and the dramatur...gy of storytelling with objects, with particular attention paid to design choices and appropriate materials. Learn manipulation techniques, using everyday objects as your puppets, and use those objects as a medium for storytelling.

Useful for actors expanding their technique repertoire, designers looking for a new angle on materials, and theater-makers interested in storytelling technique. The workshop will culminate in a showing of short works.

Caroline Reck is a graduate of the Lecoq School of Physical Theatre in Paris, France and has an MFA in Theatre from Towson University’s program for self-producing theatre artists. A performer/ director and frequent collaborator on devised work, her background is in mime, object theatre and puppetry. She worked for two years in Europe with the Paris-based Sous Un Otre Angle, performing an object theatre version of The Musicians of Bremen, which won accolades at the Avignon Festival in France. Her company, Glass Half Full, is currently touring The FupDuck Project, a puppet show with live music, whiskey, and a duck; as well as The Orchid Flotilla, a solo puppetry and gestural performance about ecological disaster and the value of stuff.

Puppets in the Long Center for Performing Arts

2010-11-11T12:41:00.001-08:00

The Puppet Improv Project was asked to perform as part of the entertainment at this years B. Iden Payne Awards. The awards are a program of The Greater Austin Creative Alliance, and are awarded annually to recognize outstanding contributions to the Austin theatre community.

The PIP presented some improvisational singing with members from, "Crack! The Improvised Puppet Musical". The cast included Emily Breedlove, Peter Rodgers, Pat Daniel and Sara Farr who all performed with awards host, Les McGehee. We were the last performers of the show and improvised a "Madrigal" style song using quotes from the awards recipiants acceptance speeches. It was well recieved, and we where honored to be a part of the ceremony.

Atlanta, GA & The Center For Puppetry Arts

2010-11-11T12:39:00.000-08:00

I meant to post this sooner, but while visiting Atlanta GA for the Black Box Improv Comedy Festival with Get Up (back in September) I got to take myself to the Center for Puppetry Arts

http://www.puppet.org/

There I got to walk around their museum and read about the history of puppets from around the world. There was a great video made by the Henson Foundation that was Henson having a dialogue with several top puppet masters from different fields of puppetry. There was also a bunch of puppets there on loan, including Big Bird, Dr Teeth, and the Swedish Chef! It was fun to get to look at these puppets up close and read about their history. They also had a section on the NEW form of puppetry -- Motion Graphics and Performance puppetry!!! This is in perfect sync with my own goals for puppetry. Since I work and train others in computer graphics every day, and I have a strong and growing love of puppets, this seems like a natural evolution for where the PIP should move next. However, the technology is still a bit pricey, so it is a FUTURE goal. And though I felt like the performance animation display didn't tell me anything new, I was glad to see them sharing some of the magic behind "Sid the Science Kid". And I felt privileged to have met the Henson puppeteer that operates Sid's head a year ago on my West Coast Puppet Improv Tour (when I went to see him in Puppet Up!).

While at the Center, I got to see a very fun show by Leslie Carrara-Rudolph -- aka "Abby Cadabby" on Sesame Street. Her show celebrated the creative spirit and encouraged kids to make up their own characters. The star of the show was probably LOLLIE! who was very entertaining, with a TINY voice and sugar-induced energy level that was like rocket fuel to the kids in the audience. But there were a ton of fun characters in the show. I hung out after to get a chance to talk, but she was worn out, and had to do several other shows that day, then go host a PUPPET SLAM. So we met, said hello, but that was it. Perhaps we'll get to visit another day.

Leslie is now a part of the Henson Alternative show in NYC that grew out of "Puppet Up" which I saw last year in LA. The new show uses more video (Hmmm!) and I hope to get to go see it some day.

"Stuffed and Unstrung" -- http://stuffedandunstrung.com/home.html

Muppets & "Wig Tape" -- using this technique as I build

2010-06-29T14:17:00.001-07:00

Puppet Hunt

2010-06-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

It seems to me that lots MORE ppl are interested in puppetry these days... or it could be that my brain is just open to puppets. In either case, I've been approached by a couple of ppl regarding where can they GET puppets.

There are plenty of puppets out there for purchase. Are you looking for a "Muppet" style made of foam and fleece, operated by hand (mouth) and rod (arms)? That's what most ppl think of when they think of "puppets. But the older type of hand puppet is a "Punch & Judy" type of puppet -- like the ones seen on Mr. Roger's Neighborhood -- where your fingers operate the arms and head (no mouth movement). There is also the "sock" style puppets -- another kind of hand puppet where your hand moves the mouth

I make my puppets bc buying them can be expensive. Puppets are labor intensive and the demand for puppets is small. There are plenty of cool stuffed-animal type puppets, too. I'd also recommend looking in kids stores, but you can find these online, too.

Also, you get what you pay for. If you are looking for a puppet to do shows with, you probably want the puppet to be easy to hang onto and manipulate. Mass produced puppets may be cheaper, but they may also not give you the range of motion you want. The joints can be overstuffed and/or stiff, which means you have to tense your muscles to make it move. This kind of repetitive stress on your own joints can lead to injuries. I've noticed that some mass produced puppets you can buy for cheap are hard to hold, have joints that are difficult to move, break easily and are HEAVY. A 3 min scene is a long time if you're holding something out away from your body. Professional puppets are easy to hold, easy to manipulate, durable, and lightweight so that you can hold them for extended periods of time.

Here are some places to find puppets online:

* FAO Schwartz Whatnots! -- Disney-Muppets have teamed with FAO to give you Whatnots! Muppet Extras you can customize and buy for $129.99
* Swazzle
* Russ Walko -- Russ sells this basic rodded arm, flexible rubber palate puppet for $200.
* Furry Puppet Studio
* Thistledown Puppets
* Rick Lyon
* Craigslist
* Ebay
* Puppet Project -- make your own puppet!!

Hope this helps.

