Introduction to Puppetry Arts

Introduction to Puppetry Arts shares the history, cultures, and traditions surrounding the ancient performance art of puppetry, along with an overview of puppet construction and performance techniques used around the world.

From its earliest beginnings in the ancient Middle East and Asia, through its representations in Medieval/Renaissance Europe, up until its modern-day appearances in theatre, television, and film, this book offers a thorough overview of how this fascinating art form originated and evolved. It also includes easy-to-follow instructions on how to create puppets for performance and display and an in-depth resource list and bibliography for further research and information.

Written for students in puppetry arts and stagecraft courses, Introduction to Puppetry Arts offers a comprehensive look at this enduring craft and provides a starting point for creating a wide range of puppets, from marionettes and hand puppets to mascots and character costumes.

1. A Brief History of Puppetry 2. Rod Puppets 3. Hand Puppets 4. Marionettes 5. Parade/Pageant Puppets 6. Shadow Puppets 7. Mascots/Character Costumes

Cheralyn L. Lambeth is a professional puppet, prop, and costume builder whose work includes feature films (The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Patriot, Evan Almighty, The Hunger Games), television programs (Dinosaurs!, Homeland, Outcast), and live/interactive properties (Sesame Street Live!, Star Trek: The Experience, Avenue Q, Sir Purr for the Carolina Panthers NFL team). She is also the author of The Well-Dressed Puppet: A Guide to Creating Puppet Costumes (Routledge, 2015) and Creating the Character Costume: Tools, Tips, and Talks with Top Costumers and Cosplayers (Routledge, 2017).