Títeres, Puppets, Marionnettes, Bonecos, Ningyogeki, Dukketeater, Burattini, Loutkové Divadlo, Teatr Lalek, Dockteatern, Marioneta, Nukketeatteri, Bábszínház, Txotxongilo, Koukla, Teatterinukke, Aroosak, In-Hyeong, Kukla, Sogow, Pyped…

No matter how you say it, you’re talking about puppets! A great resource for finding a puppet company, puppeteers, performance troupe, or other puppet entertainers in your corner of the world is to check the Worldwide Directory of Puppet Companies at Takey’s Website - www.takey.com. Check it out!

I actually knew about this show when it was being filmed last summer, but I only had a chance to see a few episodes last weekend.  Wilbur is the newest puppet show that has been added to the CBC lineup.

The series is intended to teach 2- to 4- year-olds about reading and uses a combination of puppetry, 3D backgrounds and 2D animation.  The show actually uses “Shadowmation” the same technique that is used for “It’s A Big Big World“.

The puppets are really cool Bunraku style puppets that are performed by three puppeteers (per puppet) in blue outfits in front of blue screens.  The blue is later erased and a 3D environment is put in during post production.

I really liked the animation for this show.  Each episode has at least one story that is read and children have an opportunity to retell the story in their own words.  If you would like to see the show check out CBC’s current show schedule.

 

Here is another fantastic puppet offered by Jarrod Boutcher.  There are a lot of great character voices that could be done with this old man puppet.  I really like the little details, like the liver spots on the top of his head.  To see some video of this guy in action, just click on the picture link at the bottom of the Ebay page.  Enjoy.

The Red Festival in Toronto is a four day long event with over 300 performers celebrating artistic and cultural diversity. The 2nd Red Festival is being held in different locations throughout Toronto Canada. This year they are looking for 5 to 10 minute performance pieces of all diverse backgrounds; covering all different types of puppetry.

For all those interested please conduct the following:

• A 1 page description of the piece performed
• CV’s and bios of the artists involved
• Tech & Equipment needed
• Support (PR Material)
• Your name, phone number and a self-addressed envelope to send the support material back to you.

Mail them to:

GirlCanCreate: 88 Hallam Street, Toronto, Ontario. M6H 1W8  - Please no emails-

DEADLINE: Feb. 1st/07 

Carmelo Hernando has posted a new video trailer entitled “Isn’t All Play” on YouTube. We’ve mentioned Carmelo and El Gran Teatro de Maese Travieso before in this previous post.

Check out Carmelo’s website at www.hernandoshideaway.es.

Thanks for using the buzzline to keep us updated, Carmelo!

Don’t forget about the Copenhagen Puppet Festival in Denmark. It starts on the 7th of February and runs till the 11th.

The British are represented by 2 puppet companies, Pickled Image and The Garlic Theatre.

The full program of events include shadow, rod, marionette and hand puppets, as well as debates, films and talks. You can get more details from their website.

As a puppet builder I have learned a lot about the craft (or technical aspects), but I have learned even more about how to appreciate the art behind truly beautiful puppets. After one look at the puppets from Whatta Character!! I found yet another artist whose work I truly admire. Artist/puppet builder Dave Pavelonis has truly outdone himself with the wonderful and sometimes breathtaking (at least for me) puppets that he has built.

It must be noted that these puppets are truly works of art. Sculpted from a solid block of foam, each one if filled with personality and life. As a puppet builder who admires detailed puppets, just look at some of the detail on these guys. I can only imagine the hours that go into each puppet.

As an artist Dave has many abilities that he can put to use (should you need them). He is an illustrator as well as a sculptor.

Want to see these beautiful puppets in action? Simply click here to see Whatta Character’s video demo (please note this is a direct link to a quicktime file). You can also see one of the videos posted on You Tube by clicking here.

If you would like to find out more about Whatta Character!! drop Dave an email. He is a really nice guy and I am sure he would love to work with you on your next project.

I hope you have been as inspired by these puppets as I have. I feel like building right now.

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted last, but now I’m back and starting anew with this video I’ve found on YouTube. I haven’t been able to get any info on it, but it looks amazing! Enjoy for now, and I’ll post here again soon.

Link

I was looking at the local newspaper the other day and I found an ad for a wonderful adult oriented puppetry show.  It is called Cabaret U-Mano and from some of the clips I have seen it looks amazing.  I don’t have much time to go out and do fun things these days, but I am going to try to make it a point to see this show.  The show runs from January 16th to February 18th, 2007. 

For ticket information go to Diesel Playhouse or call 416-971-5656.

Great Small Works is a non-profit organization based in New York. They started in 1995, and perform using all types of artistic mediums including puppetry (giant and toy theatre). They receive countless awards and are backed by very nobel supporters. They are community driven, and provide workshops to school groups and other non-profit organizations. They have also announced their Eighth Annual Toy Theatre Festival running this Summer 2007 and ongoing performed Spaghetti Dinner theatres! Check out their amazing new website HERE!