Sesame Street Muppet Songs

2010-05-19T23:36:00.000-07:00

"FAT CAT SAT HAT"

"AIR"

"SOME... NONE"

"EVERYBODY'S SONG"

"OPPOSITES"

Henson Quotes

2010-05-17T16:35:00.000-07:00

Life's like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending.
Listening is the first step and the last step.
The personalities of the Muppet characters are really quite innocent and everyone, in some way or another, seems to be able to relate to this innocence.
If you're doing a large, complicated character with radio controls, it might take a number of people several months to make it and if you're talking about a quick little hand puppet, it could be made in 2 days, so there's enormous range there, and no real easy generalities.
The most sophisticated people I know - inside they are all children.
I know I drive some people crazy with what seems like ridiculous optimism, but it has always worked for me.

Hey Puppet Lovers!

2010-05-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

"CRACK! The Improvised Puppet Musical" has a 6 show run with Gnap! Theater Projects at SVT this summer -- first 3 weekends in August, Fri/Sat @ 8pm. This is an open casting call notice for that run.

When: 2pm - 4pm on Sunday, May 16th
Where: SVT -- during the Merlin Works Mixer

Call backs will be the following Sunday, 2pm - 4pm on May 23rd. You can find a description of Crack! (2009) in the SHOWS section on my PIP website.

Stuffed & Unstrung

2010-04-27T23:06:00.000-07:00

The Henson studios have launched a their first NYC show under the "Henson Alternative" branch -- "Stuffed & Unstrung" -- a television-tech boosted version of "Puppet Up!" created by Patrick Bristow & Brian Henson.

STUFFED AND UNSTRUNG is a wild new puppet improv performance from Henson Alternative, The Jim Henson Company's label for content created exclusively for adults. This LIVE comedy features the world-renowned Henson puppeteers performing in spontaneous, irreverent, unscripted style. Created by award-winning director, producer, writer and performer Brian Henson and actor and improvisational guru Patrick Bristow, STUFFED AND UNSTRUNG is actually “two shows in one” -- as the hilarious puppetry is projected on large screens flanking the stage while simultanously, the astounding talents of puppeteers are on display below. It's never the same show twice as the skilled art of puppetry and comedic intelligent nonsense collide in this uproarious multimedia romp packed with twisted sketches, songs and storylines! ... Union Square Theater -- 100 East 17th Street, New York, NY 10003

If you are in New York, I highly recommend this show!

Puppets in Austin & the O'Neil Puppetry Conference

2010-02-28T14:54:00.000-08:00

Met an actor/puppeteer the other night - Caroline Reck. She is friends with Connor Hopkins, of Trouble Puppet Theater. A recent graduate of the Towson University MFA Theater program, Caroline is currently working on a new puppet show -- "Fup Duck" to be performed at SVT March 17th-20th. The White Ghost Shivers band will be in the show, too! Very exciting!

A graduate of the Lecoq School of Physical Theatre in Paris, France. She served as Artistic Director and host of “Cabaret Le Cochard,” a musical revue on a barge on the River Seine in Paris. An actor/ director and frequent collaborator on devised work, her background is in mime, object theatre and puppetry. Her international collaborators include the Paris-based Sous Un Otre Angle, Mangiare Theatre Company in Sligo, Ireland and RedStarDogFish in Sydney, Australia. Since returning to the States in 2006, her New York productions include Nutmeat, a Burlesque Fairytale (NYC Fringe) and several productions for Red Fern Theatre at the 78th Street Theatre Lab.

When we were chatting, Caroline reminded me of this festival...

O'Neil Puppetry Conference

I would love to go to this... someday!

2010 PIP Workshops!

2010-02-16T15:52:00.001-08:00

After a year dedicated to puppet improv study, research, travel and performance, Sara Farr is bursting with gathered industry skills and trade secrets. And one of the best things she learned about last year was the seemingly ironic generous nature of puppeteers. Making a living off their ingenuity, puppeteers who should be reclusive and stingy with their trade secrets, are in fact VERY generous and willing to share their magic tricks!

In the same vein, Sara is ready to share FOR FREE what she has worked hard to learn. But a years worth of info won't fit into just one workshop. So instead, Sara has parceled the sweet stuff into 3 shiny workshops, each with its own focus!

Puppet Mechanics and Manipulation

Learn how to bring LIFE to inanimate objects and make ppl CARE about your CHARACTERS. Using scripts, games and a variety of puppet types & set pieces, students will explore and play with the basics of puppet manipulation -- eye contact, breath, staging, etc.

PREREQ: none
TEACHER: Sara Farr
REQUIRED SUPPLIES: none -- puppets will be provided
DATE: 12-3pm Sun. 2/28
LOCATION: At the Studio Theater at Salvage Vanguard Theater, 2803 Manor Road

RSVP to Sara to save your spot in class

Puppet Building

Joined by Avimaan Syam, Sara will share with students the tools and techniques used by professional puppet builders to create your own cast of unique puppet characters. Sara will be sharing the skills and techniques she learned for making felt & foam, muppet-style puppets, and Avimaan will be sharing the ancient art of Paper Mache puppets (a la "Punch & Judy"). The paper mache' puppets require a 2 day building process with dry time, so we will cover both techniques over the course of two 3 hour workshops

PREREQ: none
TEACHER: Sara Farr and Avimaan Syam
REQUIRED SUPPLIES: Tools provided, supplies not. A list of recommended supplies will be sent upon registration.
DATE: 12-3pm Sat 3/27 & Sun 3/28
LOCATION: Sara Farr's house

RSVP to Sara to save your spot in class

Improv With Puppets

Learning to improvise outside your body (and into the body of a puppet) can be both liberating and eye-opening. In this 2 hour workshop, we get into some improv games & scenes to explore how improvising with puppets can get you closer to PLAY and out of your head. A fun class to take, whether you're looking to expand your improv tool-belt with puppets, or just looking for a fun afternoon with puppets.

