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Short Courses for Adults

Masterclass: Puppet Making with Meriel Pym

Key Information
  • Suitable for

    All skill levels, age 18+

  • Dates

    Sunday 1st June 2025

  • Tuition

    Day course, 10:00–16:00

  • Location

    Downside Road, Bristol

  • Cost

    £86

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Overview

This practical, one-day course has been designed to provide you with a unique introduction to foundational skills in puppet making. Puppetry plays a pivotal role in the landscape of theatre and TV production. On this course, you will work with expert Meriel Pym to understand the role of puppetry in storytelling. You will also craft your own puppet and acquire insight into materials, construction and movement techniques.

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School offers a fun and nurturing environment in which to pursue your creative ambitions. The support and feedback available from your tutor will help you develop your natural talents and confidence in production skills.

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Key highlights

On this course you will:

> Acquire an understanding of the significance of puppetry in storytelling within the TV and theatre industry.

> Explore how puppets best captivate audiences through hands-on exploration of fundamental puppet design principles.

> Receive guidance on how to select the right materials and techniques for crafting different puppet styles.

> Craft your own puppet under the guidance of an accomplished scenic crafts expert.

> Put your skills to practice and receive tips on how to create dynamic and expressive puppet performances.

You will have the opportunity to make your own handcrafted puppet during the masterclass – and to take it home as a personal keepsake! In addition to gaining hands-on experience from a puppetry expert, you will have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals.

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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).

One of my favourite parts about BOVTS is that it feels ‘homegrown’. From the set to the costume, lighting, acting and sound, every single aspect of a theatre production or film is down to the students. The location of Clifton is so serene and the School being so small everyone knows each other and it feels so personal and special. Violet Morris, BA Professional Acting Student