Puppet Making (Age 8-14)

Activity Description

Discover the creative world of puppetry in this fun and practical two-day workshop designed especially for young people. Participants will learn how puppets are designed, made and brought to life on stage, exploring the connection between the maker, the puppet and the performer.

Through a combination of games, practical exercises and hands-on making, participants will create their own original puppet character using accessible materials and techniques. They will explore how shape, colour, texture and movement can communicate character, before learning the fundamentals of puppet manipulation and performance.

The course will encourage young people to experiment, make creative choices and work collaboratively, culminating in an opportunity to bring their puppets to life through simple performance exercises.

Course Highlights
Discovering Puppetry:
➔ Explore what a puppet is and how puppets are used in theatre, film and storytelling.
➔ Discover different types of puppets and the ways they can be designed and operated.
➔ Explore how a puppet can become a character through movement, voice and imagination.

Creating a Character:
➔ Develop an original puppet character from an idea, drawing or story.
➔ Explore how shape, colour, texture and materials can communicate personality.
➔ Make creative decisions about what makes each character unique.

Puppet Making:
➔ Learn simple, accessible puppet-making techniques using a range of materials.
➔ Experiment with cutting, joining, shaping, decorating and finishing.
➔ Develop practical confidence while making an original puppet to take home.

Bringing Puppets to Life:
➔ Discover the fundamentals of puppet manipulation.
➔ Explore movement, focus, gesture and stillness.
➔ Learn how to make a puppet appear to think, react and communicate.

Storytelling Through Puppetry:
➔ Use puppets in simple theatre games and improvisations.
➔ Explore how puppets can tell stories without relying solely on words.
➔ Work with other participants to create short scenes and moments of performance.

Performing with Your Puppet:
➔ Develop confidence presenting and performing with a puppet.
➔ Experiment with character, movement and interaction.
➔ Share a short piece of puppet performance with the group.

Who should attend this course
Years 4, 5 & 6: Tuesday 30 March – Wednesday 31 March 2027

Young people in Years 4, 5 and 6 who are interested in making, performing, storytelling, theatre or simply want to try something creative and hands-on.

Years 7, 8 & 9: Thursday 1 April – Friday 2 April 2027

Young people in Years 7, 8 and 9 who are interested in puppetry, theatre, design, making, performance or character creation.