In this class series, students will learn how to build several different kinds of puppets, getting progressively more difficult over the course of a week.

These classes will begin with very basic skills, building upon one another as we move forward through the classes.

• We begin with a very basic foam-and-rod puppet and a deluxe sock puppet, learning about characterization, hand puppets, and the dynamic properties of foam.

• Next we will explore two different types of mechanism puppets: a flat puppet and a mouth mechanism in a foam-and-rod puppet.

• For the fifth type, students will bring a stuffed animal to life by turning it into a hand puppet, applying what they learned in the sock puppet class, but this time also learning how to pattern out a mouth for their puppet as well.

• Our last class will be the most challenging, as students will learn how to carve foam into a foam rod puppet using scissors, and then how to manipulate it.

I hope that you folks will join me for this unique puppetry experience!

Materials

Participating students must purchase a Materials Kit (see below), created and sent out by the instructor. Students are only responsible for supplying a few remaining materials as follows:

Students will need to provide:

• a medium to large sized soft-filled stuffed animal, that can be cut up to turn into a puppet. It should be big enough to fit your hand inside and the face should have a large enough area to cut a mouth into it. Be sure not get a stuffed animal that is hard or stuffed with styrofoam balls — it would make a disastrous mess! (please also do not bring one that you are very fond of and would be heartbroken if it got damaged!)

• a surface to work on so you do not damage your table that you are working on.

• extra craft supplies and fabric (optional)

Become an IS183 Member!

As a member you will receive exclusive benefits, stay up-to-date on upcoming programming and events, and join our creative community!

Contribute to The Artful Future Fund!

Further engage with IS183’s mission. Support IS183’s artists, students, and studios by making a donation.

Online Classes at IS183

Register for a class (or series) on our website, and we will email you a Zoom meeting link along with instructions. Simply use the link to join the online class at the designated time! Download the Zoom app on your smartphone or tablet, or use your laptop/desktop web browser. The web browser client will download automatically when you join your first Zoom meeting. (Have a look at this Zoom overview.)

You will join a live, interactive lesson presented in real-time by an IS183 Faculty Artist. Small class sizes will allow you to engage personally with the instructor and other students, just like in the studio! Faculty lessons will primarily be demonstration-based, but may have segments in which students are challenged to work on independent assignments. Each class and faculty approach will be unique! 

Thank you for continuing to make art and support IS183 Art School! We look forward to seeing you in the (virtual) studios! 

Please see our policies on cancellations, refunds, and more.