Guide to Puppetry

it looks like kids’ stuff but it is not easy

Control Lip Sync

Control is a fundamental aspect of puppetry. Anyone Generally the puppets mouth should open
can wave a puppet around but a puppeteer is in full once for each syllable. Techniques for lip
control of their performance. Having subtleties in your sync will vary depending on the speed,
performance can truly bring a puppet to life. It is similar rhythm of the dialoged.
to acting; you can really draw an audience in when
Here are some things to keep in mind:
your performance is natural rather than overacting.
• Syllables
• Important beats
Eye Focus • Henson Punch
• Emphasizing words and phrases
This is especially important when multiple puppets
are in a scene together. To keep a scene looking
natural all puppets must have correct eye focus. Even
if one puppeteer is maintaining proper eye focus, the
Things to think about
other character would be distracting to the audience. when giving your puppet life
• Characterization
• Breathing (the puppet should inhale when you do)
Puppet Choreography • Thought & Focus
Puppet to the right, arms to the left and vice-versa. • Rhythm & Timing
• Lip Sync
• Movement
Ground • Proper body position
Giving a puppet ground is creating the illusion of • Arm rods
the character walking.

Tips If you get flustered

• Refocus and maintain control of your hand
• Put all of your performance into your hand • Do not be distracted if your lip sync is off.
• Drop your thumb to control lip sync Refocus and keep going.
• Puppet vibrato (do not abuse it)

w w w. a da m k r e u t i n g e r . c o m