Tutor: John Roberts
At: Dartington, Devon.
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Comments about past courses:
"Brilliant.! Thoroughly enjoyable."
"Loved every minute. Exactly what I wanted. Exceeded expectations."
"The most enjoyable course I've done…Relaxed, fun and very clear. This man knows his onions!"

See photos from past workshops

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Aim
For you to learn how to make a carved wooden puppet.

This year there will be a theme to each week:

Extra week:Carve a marionette. Work from prototype drawings of a male or female marionette, with the aim to have a fully working, "standard" string puppet by the end of the week. You can add your own individually to the face, hands and detailed shaping of the body, but the basic shape will be set, so as to get into carving as quickly as possible. Alternatively carve any type of wooden puppet of your own design!

Week 1: Human puppets. We will start by having a short life drawing session to remind us of what the human body looks like! Then you will design your own puppet to be close to life or as abstract as you like.
Week 2: Animal puppets. My recent work has included making a meerkat, elephant, snake, lion, and other animals, so have got a idea of ways of articulating wood for animal puppets.
Week 3: Any puppet all the way to performance. Design, make and perform your own puppet.

The days will be as intensive or relaxed as you choose to make it..... there will be beginners and experienced makers... but by keeping the numbers down to 7 at most - individual needs will be catered for.
Each person's level of skill, aim and speed-of-working can be accommodated. You could aim to make a complete puppet ... which is a lot to do within the week... or you can work at a more leisurely pace. You should at least go away with all the bits and knowledge to complete a truly unique and beautiful puppet. You are welcome to book more than one week.
This is a course for adults: not for anyone under 18 years old.

Aspects that will be covered:
Design of a puppet; Safe handling of tools; Working with wood; Sharpening the chisels; Construction techniques that produce a puppet that really works!

At Rudolf Steiner School, Dartington, in a light, workshop-studio space, set in the beautiful Devon country side.

Method.
The methods used are versatile, fast and require minimum tools or equipment...... you can use this method without the need for a bench, vice or electrical tools.... using only a sturdy table and some hand tools.
It is unique combination of Chinese and European puppet techniques.
i.e. Freehand carving using very fine chisels is done in China with no pre-design or cutting out of the wood. John has combined this very fast technique with the more considered method used throughout Europe - designing a puppet first on paper.... transferring this to the wood .... using a saw to cut accurate profiles before carving begins.
All tools will be provided. Some specialist tools will be available for sale at the end of the week.

For those doing week 3: we will add some work on music/voice and will then try out your puppet performance!

John Roberts must be one of the most experienced course leaders in Europe having run carving courses every year since 1980 and the ONLY non-Chinese person to learn traditional Chinese string puppet secrets during 7 months study in China. He has run workshops, internationally - in Sweden, Zimbabwe, America and Japan. His puppets are some of the finest in Britain.

Provided:
All tools, wood and other odds and ends will be supplied.
Tea and coffee and juice will be provided.

Time table:
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 till 8pm.
Wednesday : Start 9.30am to 5.30pm.
Thursday : Start 9.30am to 5.30pm. Evening session for those who want to work on till 8pm.
Friday : Start 9.30am to 5.30pm.
* For Week 3 only: Saturday 9am to 1pm

Where? Travel.
At: Rudolf Steiner School, Dartington, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6AB.
About 4 miles from Totnes which is on the main line train from London (3 hours) A taxi from Totnes station costs about £12.

Accommodation is available at many B+B's. Typically a single costs from £30 to £60 per night.
Do sort your accommodation as soon as you can as this is a busy time of year in Devon.
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 Staverton, or on the bus route between Totnes and Buckfast (Stagecoach bus route 88)..
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 5 minutes in a car.

Sight seeing and entertainment. You will be 15 minutes drive from Dartmoor, 45 minutes from beaches, 10 minutes from an excellent cinema on the Dartington Hall Estate, where there is also the Dartington International Summer School of Music.

Cost: Course fees:
Extra week: £325.
Week 1: £335.
Week 2: £335.
Week 3: £350. * this week is longer!

If you book two, three or four weeks, there is a reduced fee.... please ask.
This includes all materials and use of all tools. Accommodation and food is not included.

The course may be canceled 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.
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* Please book as soon as possible, as I need 5 bookings before I can secure the studio space.

Click here for a Booking Form

I look forward to hearing from you.
Look on my web site for more background of my work. www.puppetcraft.co.uk

John Roberts
PuppetCraft, 1 Venton Oak Cottages, Dartington, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6DW. Great Britain.
Tel: 01803-867778 e mail: john@puppetcraft.co.uk
Mobile: 07973 442253 international phoning: + 44 1803 867778

If these details do not suite you, please tell me what variations you would like. Please let me know what dates you would like a course.

The workshop space.