Aim

For you to finish your puppet, learn to operate it and devise a performance.
A week for anyone who has a finished or nearly finished puppet to adjust, paint, wig and costume, learn to operate and get the most from their puppet…. and then devise a short performance and try it out.
You will be guided through fine-tuning of your puppet, learning its strengths, how to operate it and then how to devise and stage a short performance.
You will be able to work on your own performance and work with others to make an ensemble piece.
The week will be planned to suit your needs.
The days will be as intensive or relaxed as you choose to make them..... there will be beginners and experienced people... but by keeping the numbers down to 10 at most, individual needs, level of skill, aim and speed-of-working will be will be catered for.
This is a course for adults: not for anyone under 18 years old.
Aspects that will be covered
Painting, wig making, stringing or adding rods. Design and making of costumes: fabric selection, dying, pattern making, and sowing. Refining movement. Operating skills. Devising a short performance. Planning the puppet's stage or environment. Lighting and scenery considerations. Working as a solo performer and as part of a team. Audiences. Music and dialogue. Performing.
Method
This is a highly practical course, driven by individual's needs.
Some of the time you will work on your own with one-to-one tuition. Some work with be in a group. Each person will "do their own thing"… so you will see many ways of working.
I will ask you to let me know, before the week, what puppet you will be bringing, what its costuming and hair needs are, whether it needs music etc… so I can prepare as much as possible in advance.
We will have examples of PuppetCraft's beautiful puppets, and we will have access to lighting and sound equipment. Materials will be on hand to make "instant" props, puppets, scenery and stages. We will have a musician join us to add live music.
What you will achieve
* a finished, finely tuned puppet
* skill to get the best movement from your puppet
* a short puppet performance
You will also
* gain knowledge of different ways of presenting different puppet types
* experiment with your puppet with music and voice
* have a good time!

At Dartington, Devon, in a venue still be confirmed, in the grounds of the famous Dartington Hall Estate. We will try out some of your work in front of an invited audience… or maybe go busking! (If you do not want to perform in front of an audience we can capture your performance on video.)
John Roberts, artistic director of PuppetCraft, is a hugely experienced puppet-theatre-maker and course leader… having run courses every year since 1980 and set up his own touring puppet company in 1990. He taught puppetry at Dartington College of Arts for 10 years, and in Sweden, South Africa and Zimbabwe. His puppets are some of the finest in Britain. Recent work has included making marionettes for The Royal Shakespeare Company, and directing a new production for The Little Angel Theatre, written by the Children's Poet Laureate, Michael Rosen.
Sue Field has worked with PuppetCraft for 13 years - hand-dyed , quilting and texturing fabrics to make inventive costumes and scenery, contributing to PuppetCraft's unique look. She shares her textile, puppet structure techniques, indigo dying and story-blankets in workshops for adults and children.

Provided
Tools, fabric, thread, paint and other odds and ends will be supplied.
If you have very large or expensive costuming needs an extra cost may be charged to cover extra materials.
Tea, coffee, juice and biscuits will be provided.

Timetable:
First day: Sunday: Start at 1pm. End 6pm.
Monday : Start 9.30am to 5.30pm.
Tuesday : Start 9.30am to 5.30pm. Evening session for those who want to work on: 7 to 9pm.
Wednesday : Start 9.30am to 5.30pm.
Thursday : Start 9.30am to 5.30pm. Evening session for those who want to work on: 7 to 9pm.
Friday : Start 9am to 1pm.

Travel and accommodation
At Dartington Estate, near Totnes, Devon. Venue to be confirmed.
About 2 miles from Totnes which is on the main line train from London (3 Hours).
A taxi from Totnes station costs about £9.
Accommodation is available at many B+B's. Typically a single costs from £30 to £60 per night.
For possible accommodation contact the Totnes Tourist Information on 01803 863168 www.totnesinformation.co.uk
Ask for a booklet/list to be sent to you. If you do not have your own transport, book accommodation that is near Dartington, or on the X80 bus route. Do make accommodation enquires as early as possible, as this is the high season!
A room at a family home: some friends may have a room or two available…. Details if required.
Camping and Caravanning: Please contact me for details.
Food (not included): There are pubs and shops within a short walk.
Sight seeing and entertainment. You will be 15 minutes drive from Dartmoor, 20 minutes from beaches, 2 minutes from an excellent cinema on the Dartington Hall Estate.

Cost: Course fees £280.
This includes materials and use of tools and equipment. Accommodation and food is not included.
Please book as soon as possible, as I need 5 bookings before I can secure the studio space.
The course may be cancelled if less than 5 people apply, or due to unforeseen events.... .....illness of tutor etc - then naturally your payment, including deposit will be fully refunded.