PREREQ: Some beginning level improv training and puppet manipulation experience
TEACHER: Sara Farr
REQUIRED SUPPLIES: none -- you are welcome to bring your own puppets, but puppets will also be provided.
DATE: 7-10pm Wed 4/14
LOCATION: At the Studio Theater at Salvage Vanguard Theater, 2803 Manor Road

RSVP to Sara to save your spot in class

Updated the site

2009-12-21T21:22:00.000-08:00

I guess since the PIP is going strong, I can't help but think about the future of the PIP. One of the things this forward looking has driven me to do is add 2 categories to my site: "Past Shows" and "Workshops". I've moved some of the past years content into those sections, and hope to keep adding. This coming NEW YEAR, I'm hoping to host both puppet building, puppet manipulation, and improv puppet performance workshops. There seems to be a constant interest in these topics, so I'm happy to share what I know. Cool thing is most of the work on my end has already been done. So that leaves mostly scheduling, and yet scheduling is a beast. Yet, I can't worry about that... yet. :-)

Crack! The Improvised Puppet Musical = Success

2009-11-30T22:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

It's getting close to the end of my "one year of doing improv puppets." I've learned a lot since my first show -- "Wild Wild Puppets," with Jessica Arjet's FTM show last spring. Six (6) months later, we did "Crack!" on the SVT mainstage, and it was a hit. We had a nice sized audience and made $ over the rent of the theater. On the first of the two nights, the audience gave us a standing ovation. :-)

Lessons Learned
And on that note, here is a list of the stuff I've learned. Successful puppet-improv shows require:

Strong puppet training on top of strong improv skills
Strong ensemble; having everyone know how to work & perform in scenes with puppets
Right cast for the target audience
Performer with a stong skill base; you can't expect them to learn EVERYTHING in the rehearsal process; they need to come to the project with an existing knowledge base to build on
Imps who can handle the physical exertion of working with puppets

"Crack!" was a success because we cast imps skilled in narrative improv (some good singers) and taught them to:

improvise singing & dancing (some already had this)
puppet
work together as a group

What's next for the PIP?
Next year I hope to keep going with the PIP. First off, we've been asked to do a run of "Crack!" in the summer. I hope to make the show stronger with improved puppets, more puppet tech, and a new cast (that fits the schedule).

I'd like to work towards having a core PIP ensemble cast that we pad with guest imps for specific shows.

I'd like to work up a puppet improv show to take "to the people" -- either at fairs, parks, or on the streets. With that in mind, I've built this last set of props to be portable. I'll be working to modify my original PVC theater to make it sturdier for a street performance.

Crack! Special Guest Star, Jordan T. Maxwell !!!

2009-11-25T09:29:00.000-08:00

We had our final rehearsal, & technical run through last night -- and we got to greet & play with our special guest star, JORDAN T. MAXWELL!!! Jordan is a powerhouse musical improviser visiting from Los Angeles and he really makes this fun show awesome. I'm so excited for this show and can't wait until FRIDAY -- Wahoooo!!

Crack! -- Tickets on sale NOW!

2009-11-23T13:16:00.000-08:00

This show, two nights only, is a first in Austin, TX. An improvised puppet musical! There will be two acts, with a short intermission. Act I will consist of games and scenes based on audience suggestions. In turn, those scenes will inspire the themes in Act II -- a completely improvised puppet musical.

Locally produced and directed, this show stars an adorable cast of puppets and their Austin improvisers.

Grab your tickets now, while you still can! Tickets can be purchased at the Event Brite Website -- Crack!

Crack! -- Final Rehearsal

2009-11-23T13:08:00.000-08:00

... is tomorrow night! We will be doing a run-though of the show with a full cast -- including our special guest star, Jordan Maxwell! It will be great to finally be in the space and have all our puppets and props and stuff.

Crack! -- Puppet Building Whirlwind

2009-11-23T13:03:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy 2 months. Though I didn't get to build ALL the puppets I designed for this show, we will be working with over 20 handmade puppets. I've also learned some carpentry skills on the fly and built a rolling "puppet play board" along with some puppet racks to display the puppets during the show.

Puppet Karaoke

2009-11-03T00:57:00.000-08:00

Is awesome. You should try it.

And if you go, make sure you take a bunch of friends that also have puppets. And if you find a song you don't know, keep up with the rhythm, and improvise the words. And if you have a friend who can improvise, have them improvise the words for YOUR PUPPET while you move its mouth and sing your own words. It's all good practice for IMPROV PUPPET MUSICALS.

"Crack!" rehearsals up and running and going strong

2009-11-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

We had our first rehearsal yesterday and things went GREAT! I'm so happy with this cast and where we are headed. We went over puppet technique, a bit of in-scene singing, and started to get comfy playing with each other. I'm excited for this format, and I can see it starting to take shape into a HIT SHOW.

Cool thing is the marketing team at Gnap! Theater Projects has launched the publicity machine, and you can now purchase tickets online. With only two nights, if you want to see this one of a kind show, you should grab your tickets ASAP!

War Horse in London, plus a Backstage Tour before the show

2009-11-02T09:23:00.000-08:00

Exactly what it says in the title. I'm really excited about this show!!!

:-)

War Horse!

2009-10-29T23:39:00.000-07:00

Get Up, the improv troupe I do improvised sound-tech for, is going to the week long international improv festival in Amsterdam this January. Never having been to Europe, I'm bringing my mother with me the week before the festival and the two of us will tour London and Paris. While there, we hope to get tickets to the National Theater's show, "War Horse"!

YouTube Trailer

NY Times Slideshow

01 - A scene from the London production of "War Horse," which uses life-size puppets to tell the story of a young British boy and his love for a horse.

02 - Tom Morris, far left, the show's co-director, rehearses with some of the puppeteers who bring the horses, named Joey and Topthorn, to life.

03 - Patrick Healy writes from London that the puppets "are as much living, breathing and emotionally aware beings as any award-winning actor here today."

04 - The basic construction material for the horses is cane, which was soaked to make it more moldable. Silk patches were then applied to gauze to suggest the animals' skin patterns and also partly to conceal the two puppeteers inside each adult horse.

05 - "The third puppeteer for each adult horse stands outside the wooden frame, near the head, and moves to and fro in unison with the other two and the horse itself. The effect is such that this puppeteer is all but forgotten by the audience, even though fully visible."

