Puppetry Tips
1. If you ever find yourself having to do puppets in front of two year olds try this method:.
Bring the puppets out first to the two year olds before you perform. Let them touch them, if they will, and explain
to them that they are just dolls. You might even ask them to put their hand inside the puppet, as well. Have them
understand that they really don't come to life. If they are afraid to touch them, then it is recommended that they
don't watch the play. We don't want our children to believe in magic.
2. If you are putting your stage together with plastic pipes, try sewing velcro strips about six inches below the top of
the curtain, allowing room for the vertical pipes. This will make the curtain, faster and easier, to be put on. If you
sew the curtain horizontally six inches below the top of the curtain, then you end up having to slide the pipes
through the holes and that can take two or three people to put if together.
3. If you said or did something funny to make people laugh, go ahead and wait for the laughter to die down before
you continue with the play. Your next line may be too important for the audience to miss and your listeners will
feel like they are a part of your play.
4. For a better lip-synch, try looking a your puppets mouth as you perform. (Of course, you should have your
lines memorized for this, or you might lose your place on your script.) It is easier to lip-synch to music that
you already know, so during your singing time, watch your puppet's mouth. Also, practice in front of a mirror,
but if one is not available, watch your puppet's mouth as you sing a familiar song. (You can also do this with
just your hand, if you don't have a puppet nearby.)
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