FACTSHEET PRODUCED BY CREATIVE AND CULTURAL SKILLS AND EQUITY
Puppeteers - Theatre and Live Work
Puppeteers bring inanimate objects to life in order to make them perform and interpret scripts with the same degree of integrity as Actors. They work with a variety of different puppets, including hand puppets, stringed puppets (marionettes), puppets that are life size - or bigger, animatronics, etc. To make the puppets more believable, there is usually a subtle element of caricature in their performance; it is an interactive process, which also requires the audience to use their imagination to bring the puppets to life. Most Puppeteers are expected to be able to work across all the disciplines of Film, Television and Theatre.
When working on stage, Puppeteers need to demonstrate their mastery of the physical aspects of their craft; the puppets' every movement is seen by the audience, there are no second takes, as there are in film or television work. They must also be aware that different audiences may react differently to the same scene, and Puppeteers must be able to adapt their performance according to the audience reaction, while staying true to their puppets' character and to the script. Some Puppeteers also make their own puppets.
The work
Productions can make enormous demands on Puppeteers. They are often required to cope with poor physical conditions, including working in various strange positions on, under or above the stage, whilst also being able to operate a variety of puppets, irrespective of how well or badly they have been made. They must be able to deliver scripted dialogue, in character, while coping with puppets that are frequently unwieldy. They may have to cope with unusual situations, and Production personnel may not understand what is involved in the Puppeteers' role; as they are often out of sight, they may be forgotten about until something goes wrong. Puppeteers should be able to explain, quietly and calmly about any actual, or potential problems, so that they can be resolved, e.g., while it is simple to ask an Actor to walk across the set and pick up a coffee cup, the same action with a puppet can involve a huge amount of planning. They must be able to contribute ideas and suggestions to improve their own performance, in a creative and collaborative way, whilst also being able to take direction and constructive criticism from members of the Directing team. They must remember their exact positions and movements at any given time during the performance, to ensure that the production runs smoothly. If they are involved in a touring production, this may involve additional rehearsals at each new venue.
In animatronics, Puppeteers may work closely with a team of special effects technicians, for whom performance is not always a priority. This relationship can benefit both sides, as they can learn from one another's techniques, strengths and weaknesses. Puppeteers must arrive at the theatre at least an hour before each performance, and often work six days a week, with two performances on certain days. This requires stamina and resilience, and the ability to commit to, sometimes lengthy, contracts. Puppeteers may work in other performance areas in order to supplement their income.
Typical career routes
Puppeteers come from a variety of backgrounds, and it is difficult to pinpoint any specific career route. However, many start their careers acting in children's theatre, and develop an interest in working with puppets. This is a specialised area, involving a relatively small group of performers. There are no guarantees of work, or of work progression, for Puppeteers.
Essential knowledge and skills
Puppeteers must be aware of the strengths, and limitations, of their puppets, in order to cope with unplanned or unscripted occurrences, especially when working in live theatre. The work can be physically demanding, and requires stamina and resilience, as Puppeteers may have to work in cramped or uncomfortable positions, and often in the dark, for long periods of time, while maintaining their motivation and characterisation. They should be able to communicate openly at all times with other team members, and must be resourceful and constructive.
While Puppeteers' essential skills are the same as those of Actors, Puppeteers must also be able to channel their characters into the inanimate Puppet on the stage. As Puppeteers may be expected to operate more than one puppet in a production, a wide range of vocal skills is required in order to change gender and accent whenever necessary. Puppeteers must be aware of the professional etiquette and traditions of working in theatre. They should be aware of Health and Safety issues, and ensure that their actions do not constitute a risk to themselves or to others.
Training and qualifications
Conventional drama training is a good starting point for anyone wishing to work with puppets, whether in theatre, film, or television. The basic disciplines taught are the necessary ones: a knowledge of script and performance, an ability to use physicality to express character, a versatile voice. Some drama schools offer Puppetry courses, which emphasise the requirements for working in the theatre, and for design and solo work. Most Puppeteers in Theatre acquire the relevant skills on the job, and continue to learn throughout their careers. Some courses also include puppet making techniques, and students may go on to specialise in puppet making rather than performance.
Where to go for more information
CC Skills is the Sector Skills Council for the Creative and Cultural Industries. For information about training and professional qualifications, visit the website www.ccskills.org.uk T. 020 7089 5866
Equity is the trade union representing artists across the whole spectrum of arts and entertainment, and offers representation, specialist knowledge and advice for its members and student members on work in Theatre and other Live Performance. T: 020 7379 6000. www.equity.org.uk
www.puppeteersuk.com advertises work opportunities, and information and networking opportunities for Puppeteers, and those interested in puppeteering.
National Council for Drama Training, NCDT. www.ncdt.co.uk T: 020 7387 3650
The Conference of Drama Schools www.drama.ac.uk provides information about the UK's 21 leading Drama Schools.
The Stage newspaper is the entertainment trade weekly. Recruitment advertisements, useful links, and 'how to guides', such as finding an agent or drama school, are on its website www.thestage.co.uk
Contacts is published annually by The Spotlight, and provides details of all aspects of the entertainment industry. www.spotlight.com