06 - "Beneath the skeletal structure of Joey and Topthorn, the puppeteers hold gears and triggers that, when pressed, move body parts of each horse in fluid motion."

07 - "The ears of the horses, for instance, are driven by bicycle brake cables and are capable of a 180-degree sweep. The tail is controlled by three cables acting as tendons, producing a movement based on the actual anatomy of a horse."

08 - "British and American producers plan to mount 'War Horse' in New York in 2011 and are now looking at Broadway theaters and other locations, like the Park Avenue Armory, that would be large enough to house the show, said one of the producers, Bob Boyett."

09 - "'This level of puppetry hasn't been seen on Broadway before, and this is what audiences are going to find riveting,' said Basil Jones, one of the creators of the puppets."

Hansjürgen Fettig - German Puppet Master

2009-10-24T23:58:00.000-07:00

OMG! This guy looks amazing! I wish I knew more about him. His books are out of print. :-(

Hansjurgen Fettig

Glove and Rod Puppets: A Handbook of Design and Technique
by Hansjürgen Fettig, John Wright, Susanne Forster
Hardcover, Harrap Publishers, Larousse, ISBN 0245518568 (0-245-51856-8)

Hand and Rod Puppets: A Handbook of Technique
by Hansjurgen Fettig
Hardcover, Plays, inc., ISBN 0823801403 (0-8238-0140-3)

Rod Puppets and Table-Top Puppets A Han
by Hansjurgen Fettig
Hardcover, Southgate Publishers, ISBN 0951360051 (0-9513600-5-1)

And this is pretty cool...

Japanese Bunraku Puppets

2009-10-16T01:09:00.000-07:00

Male Head Demo

La Petite Géante and Le Scaphandrier

2009-10-09T22:57:00.000-07:00

Witness La Petite Géante and Le Scaphandrier, giant French marionettes from the street theater company Royal de Lux.

"Labryinth" - Making Of

2009-10-03T01:57:00.000-07:00

"CRACK!"

2009-09-30T00:35:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon... An improvised puppet musical. Crazy you say? Yes AND! say we.

More Muppet Research

2009-09-29T23:42:00.000-07:00

Looking at the "Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas" (1977) video out there and found this. Love the bloopers with the drum. Frank Oz on "Ma", Jerry Nelson on "Emmet." Wait for it... The comedy builds over the course of a bunch of (233!) takes. Around take 11 it starts getting really silly.

Muppet Building Research

2009-09-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

Having returned from the WCPIT, I've been inspired to do a new show. In prepping for this show, I'm also researching Puppet Building. Here are some things I'm looking at...

I love the physicality of Ruth Buzzi & Sweetums in that one!! Hoping to put that in new show.

MORE ON THE NEW SHOW SOON!!

Henson Podcasts Give Punch to Lessons Learned on Tour

2009-08-28T23:17:00.000-07:00

I subscribe to the Henson.com podcasts, and in looking back over the past 3 years worth, found several centered around EXACTLY what I'm interested in these days...

Puppet Up! Uncensored - Backstage (06/15/09) -- Behind 4-5 years of magic? More magic!! And I saw these same performers in the August show! Allan Trautman (puppeteer-imp), Julianne Buescher (puppeteer-imp), Drew Massey (puppeteer-imp; friendly guy), Colleen Smith (improviser-pptr), Brian Clark (improviser-pptr) and Victor Yerrid (who taught Colleen & Brian puppetry -- met this nice guy, too)... Along with the show's Creative Director and Host Patrick Bristow and Music Director Willie Etra (GROUNDLINGS awesomeness!!!)

How hard is it for a puppeteer to get really good at improv? Allan feels his brain is divided into 2 parts - 50% for puppetry; 50% for improv. Thinks the improvisers have it harder. Probably bc some of the puppeteers have had equal years improv & puppet training.

Victor comments that for their KIDS shows, the kids aren't even slightly impressed that they were doing improv; really had to make a story, and make the characters fun... as you should do in all good improv.

Puppet challenges? You can do a lot with your puppet's body & arms, but need to boil it down... "Have to label stuff your puppet is grabbing, really telegraph things more, and be really specific with your movement -- be really simple and clear with your puppet movements."

AND, Puppet Up! on tour??? SOON, my friends, very soon!!!

Haunted Stories from the JHC Lot (09/29/08) -- Video!

Henson Digital Puppetry Studio (06/30/08) -- Misty Rosas and Drew Massey (saw this sweet puppeteer in Puppet Up when I was in LA) talking about how they create "Sid" from Henson's "Sid, the Science Kid" show.

Puppet Up! Uncensored (06/16/08) -- interesting to hear the show from a year ago

Jim Henson Company Lot Tour (02/26/08) -- Video! I so wanted to do this when in LA, but without the right connections, no go. Great to get a video tour. Could have watched this first and saved myself the sheepish pleading I did with the JHC security guard to let me in the gate.

Fun fact: the lot was built by Charlie Chaplin in 1917 and used for a lot of his films. It changed hands several times, and when Universal moved out in 1999, Brian Henson & Co. saw the potential, cleaned it up and moved in.

Puppet Up! Uncensored (01/29/07) -- Interesting to hear the show from 2 years ago and how it got started... Brian Henson wanted the art of IMPROV brought back into the company. Brought in Patrick Bristow (who was teaching at the Groundlings school) to teach a 1 day workshop... and they had such a blast they kept going at it!!! (Well, DUH!!!)

HENSON.com Podcasts -- No iPod required!

And there is this interesting LOST VIDEO.

WCPIT - Sum up 9 days in 5 min? I don't think so!!

2009-08-28T22:47:00.000-07:00

Tried a solo re-enactment of the WCPIT @ No Shame tonight - 9 days summed up in 5 min - but only made it to day 5 before I cracked myself up and my time ran out. There maybe something there worth keeping. Hm.

WCPIT Finale

2009-08-23T22:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it is the end of 9 days of traveling on the road talking to puppeteers & improvisers about puppet improv. I got a lot of great new info and inspiration.

The tour ended Saturday with the show "Puppet Up" put on by Henson Alternative.

