How to Do TV Show Puppeteering

When it comes to puppetry arts, puppet manipulation techniques used during stage performances are very different from the methods used to do TV show puppeteering. You need to be aware of many things all at once on the set when you do TV show puppeteering.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Be aware when you do TV show puppeteering that the camera closes in for some very tight, close-up shots of the characters. This is completely different from stage shows where you exaggerate the puppet's movements so everyone in the audience gets to see what a character is doing. When you do TV show puppeteering, the puppet's movements are much more natural and less exaggerated.

2. Learn how to work with monitors when you do TV show puppeteering. You need the monitors to see your performance as you work your puppets.

3. Hold your puppets above your head as you perform. Your elbow should almost be straight with a very slight bend.

4. Keep your head slightly tucked down so you can see the monitor and your puppet. Watch the monitor closely during the TV performance. Notice that when you move to the right, your puppet in the monitor moves to the left, and when you move to the left the puppet moves to the right.

5. Get used to following your puppeteering movements in a TV monitor by either setting up a video camera and plugging it into your TV, or setting up 2 mirrors so that 1 mirror shows the reflection of the other mirror. Continue to practice until you're familiar with the movements and how it translates to the TV.