Short Courses for Adults

Intermediate Puppet Making

Key Information
  • Suitable for

    Participants with basic puppet making knowledge, age 18+
  • Dates

    Tuesday 30 March – Friday 2 April 2027

     
  • Tuition

    Day course, 09:30 – 16:30
  • Location

    Downside Road, Bristol
  • Cost

    £380
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Creative Courses

Overview

Join industry expert Meriel Pym for this practical four-day course in developing your puppet-making skills. 

Take your puppet-making skills to the next level in this four-day intermediate workshop. Building on existing experience of puppet construction, participants will explore how design, materials, mechanics and performance work together to create puppets that are not only visually compelling, but responsive, expressive and fit for purpose on stage.

Working from an original character or design idea, participants will develop a considered puppet concept before progressing through technical planning, material selection, construction, articulation and finishing. Alongside the making process, participants will explore the fundamentals of puppet manipulation, learning how breath, focus, weight, movement and intention can transform a constructed object into a character.

The course will culminate in each participant bringing their completed or substantially completed puppet into performance, applying their new making and manipulation skills in a short practical sharing.

Key highlights

The course will culminate in each participant bringing their completed or substantially completed puppet into performance, applying their new making and manipulation skills in a short practical sharing.

Headshot of woman with long blonde curly hair in a dark teal top

Your tutor

Meriel Pym has worked for over two decades as a scenic artist, prop maker and designer in the theatre, film and television industries. She holds a Theatre Design BA from Nottingham Trent University and a PGCE from Rose Bruford College.

Meriel served for fourteen years at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, creating sets and props for over 140 productions. She has also worked at the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh, Oldham Coliseum, Bolton Octagon and Manchester International Festival as well as on TV shows including Life on Mars (BBC) and Rovers (SKY TV).

  • Is this course for me?

    This course is suitable for adults who are both beginners or have some experience already in crafts. You may be interested in crafts as a hobby; a theatre or TV enthusiast with an interest in the potential of puppetry; a production student keen on mastering puppet-making skills; or just fascinated by the artistry and storytelling of puppetry!
  • What do I need to bring?

    Aprons will be provided. This is a practical course and we would recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you don’t mind getting paint and glue on! A sketchbook or notebook will be useful.
  • Admission requirements

    Applicants must be aged 18 or over by the time of the course start date.
  • Short Courses Refund Policy

    If you wish to cancel your place on the course, you will receive a full refund if you notify the school at least 7 days prior to the start of the course. For cancellations, contact [email protected]
  • Policies and Procedures