The show is a mix of Henson puppeteers and Groundlings improvisers, under the direction of the very funny Patrick Bristow. They start with a Puppet Up theme song, play improv games and scenes, and end with a "naked" version of the theme song that was my favorite part!! (puppet faces made of hands). I only had an iPhone to take photos, but here's someone else's photos from the previous month's show.

The day before (on Friday) I got to tour the "Swazzle Workshop" in Glendale where I learned a few tricks about puppet building.

The guys were in the process of building a set of "Audrey II" puppets they're going to rent out to High Schools performing "Little Shop of Horrors".

The day before THAT (on Thursday), I'd arrived in LA just in time to see Swazzle co-founder, Sean Johnson, perform an amazing library show "Water Color" for the last time of the season. The show was a 1 man show, but it there were a lot of characters and it was easy to forget one guy was doing everything.

That night I went to see the Groundlings improv show -- "Cooking with Gas". It was really fun! A mix of games in Act I, then a narrative longform set in the style of Jane Austin after the intermission. Very fun! And they had a guest, Nichol Parker, who'd just finished a run on Broadway in the leading role of Elphaba -- which they had sing a lot. She'd also been on Mad TV and in the Groundlings Sunday show, so it was not surprising that she was not only a great singer, but a great improviser!

Overload

2009-08-19T23:08:00.000-07:00

OMG! Amy Gray, Rebecca Stockley, Mandy K, Pixar friends, Liebe Wetzel...

My brain is overloaded with interesting ideas, including...
- puppets as masks
- Commedia dell'Arte
- puppeteers performing with imps
- puppet dictating character
- imp "finding" character within puppet
- crossed graphite rods
- chopsticks as rods
- Eye, breath, consonant bounce
- rolling playboards
- multi-level set
- 3 puppeteers with 3 imps
- 4 shows a year (march, may, august, holidays)
- marketing
- $20 tickets; heavily discounted
- balance between stylized movement, and realistic movement
- stylized movement based on "basic shapes" (circle, square, triangle)
- camera
- "Why is That So Funny?" by John Wright
- Street performance
- Focus (eye darts = inhabited thought), Breath (purposeful; automatic), and Weight (grounded; playing on a table/surface)
- Marcel Marceau & his teacher... Etienne De Croux
- William Kentridge (Classic Clown); Avner Eisenburg; Charles Viles Meziner; Animo w/ Improbable Theatre
- silent performance
- performance with music
- "Face it, we're all reptiles; drawn to (or distracted by) visual movement"
- sketchbooks
- sunburn
- time-space continuum

Must rest.
Then process.

Off to see some Wizards!

2009-08-13T23:38:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I'm off on a tour of the western coast to seek out wisdom from some improvisers, puppeteers, & puppet improvisers! Four cities in nine days. My tour begins in Portland, pops up to Seattle, then trips down to San Francisco and Los Angeles. I'm planning on connecting with a lot of great artists -- some new friends, some old. I can't wait!! When I get back, I'm hoping to host another Puppet Improv Workshop and share what I've learned. In the meantime, I'll try to post updates about the trip here.

On a side note, I auditioned for a group shooting a puppet show pilot for a show on Nutrition... and got in!! Hope to share more on this next month, as things develop.

Also of note is the fast approaching Out of Bounds Improv Comedy Festival, happening right here in my very own home town of Austin, TX on Labor Day weekend! Get Up will be performing on Sunday, September 6th. There should be a ton of improv and sketch from around the United States, including the headlining troupe from Austrailia! However, as far as I know, there will be NO puppet imps. Check out the schedule HERE... http://www.outofboundsimprov.com/2009/home.html

That is all.

"Improv with Puppets" Workshop

2009-07-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

... is happening this Saturday. The class is being offered through the MERLIN WORKS SCHOOL OF IMPROVISATION as part of their summer specialty series.

NEWS FLASH -- I'm making traditional "sock puppets" as a TAKE HOME bonus for those who sign up for the class. I'm also bringing my own hand & rod puppet arsenal -- which I've been working on this week. Hope to see you there!

official posting...

"Puppets mania is sweeping the nation and improvisers are catching the bug, too! In this 3 hour workshop we'll play with the basics of puppet manipulation (eye contact, breath, emotion, etc.), before we get into some improv games & scenes to explore how improvising with puppets can get you closer to PLAY and out of your head. A fun class to take, whether you're looking to expand your improv tool-belt with puppets, or just looking for a fun afternoon with puppets. $25"

register HERE.

Summer Marches On

2009-06-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

Improv with Puppets! -- In case you didn't know, the puppet improv workshop that was scheduled to happen this weekend has been pushed back to Saturday July 11th, 12-3:00pm. Hope to see you there! You can sign up on the Merlin Works website.

NO SHAME -- [Friday, June 3rd] The PIP made an appearance at the last "No Shame" where I opened the puppet-arsenal to anyone who wanted to try improvising with puppets. I had forgotten the curtain part of my puppet theaters, so we just used the PVC skeleton... which was perfect for NO SHAME! We did two 5 min sets. PIP Part I included Patrick Knisley, Marci Spivey, Topping Haggerty, and I. PIP part II included Kerri Lendo, Howard Katz, Noah Voelker, and I. We started with puppets talking to puppets, and then "puppeteer" character imps talking to imps, then back into puppets (whole scene as one scene). It was like a workshop on its feet. I think it was very playful and that made it fun. Howard had a knack for puppet manipulation and I hope he joins us again next month.

Next "No Shame" [Friday, July 3rd] I would like to try...
-- creating something longer than five min
-- a puppet/actor scene
-- playing with the "bad" kids puppet show (people like naughty puppets), then flipping it show the actors
-- scripting something out, maybe a la "comedia del arte". I'm making a few more creature puppets... devil, leprechaun, monkey, monster. Mostly tricksters. Maybe I need a princess or lamb.

WEST COAST TOUR -- Plans are moving forward for my puppet and improv tour of the west coast. I have my tickets to LA, San Fran, Portland/Seattle. I'm going to drive from Portland to Seattle to see the shows there.

