The aim of the course is to introduce you to the world of shadow theatre and puppetry. Immediate, unpretentious and magical, it is an ancient yet evolving tradition.

By the end of the course, you should have:

• Learnt how to construct a miniature theatre of your own
• Designed and made a small number of shadow puppets and a simple set for your own scenario
• Begun the process of bringing your puppets to life through performance and interactive sounds

A wide range of puppet forms will be demonstrated, and you will be shown how to make a simple suitcase theatre of your own. You will learn how to construct and perform moving puppets for a short scenario within a simple set.

You will work individually, receiving tutorial support and meeting together for group discussion. There will be several demonstrations of techniques, accompanied by a wide variety of samples and examples for reference.

On the introductory evening, shadow films by the tutor and the German animator, Lotte Reiniger, whose work celebrates shadow, will be shown, in order to widen understanding of the potential of the medium.

On the next evening, the tutor will show scenes from her live puppet show.

On the final day, you will be invited to show your puppets performing in action for the group and to film these sequences for each other on a mobile phone.

Course outline First Evening:

• Introduction to the course and to the art of shadow puppetry. The tutor will bring and demonstrate a shadow suitcase theatre with a group of puppets
• Two short shadow films will be shown

Day 1:

• Demonstration of how to make shadow puppets and shadow effects. Outline of shadow theatre construction
• Learning to make a shadow puppet with moving parts, and how to manipulate it on a theatre screen
• The option to add a second character to interact with the first, and draw up a simple storyboard and develop a short action sequence

Evening:

• The tutor will perform scenes from her live puppet show and you will be invited “backstage” afterwards to ask questions about performance and technique

Day 2 :

• You will further develop your scenario, then perform your short sequence to the group. Option to record the action for each other in mini video form if you wish

Included

Glue guns are provided for use during the course, along with glue sticks, coloured transparent plastic sheet, magnetic strip, thin dowelling, card, gaffer tape, sticky tape and felt.

What students need to bring

Preparation: Bring a very short story idea

Tools and Materials:

• Your drawing book, pencil, ruler
• Sharp scissors
• Scalpel or craft knife
• A sewing needle and strong thread
• A mobile phone which can record a basic video (to record shadows in action) - optional

Available to buy

Available from shop: A good variety of art materials, craft knives or scalpels, clear sticky tape, pencils, tracing paper and cartridge paper

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Please wear comfortable clothes.

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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