Puppets have been popular with children and adults for centuries.  Most cultures have favourite characters, from Punch and Judy shows in Great Britain, to the shadow puppets of Asia. Although not used as much in the modern Kid’s Ministry (super puppets or mascots are more popular) puppets are still an expressive way to teach.

You Can Become a Puppeteer

A puppeteer is someone who animates puppets.  And a puppet can be made from just about anything, even a wooden spoon.  A puppeteer brings it to life and guides the audience to ‘look over here’, not ‘look at me’.  Puppetry is a form of theatre and requires skill.  Regular practice in front of a mirror will help your performance.

Types of Puppets:

• Finger
• Glove
• Sock
• Stick
• Rod
• Full or half body
• Marionettes
• Shadow
• Super (mascot puppets)

Movable Mouth Actions

For puppets with movable mouths, there are five basic puppetry techniques to practice.  Your puppetry needs to become second nature.

1. Lip Synchronization

Synchronize the opening of the puppet’s mouth with the spoken word.  Do not open the mouth all the way with each word.  Save the wide mouth openings for exaggerated or loud expressions.  Open the puppet’s mouth at the beginning of each syllable and close at the end of one in time with the voice.

 

2. Mouth Action

Keep the top of the puppet’s mouth stationary and only open the bottom of the mouth.  Moving the puppet’s head is called ‘flipping the lid’ and makes an awkward chomping motion.  Don’t let the puppet’s mouth hang open.

 

3. Eye Contact

Remember to look at the audience, and to lower your puppet’s head so it appears to be looking at the children rather than over their heads or up at the ceiling.

 

4. Posture

Your arm must be held at right angles to the floor.  Experiment to see what is comfortable for you, to sit, stand or kneel.  As a beginner your arms will get tired.

 

5. Entrances and Exits

Using a fluid motion, ‘bounce’ your puppet up and down imaginary stairs to enter and exit the stage.

Do and Don’ts

• Do use a recorded performance, fully memorized, to eliminate the need for voice work or scripts, especially if you are a beginner.
• Do use masking tape to mark out the seating area for the children so they keep back from the puppet theatre. Ask your leaders to remind children to stay seated so everyone can see.
• Don’t allow children to see you put on or remove your puppet.
• Do not allow children to see the puppet lifeless.

There will always be a place for puppetry in Kid’s Ministry, especially if you volunteer in a Kindy or Preschool department.  It’s an engaging way to teach, and another handy skill in your storytelling repertoire.