I have lined up some places to stay with friends, and talked to some people about meeting to talk puppet improv. I had hoped to get to see the two Swazzle shows ("Otter Circus" & "Watercolors"), but they are happening the day before I get to LA and school prohibits me from getting there earlier. It may be possible to stay one more day in LA, then I might get to see at least one show on Monday before heading to San Fran. I will be getting to see "Puppet Up" while in LA, and hopefully meet with the puppeteers and Groundlings imps after the show. Then its off to San Fran, where I will be talking with Liebe Wetzel, the Artistic Director of Lunatique Fantastique. She's interested in getting into animation, so it will be fun to talk with her! In Portland, I'll be talking with Amy Gray of Comedy Sportz "Puppetz vs People" show -- which they do once a year. I'm still hoping to talk to the Unscripted guys, and some puppet imp from Jet City Improv and Unexpected Productions in Seattle.

This trip is shaping up nicely, and I'm starting to get excited!

Improv Puppets! @ No Shame, this Friday 6/5 10pm @ SVT

2009-06-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

Lovers of the off-beat meet once a month at the SVT second stage to see "No Shame Theater", produced by Gnap! Theater Projects. For $3 you can watch or participate. Rules are your piece has to be under 5 min, and you can't hurt yourself or the stage.

This week, the PIP will make at least ONE appearance by opening up the puppet stage for whoever wants to join in. We will try to do some improv using several puppet performance techniques, as many as we can fit into 5 min! If we have a bunch of volunteers and need more time, we may commandeer a second 5 min slot. I've already lined up a couple of people who want to try this. If you want to join us, email me! or just show up before the show. SIGN-UPS are @ 9:30pm!!

If you can't make it out to No Shame, or performing in front of a crowd is too intimidating, then SIGN UP for the Puppet Improv workshop I'm facilitating through Merlin Works.

"Improv with Puppets!" (June 20th)
Presented by Merlin Works as part of a "Summer Speciality Series"
Salvage Vanguard Theater, 2803 Manor Road
Saturday, June 20th 2009
$25
REGISTER HERE

Summer Workshop w/ Merlin Works

2009-05-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

The Merlin Works School of Improvisation is offering a summer speciality series of workshops. Each week there will be a guest instructor, and I will be leading one focused on puppet improv. I'm looking forward to sharing what I've learned so far and playing with other improvisers who like puppets. Here are the workshop deets (taken from the Merlin Works website)...

"Improv with Puppets!" Saturday June 20th 12pm - 3pm

Puppet mania is sweeping the nation and improvisers are catching the bug, too! In this 3 hour workshop we'll play with the basics of puppet manipulation (eye contact, breath, emotion, etc.), before we get into some improv games & scenes to explore how improvising with puppets can get you closer to PLAY and out of your head. A fun class to take, whether you're looking to expand your improv tool-belt with puppets, or just looking for a fun afternoon with puppets. $25

REGISTER HERE

"Avenue Q"! & Sherwood Forest

2009-04-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

Went to see "Avenue Q" with some friends this weekend, after the Wild Wild Puppets show (which was fun and getting funner!). The traveling Broadway show was also really fun! I had a bunch of questions for the performers, but didn't get a chance to chat with them. The show had 8 performers, 4 puppeteers (each doing 2 puppets) and 4 actors. Throughout the show the main 3 puppeteers would need to be interacting with their other puppet character and so the 4th puppeteer would take that puppet and move it around while they voiced it. It was great! Though I was very curious about the technical aspects, I still got wrapped up in the show and would forget to watch the puppeteers! They also had a GIANT puppet at the end of the 1st act. It made me wish I had a few GIANT (body or bigger) sized puppets.

Also on my mind... SHERWOOD FOREST! The Sherwood Forest Faire Acting Company is looking for "faire folk" to populate this new 100 acre faire for their 2010 season!! More on this later.

More Puppets!

2009-03-23T22:15:00.000-07:00

The first 2 Wild Wild Puppet shows have gone great! We had a sold out crowd on opening weekend, which was a great way to kick off the run. Last week we had a repeat cast from the first week and were able to refine the show a bit. I also improved some of the props by gluing and color coding the puppet theater PVC skeleton. Unfortunately, it created a problem with the curtains being able to fit over them. Two steps forward, one step back.

"Wild Wild Puppets" Begins!

2009-03-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Wild Wild Puppets," our first improv puppet show, launches this weekend. And for the show, Gramps got a new outfit!

Lost & Found Puppets

2009-03-07T22:57:00.000-08:00

In researching puppets, I discovered Lunatique Fantastique... or rather, someone (several people, actually) heard what I was doing and told me about her. "Performance alchemist Liebe Wetzel and her ensemble release the sweet, sad, naive, and lustful beings inside "ordinary" objects." Check out their videos! http://www.lunfan.com/

What a great idea! I mean, why be limited to "character" looking objects. Why not let an inanimate object be animated into life? Disney's "The Illusion of Life" book talks about how we as humans WANT to anthropomorphize everything. Some cultures believe EVERYTHING has a spirit... Animism. Which is why its interesting that this group is exploring how to bring life to "ordinary" objects.

I had hoped to go to No Shame this past Friday night and do some puppets, but I forgot my box of puppets. With no puppets, I thought BRIEFLY of doing something like this found-object puppetry. Then it reminded me of Shannon McCormick's "Ghost Hat, the Hat Ghost" and the "Tom Waits Borrowed CD" from earlier No Shame Theater shows. But then I felt like I needed something intelligent to say, and chickened out. However, I would love to do something with found-object puppetry in the future. It's funny, but Gnap Theater Projects is preparing a new show, "Lost & Found". Perhaps I can talk to Shannon about doing some kind of "preshow" puppet thing using found objects. Hm.

Instead, for No Shame, I went to Toy Joy and purchase a couple of "characters" that I had intended to have "dialogue" about evolution versus creationism (which was inspired by watching my friend, Dano, doing a similar thing at a party). Anyway, I arrived late and the show was already over. Timing is EVERYTHING. Good news is now I get to work on it a bit (1 month) before presenting it.

Now that No Shame is over (for 1 month), I'm really focusing on the Wild Wild Puppets show... which starts a week from tomorrow!!!

