How to Move a Puppet's Mouth

Puppets are not just for kids--they're for adults too. It sometimes takes an adult's dexterity to operate a puppet's mouth. Here is how to manipulate a moving-mouth puppet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Prop your arm on a relaxing surface to keep down arm fatigue.

2. Place the puppet on your dominant hand. The dominant hand is stronger and has better dexterity.

3. Begin to move your thumb up and down several times moving the puppet's mouth. Keep your hands in a "C" shape while moving only the thumb up and down. Notice how the puppet's mouth is now moving like a human might talk.

4. Watch the puppet and talk while the puppet's mouth moves. Try to get the puppet's mouthing in sync with your words. Watch your mouth movements in a mirror if you are having trouble.

5. Practice in front of an audience. Hide yourself from the audience and from your ability to see the puppet's mouth. Try to move your thumb in the up and down motion to the rhythm of the words. Videotape yourself and watch the video later. Review the video making corrections in your thumb movement and rhythm to best meet the puppet's character.

Tips & Warnings

• Move your thumb quicker and slower to accent words.
• Don't move your top four fingers to move the puppet's mouth. This raises the puppet's head and it does not look like a puppet is talking.