WHAT’S ON
Our programme of events, classes and workshops support a range of ages and abilities. We welcome everyone to have a go, from the curious to the professional. Our education and outreach activity is growing so we encourage your ideas and feedback about what you’d like to have a play with.
If you are an individual, a school or a community group we’d really like to hear from you. Drop an email to rachel@puppetplace.org and tell us what interests you.
FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES:
Doors Open Day
11 September (Sun) 10am-4pm
Ages ALL
We are delighted to be participating in this years Doors Open Day across Bristol.
Why not pop down to our amazing building on Bristol’s harbourside and join us for some tea, cake and puppets!
more info
We will be opening the doors to Puppet Place and revealing some of the amazing shows, films and creations that have been born here. There will be a chance to meet some of our resident and associate artists and see some rare artwork that our brilliant community of artists produce in addition to their main practice.. Have a go at stop motion, browse through our pop up gallery, watch some short films and meet Mr & Mrs Pigeon. There’s something for all ages and the chance to chat with our community of artists and makers.
Want to know more? Click here!
You can find out more about Bristol Doors Open Day here www.bristodoorsopenday.org.uk
Also find out more on Twitter #BristolDOD
More details about activities at Puppet Place on Doors Open Day will be announced shortly.
(image Adam DJ Laity – Rusty Squid: Robert Stephenson’s “Stompy” The Roboceretops)
FOR ADULTS:
From Object to Puppet: Performance Course
20 Sep-25 Oct (every Tues) 6.30pm-8.30pm
Ages 18+
Unit 18 Albion Dockside Estate,
Hanover Place, Bristol, BS1 6UT
This 6 week course is ideally suited to performers and performing arts practitioners looking to develop puppetry manipulation skills as part of their performing skillset. Starting from first principles participants will receive a grounding in the skills and knowledge that ensure that they are performing through an object rather than acting with a puppet. Ideally suited to those working in physical theatre, dance, outdoor arts, cabaret etc, this course will focus on some of the different techniques required to truly bring the inanimate to life. Participants will develop skills in object manipulation, multi-operated tabletop puppets and specific techniques in lip syncing, maintaining sight-line and breath.
Please note, places are strictly limited to so we advise early booking!
This course will be led by Corina Bona. Corina has been working as a puppeteer and maker since 2008. Corina currently spends most of her time teaching and passing on puppetry skills to young and old, amateurs and professionals. Her last major show was Detective O in 2015 at The Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol Old Vic Theatre and Shambala Festival. She regularly curates and manages the Smoking Puppet Cabaret which has a tent at Shambala festival and a regular residency at The Wardrobe Theatre.
£150
Puppetry Design and Fabrication Course – SOLD OUT
21 Sep-26 Oct (Weds) 6.30-8.30pm, 29 Oct (Sat) 10am-4pm
Ages 18+
Unit 18 Albion Dockside Estate
Hanover Place, Bristol, BS1 6UT
This 6 week evening course will focus on the design and build process of an articulated tabletop puppet.
The first session will focus on the performance qualities of materials, objects and puppets: building an appreciation of the relationship between the human operator and puppet in “bringing the inanimate to life”. Starting from these first principles, participants will then design and build their own puppet, learning skills of joint making and appropriate use of materials and tools along the way. At the end, Participants will then have the opportunity to participate in a day long performance workshop with their puppets to discover how to bring them to life: their range of movement and character.
This course will take place in Puppet Place’s fabrication studio and rehearsal studio. Participants will also be introduced to the range of tools that are the “musts” for any serious puppet maker.
The fee includes all materials and use of tools.
Please note places on this course are strictly limited to 9 people, so early booking is advised!
This course will be led by Emma Powell. Emma is an experienced workshop leader and expert puppet builder. She regularly works with Pickled Image, Wattle & Daub, Open Attic and Green Ginger
www.emmapowell.com
(picture by Isla Molleson, Pickled Image Studio Space)
If you would like to go on the reserve list for future courses of this kind please email rachel@puppetplace.org
£185
Creative Cafe with Chris Pirie
29 September (Thurs) 7.30pm
Ages 18+
Unit 18 Albion Dockside Estate,
Hanover Place, Bristol, BS1 6UT
Join us for the next Creative Cafe, our bi-monthly space where we share some of the ideas and projects percolating among Puppet Place’s Resident Artist community. In September, Chris Pirie of world-renowned Green Ginger and Co-Producer of Bristol Festival of Puppetry will be talking about his influences, passions and the practical lessons he has learned over his 30 year career in theatre and puppetry. Chris will also share his insights about the past, present and future of puppetry as a cultural and creative industry in this country.
An opportunity to spend time with a master of his craft, telling his story in his own words- one not to miss
Creative Cafe is curated by the Puppet Place community.
More information here
The next Creative Cafe will be on 10 November
Places are limited, so please do book early.
(image by Adam DJ Laity, Green Ginger’s Outpost)
£3
FROM OBJECT TO PUPPET – WEEKEND INTENSIVE
15-16 Oct (Sat-Sun) 11am-5pm
Ages 18+
Unit 18 Albion Dockside Estate
Hanover Place, Bristol, BS1 6UT
An intensive weekend version of our 6 week performance course.
Starting from first principles participants will receive a grounding in the skills and knowledge that ensure that they are performing through an object rather than acting with a puppet. Ideally suited to those working in physical theatre, dance, outdoor arts, cabaret etc, this weekend intensive will focus on some of the different techniques required to truly bring the inanimate to life. Participants will develop skills in object manipulation, multi-operated tabletop puppets and specific techniques in lip syncing, maintaining sight-line and breath.
Please note, places are strictly limited to so we advise early booking! Lunch is included.
This course will be led by Corina Bona. Corina has been working as a puppeteer and maker since 2008. Corina currently spends most of her time teaching and passing on puppetry skills to young and old, amateurs and professionals. She regularly curates and manages the Smoking Puppet Cabaret which has a tent at Shambala festival and a regular residency at The Wardrobe Theatre.
£110
