Tabletop Puppets From Design to Life

This practical and immersive course guides participants through the complete process of designing and making a tabletop puppet, inspired by Bunraku-style puppetry. Over three days, participants will explore character design, puppet construction, materials, and basic manipulation techniques. The course balances careful making with playful experimentation, supporting each participant in creating a functional, expressive tabletop puppet ready for performance.

This hands-on course offers a full creative journey into the world of tabletop puppetry, from the first sketch to bringing a finished puppet to life on the table. Drawing inspiration from Bunraku-style puppetry and contemporary object theatre, participants will be guided step by step through the making process while developing a strong connection between design, structure, and movement.

The course begins with character exploration and design, helping participants think about scale, proportion, and expression. Through drawing and discussion, ideas are translated into three-dimensional form. Participants will then move into constructing the puppet head and body.

As the puppet takes shape, attention is given to arms, hands, joints, and simple mechanisms, ensuring the puppet is functional and expressive when manipulated. Time is dedicated to costume, surface, and finishing details, allowing each puppet to develop its own personality.

Alongside making, participants are introduced to the basics fundamentals of tabletop manipulation. Simple exercises explore focus, breath, gravity, and how the puppet exists in space. The course concludes with time for refinement, sharing, and reflection, supporting participants in understanding how their puppet can be developed further beyond the workshop.