The Illusion of Life

2009-03-02T19:56:00.000-08:00

The PIP had a good puppet tech rehearsal on Sunday. We met with Connor Hopkins at the Trouble Puppet Theater space at SVT and talked about how to bring life to our puppet object. Highlights include:

A) Be conscious of puppets movement
- Be efficient with the puppet's movement... Talking is mostly small movement(thumb); use big moves (wrist-elbow-shoulder) for emphasis
- Let puppet look around and "see" environment
- Stand/hold puppet where you get the biggest range of motion
- Start movement with a "breath" (anticipation); accelerate into movement; stop with a POP
- Show, don’t tell -- nod for "yes", shake head for "no", head tilt for "whatever"
- Have the puppet look out at the audience often

Example:
- A to B: "Hey Doofus, I wanna to ask you a question"
- A to audience: "Can you tell me where the herd is?"
- A to B: "Hm?"
- B to A: "Oh, well."
- B to audience: "That's a good question, Sheriff. Now let me see. 'Do I know where the herd is?'
- A nods
- B to audience: Uh... (looks around)... hm... (shakes head)...Nope."
- B to A: "I give up. Where is it?" (looks around)
- A slow look to audience

B) Keep eyes & eye-line still... drop jaw with thumb

D) Everything you do, do it through the puppet

C) PUPPETRY is a physical art form and you will get tired!
- FIGHT the tendency to let the puppet go flat/dead
- Look at your puppet; helps keep the energy in your puppet; helps pull audience focus to puppet
- Strengthen your thumb muscles: When someone's talking to you, rest your hand on your hip, thumb out, then "puppet" your thumb to whatever that person is saying

E) Practice in a mirror
- You can use a video camera, but mirror is faster
- Have your puppet lip-sync to a song you know

Puppet Improv... Puppets & Improv

2009-02-25T22:41:00.000-08:00

Puppets... Tonight I went to the Wednesday Puppet Workshop, hosted by Trouble Puppet Theater, and worked on puppet building. I thought I'd finish off one I'd started, but I had forgotten that I'd left it with my Dad, who I've recruited to help me build puppets. Instead, I started a new one. It was great getting to work in a room of people thinking about puppets, even if we weren't working on the same thing.

After the crowd thinned out, Connor and I talked about hand puppet construction and I got some good ideas for getting a better "grip" on building puppets. Literally. Connor had been to a puppet workshop with Marty Robinson ("Telly" from Sesame Street) and he showed them how to build a rigid grip on the mouth plate so you can let your thumb do the talking -- I.E. drop the thumb so the chin drops when the mouth opens and the eye-line stays put. He also told them that a big part of it is working that thumb muscle until it's strong enough to last through a show (or a taping of a show).

At SFIT, I was lucky enough to get to work with some guys who'd been doing puppet improv for a while. It was good for me to hear the thing's they focused on -- things that I'd heard before from Josh & Tamra's puppet improv workshop -- but it was good to be reminded:
- speak from back of hand
- pop open on vowels
- check in with your scene partner AND your puppet
- keep the eye line focused on where you want your puppet to look
- keep energy in puppet
- keep puppet's head out to audience; avoid profile
- keep hand pointed slightly down so audience can see eyes

AND Improv... Also, at SFIT I noticed that improv puppets works best with both good puppeteering AND good improv. Both are necessary to do good puppet improv. And yet, with my just focusing on puppets, I feel like I've been neglecting my improv training. So, I've determined I can't just give up improv for a whole year to work exclusively with puppets. Soon, I hope to pick up another improv class and get back into strengthening my improv muscles.

Another thing that clicked at SFIT, was the idea of what KIND of puppet works best in puppet improv. When we had a cast mixed with people and puppets, it was clear that the human puppets could just as easily have been played by real people. Only the "devil" character seemed worthy being a puppet. In an improv world, where improvisers can play any character they want -- man/woman, astronaut/alien, donut/teapot -- it makes sense to cast puppets in the rolls that are more fantastic. Therefore, I'm going to focus on creating puppets that are animals, monsters, inanimate objects, or other "creatures" -- no humans. We already have a bunch of those.

Puppet Mash-Up! -- After School Special!

2009-02-21T01:44:00.000-08:00

OMG! Tonight was really cool! Not only did Get Up have a fun show, I got to do improv puppets between the following show's sets!!

The Seattle Festival of Improv Theater has a series of improv mixers called the "All-star Mash Up" -- 15 minute sets between each show's scheduled acts. It's a way to jam with the other festival attendees, but in smaller groups. I was just going to watch, but when Shana found out her group had chosen to do IMPROV PUPPETS, she brought me up to play with them! Yay!! The group included a couple of Jet City puppet improvisers -- Jeremy Brown & Ryan Miller.

Gabriella Cook (Seattle), Jeremy Brown (Seattle)

For our 15 min set, Ryan suggested we do After School Special, and when he took our the suggestion for our problem, we got "Redheads". Ryan had brought a bin of about 6 puppets and of the 7 of us, three (Jeremy, Ryan, and I) played with puppets. Shana (as a person) played a bad kid who convinced the heroine, Maggie (a person), to dye her hair red and go wild. In the end, she played a teacher who was shocked at with the fallen-redhair's "show & tell" (sex). At the start of the set, I picked up a girl puppet with really bouncy (brown) hair. It turned out my puppet character had dyed her red hair brunette, and then lost her oomph. There was also a devil puppet that kept encouraging the redhead and a grandfatherly puppet to be wild.

Ryan Miller (Seattle), Sara Farr (Austin)

Anyway... it was a SUPER fun surprise to get to jump in and do that. I had fun and learned a bit (about puppets, not redheads). I only wish we'd had more time to get to play with those guys.

