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Dates
Years 4, 5 & 6: Tuesday 30 March – Wednesday 31 March 2027
Years 7, 8 & 9: Thursday 1 April – Friday 2 April 2027
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Fees
£150
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Class Timing
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
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Location
Downside Road, Bristol
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.
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Why attend this course?
➔ Discover the exciting world of puppetry and puppet theatre.
➔ Learn how professional puppets are designed, made and brought to life.
➔ Develop practical making and craft skills.
➔ Explore creativity, character and storytelling through hands-on activities.
➔ Develop confidence using movement and performance to communicate ideas.
➔ Work collaboratively with other young people and share creative ideas.
➔ Take home your own original puppet character. -
Where is the course?
The course will take place at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School on Downside Road in Clifton, Bristol.
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What time does the course run to an from?
Your day will start at 10:00 and finish at 16:00.
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What do I need to bring?
Food, drink, a sketchbook or notebook if they have one, along with any ideas, drawings or images that might inspire their puppet character.
Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for practical workshop activities. Participants should expect to work with materials including paint and adhesives. Aprons will be provided.
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What are the course dates?
Years 4, 5 & 6: Tuesday 30 March – Wednesday 31 March 2027
Years 7, 8 & 9: Thursday 1 April – Friday 2 April 2027
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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]
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Short Course Cancellation Policy
We will make all reasonable efforts to deliver a short course as outlined on our site and in any brochure or published material. However, we reserve the right to cancel a short course in case of events outside our control or if the course fails to meet a minimum number of participants. In the event that we cancel a course, we will inform participants who have booked a place via email at least 7 days prior to the start date. We will also provide a full refund of the course fee paid. Bristol Old Vic Theatre School cannot be held responsible for any expenses you incur due to such a cancellation.
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