The Rumpelstiltskin Society
presents

PuppetFest MidWest
July 5-10, 2011

at
North Central Missouri College &
Grundy County Jewett Norris Library
Trenton, Missouri

MARIONETTE DESIGN ON PAPER

The goal of this workshop shall be to explore the structure and dynamic of the basic marionette figure, to reveal basic jointing and animation choices, and to learn how to transfer those choices to paper in a drafted design that yields precise patterns.

This workshop will cover the basics of marionette design including body structure, jointing, and stringing. Each participant will take the concept for their marionette character from initial idea and mental visualization to a complete drafted drawing with patterns. Although various construction techniques will be discussed, and debated, no 3-dimensional construction work will be attempted in this workshop. The focus is on helping the puppeteer to think in 3-dimensional terms while plotting and drafting the marionette form and joints on paper. (Due to space limitations, designs will be limited to marionettes 30 inches tall or smaller)

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Each participant is asked to bring an idea for a marionette character (with magazine photos, etc. for inspiration & ideas of appearance)

MATERIALS FEE: $5

Maximum number of participants: 12


Note: workshops are not open to the public. You must be registered for the entire festival to attend.

Philip Huber
The Huber Marionettes

In 1980 Phillip Huber and David Alexander collaborated to form The Huber Marionettes. Since that time, their highly sophisticated, visually oriented, marionette review has received enthusiastic acclaim worldwide. There is no language barrier here. The universality of their work for stage, television, and film is apparent and their performances have been highly-praised by audiences and critics alike.

The term "puppet", or in this case "marionette", conjures preconceived images which have little to do with The Huber Marionettes. This company has always had a primary appeal for adult audiences. Phillip Huber's manipulation is the key to their success. In a series of variety vignettes, he reveals incredibly compelling characters of humor, pathos, drama and grace. Fantasy is imbued with a sense of reality. These are not performances of grand spectacle, but rather ones employing subtle artistry to touch the innocence within us all ..... an entertainment that makes you "smile with your heart" .