I'm going to list the basic movements, as far as outward movements are concerned for a puppet. They really apply for any type of puppet. In fact, based upon our definition of what puppetry is, which is you'll recall, giving human-like characterisitcs to non-human objects, then literally anything can become a puppet, if it is used in that way! The most commonly used puppets for kid's ministry are moving mouth pupets, and so their is a segment devoted specifically to those. Well, let's get on with basic puppet movements
Clapping- bring both of the puppets hands together in front of it. like it is clapping. That complete with the sound of clapping will give that illusion. If your puppet does not have hands, then have them whistle instead, and make appropriate comments, like "great job!" This leaves the watchers not thinking about the puppet's lack of hands, and you still have accomplished the same thing!
Looking- Have your puppet look in the direction that they are supposed to look. Remember, you're giving human-like characteristics to non-human objects. So, what does a homan do when someone is talking to them, or when they're told to look a certain place? Well, that's what your puppet needs to do!
Hiding Eyes- Bring up puppets hands to cover their eyes. Again, if they don't have hands, then come up with some other creative way to have the puppet hids their eyes. (Like hiding eyes behind another puppet, have a person or another puppet, hide them for them, etc.) Again, the idea is to make the human-like movement, allowing the watchers to take in the illusion of the action, without thinking about the puupets, lack!
Pointing- the action if the puppet has hands is pretty obvious! If they don't improvise!
Human-like characteristics for non-human objects!
Crying or sneezing- the same movement, with the only difference being the place you end up on the puppet, as well as the sound!- Bring up the puppets hands to the nose or the eyes, obviously depending on the effect desired. Again the movement along with the apporiate sound will complete the illusion. No hands? You know what to do!
Holding head, as in wonderment of having a headache- Bring puppets hands up to sides of head.
Waving
No & yes
Rubbing hands together, like in glee, or "I've got it!"
Thinking- Bring puppet's left hand to side of puppet's face, and then bring puppet's right hand to just below where left hand/arm of puppet starts. If you're dealing with an armless pupet, have the puppet announce I need to think, and then make a thinking sound like Hmmmm. It gives the illusion of a puppet thinking.
Bowing.- Pretty self explanantory.
For directions on how to manipulate puppets with moving mouths, click on moving mouth puupets, and you'll be transported to one of Axtell Expressions pages.
To go to the next section on puppets, just click on P-3.
