Puppeteering and buying Puppets
Buying a puppet shouldn’t be difficult
Have you taken an interest in puppeteering? Do you have any idea where to start looking for a puppet? There are several things you need to consider before purchasing your first puppet. You need to identify the different aspects of puppeteering and the types of puppets on the market.
What is puppetry?
Basically, puppetry is a performance by a person giving who gives an inanimate object a personality and uses it as a part of a theatric performance. The definition of puppetry is very loose as most puppeteers define themselves and the term puppeterringby their unique performance.
What is a puppet?
As previously stated, a puppet is an inanimate object for which a person creates a personality. The puppeteer assigns movements and sound to the puppet. Puppets can be made out of just about anything. There are many types of puppets but, we will focus on the most popular of these puppets to help guide you as you make your first puppet purchase.
Types of puppets
- Character puppets
Character puppets are made to resemble a human being. Typically, these puppets present themselves in marionette form or as a glove design. Because these types of puppets lend themselves well to creating personalities, they are very popular among ventriloquists. - Marionette puppets
Marionettes are puppets that are controlled by strings and sticks. The puppeteer moves the sticks, which are connected to strings that are connected to the puppet’s extremities. Consequently, the puppet’s extremities move. These puppets are very popular used with puppet theaters. - Glove puppets
The glove puppet fits over the hand just like a glove. The puppeteer controls the puppet’s head and arms using his or her fingers on the hand inside of the puppet. These puppets measure about 12-inches in height and are a great starter for young children with an interest in puppetry. - Finger puppets
Finger puppets measure about 1 to 2 inches in height and fit over the individual fingers. Often times, this is the first experience children have with puppets as they are small and are easily worked by little fingers. - Muppet-type puppets
Muppet-type puppets are usually equated with life-sized puppets in which an entire adult sized person can fit inside of them. The puppets are operated from the inside. The popular name came from the famous Jim Henson creations popularized during the 1970s and still popular today. - Sock puppets
Sock puppets are simply hand puppets made from socks. Socks are either cut or manipulated to create a mouth and then eyes are either drawn on or sewn on the puppet. These are very simple to make and even easier to use. Popular puppeteer, Shari Lewis, made this type of puppet popular with her character, Lambchop. - Animatronic puppets
Animatronic puppets are mechanically manipulated puppets that use robotic technology for movement. Popular with the movie industry, animatronic puppets can be found in just about any type of image including mythical creatures, animals and human beings.
Now that you have an understanding of the most popular types of puppets on the market and what puppeteering is all about, you are ready to make your first puppet purchase.
admin | 
October 24, 2010 11:32 pm
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