The workshop program for 2019 will have an emphasis on programs that represent the diverse skills and interests of Puppeteers of America members. Workshop selection and management will be handled by a committee. This provides an opportunity for diverse representation among workshop selections and also disperses the workload to several individuals at the festival site. Each committee with have a chairperson and 4 committee members. The committee is encouraging workshops that include hands-on creation, skill development, interactive discussions, lectures and demonstrations. Workshops with an academic or scholarly focus as well as workshops in related arts fields such as doll making and illustration are welcomed. Successful workshops are those in which participants come away with a new or improved applicable skill, insight and/or inspiration.
Workshops can include, but are not limited to:
- Puppet construction
- Construction technique (materials application, tools, processes, etc.)
- Design (puppets, sets, costumes, etc.)
- Performance
- Writing
- Sound and lighting production
- Show production
- Film making
- Technology
- Business
- Marketing
- Teaching techniques
The 2019 Festival will offer workshops from 9am-12pm, Wednesday, July 17th thru Saturday, July 21st. Each day will be comprised of two 90-minute sessions, with a 15-minute break between workshop slots 9:00-10:30am and 10:45-12:15pm. Although not guaranteed, we will entertain applications for full day intensive pre-conference workshops for Monday July 15 & Tuesday July 16. These intensives will provide the opportunity for workshop leaders and participants to work more in-depth.
Potential workshop presenters generally have extensive experience in puppetry, as well as expertise in related or parallel professions that can be of great value to puppeteers. Please consider all of your specialties. Parallel professions include (but are not limited to), music, acting, writing, dance, teaching, finance, design and technology. If you have several high-level skills, feel free to submit more than one workshop proposal. Unsure of your workshop idea and need a little feedback? Send a brief inquiry to Workshop Committee Chair Lisa Sturz at festworkshopdir@puppeteers.org prior to applying.