P.S. "Wing It Productions" & "Jet City Improv" has produced some improv puppet stuff in the past (including "Over and Through" - a la "Labyrinth"). Check it! I encouraged them to bring their show to OOB. :-)

Puppet Break - Puppet Workshop

2009-02-19T23:31:00.000-08:00

No puppets this weekend. Instead I'm here in Seattle, WA at the SFIT - Seattle Festival of Improv Theater. I'm here with Get Up, doing tech -- improvised scoring -- for their 2 shows, this Friday & Saturday night. I had hoped the Oregon Comedy Sportz puppet guys would be in attendance. Oregon is really not that far from here. Oh well. Maybe I'll have to make a trip back up here as part of a "West Coast Puppet Improv (& Surfing Tour)"*

However, next week I'll be back working with puppets. The Trouble Puppet Theater is hosting a Weekly Wednesday Workshop. I hope to use the time as a way to keep on track for getting all the puppets made for the FTM show in March.

Until then, I'll be catching some improv-festival-fun out here in "Jet City".

Happy trails!

*Pending finances and travel time.

"Wild Wild Puppets" postcards

2009-02-11T12:10:00.000-08:00

Here is the "Wild Wild Puppet" flyer. The show will play at the Hideout, Sunday's @ 2pm.

Puppet Debut

2009-02-08T22:02:00.000-08:00

The performance at Gnap Theater's "No Shame" on Friday went much better than I had hoped. I was nervous waiting for the show to start, but because there was room in the line-up, I took the plunge and signed up for two 5 min slots. I had a loose idea of what I wanted to do in each slot, but I mostly just wanted to get up and try something.

The first set I used Gene's awesome IKEA puppets to lip sync to a song from "Wicked The Musical". One of the puppets was a grouch and swore a bunch. I can't do that in the Kid's show next month!!! I'll have to think of kid-friendly ways for grouchy puppets to talk through their pain.

The second set I took out my granddad-golfer puppet and chatted with him. That was fun and it felt a lot like chatting with different facets of all my grandparents, living and deceased. <3

I noticed it was hard to keep my energy up for 5 min, but I didn't blank out or feel like I needed to rush off stage. I'd like to get better at the puppeteering and keeping the energy up and in the puppets. The music helped in the sync. It was harder with the chatting. Still, I think there is some potentially good stuff here, which is exciting.

Behind the Curtain

2009-02-06T02:29:00.000-08:00

I finished working on 1 of 2 make-shift curtained puppet theaters for use with the smaller, hand puppets. The whole thing is made of pre-fab, sheer curtains and PVC piping, and I'm taking it to No Shame Theater tonight, Friday 2/6, 10pm @ SVT. The puppets are still works in progress so I'm not sure what to do about that. Maybe Gene would be okay with me using his little IKEA puppets. Hm. It's good to have these deadlines to work towards. I'm definitely seeing that unless I give a day focus on puppets, not much gets done. I'm going to perform (something) with improv puppets in No Shame this Friday 2/6, as well as the first Friday in March, 3/6. Hopefully it will help train me to keep the puppet motion limited, but big.

I've had some good advice about what to do from Asaf Ronen, Topping Haggerty, Craig Kotfas, and Shana Merlin. I am going to try to play with:
- starting with a strong, philosophical statement
- going slow
- treating the puppets as actors
- status
- dubbing
- showing different emotions
- being "charming"
- involving the audience
- being on stage with the puppet
- being behind the puppet theater curtain

We'll see. I only have 5 minutes, so I may only get a chance to do a few of those things this month. If it goes well, maybe I could do a couple of 5 min scenes. Hm.

"Wild Wild Puppets"

2009-01-25T12:26:00.000-08:00

Had a bit of a stall out this past couple of weeks as I had to focus on the start of school. But the momentum is building again. We've settled on a calendar, and I've gotten the green light from some guest directors to come preview the show and give us some feedback. The show will launch on Sunday, March 15th and run for 8 weeks, skipping Easter weekend.

We've also named the FTM run, "Wild Wild Puppets" and I will be working on a graphic for the posters this week. Today I finished off my first puppet -- "Prairie Chicken" -- and am working on building a few more puppets. Also, I'm working on creating a portable curtain kit that we can grow or shrink, depending on the size of the space.

Also! My friend, Dano, told me about The Henson Foundation and encouraged me to apply for a grant. More on THAT later.

Building the "Monster"

2009-01-12T18:15:00.000-08:00

Sunday was the first official gathering of the first phase of the Puppet Improv Project. Several like-minded imps and I got together to talk about improvising with puppets. It was exciting to see the puppets people brought. Not everyone made theirs, but we have a good start on our puppet arsenal. We played with the puppets we brought and took a look at what might work for the run with FTM (Flying Theater Machine) that starts in March.

Those of us that tried to make our puppets (Amy, Gene, David & I) didn't quite finished in time. I learned the hard way that improvising the building of the puppet is NOT a good idea. A better policy is to A) browse for reference, B) brainstorm ideas, C) make a plan (a sketch), so that then you can "Measure Twice, Cut/Sew Once".

I'm building a "Prairie Chicken" to go with our Western/Tall Tales theme for the show. My puppet was still in pieces when the group started arriving. I had most of the pieces, but lacked a glue gun to put them together. Amy brought hers and helped me work out some funky deets. Here are some photos of the puppet as a WIP (Work In Progress).

It's interesting to me to see how much the puppet personality changes with the size, color, and position of the eyes.

It Begins...

2009-01-12T18:03:00.000-08:00

What is the Puppet Improv Project (PIP)? Here's the scoop...

I'm going to try to focus on puppet improv for a whole year... and see how it plays out. I hope to squeeze several projects into 2009, including a kids show, a family show, a long-form show, and whatever else comes along. I may possibly push to do an improvised-puppet-musical, too, because that seems both really cool and really scary.

The PIP begins with my doing a joint-run with Jessica Arjet & the Flying Theater Machine that will last 8 weeks, and run March-May, Sundays 2pm at the Hideout Theater. I met with some like-minded improvisers to talk about what kind of show we could put on that would work for the FTM. We settled on a show that would be theme-based. This way we could have a genre around which to start building up a puppet arsenal. Our goal is to have a couple of puppet-improvisers in each show, joined by additional imps from the regular FTM cast. Jessica is vested in making the FTM shows profitable, and I am happy to be involved with a group focused on building equity.