#Puppetry museum to mcdonalds full#

Imagine you are watching a puppet show in which you see the puppets, but not the puppeteers. By the way, the term “puppets up!”, for which Almonte’s festival is named, is the director’s command to performers when it’s time to start a scene.ĥPuppet shows are “up close and personal” behind the scenes. Try this: grab a three-pound weight in your dominant hand, sit down in a chair, hold the weight above your head with your arm bent at a ninety-degree angle, and see how long it takes before your shoulder starts to ache. Still, one must be strong to hold them up. They are stunning, and about the same weight as “regular” puppets despite the material they’re made of. Almonte’s own master puppeteer, Noreen Young, uses latex to create her beautiful puppet characters. Puppeteers must be fit, flexible and strong - especially in the arm and shoulder that hold a hand puppet up in the air. For particularly tricky tasks, a second puppeteer might help by operating one of the puppet’s appendages.Ĥ Puppeteering is also physically challenging. In other words, both of the puppet’s appendages (whatever they may be) are operated with the puppeteer’s non-dominant hand. Two rods, each attached to one of the puppet’s arms, wings, hands or whatever, are manipulated with the puppeteer’s other hand to create gestures. Performing with a “rodded” hand puppet uses at least two hands, sometimes three! The puppet’s head and mouth (and eyes if they move too) are usually operated with the puppeteer’s dominant hand. This requires considerable acting ability.ģ Puppeteering demands masses of coordination and dexterity. Several of the Hound puppeteers will perform four separate roles. For example, nine puppeteers handling 26 different puppets will perform the Hound of the Basketballs (also not to be missed!). For example, many make their own puppets, and in any given show may perform several different characters using several different puppets, each with its own personality and distinctive voice. This show is not to be missed!Ģ Puppeteers tend to be multi-talented and multi-skilled. Burkett is an internationally recognized puppeteer and seats for the show will be limited. The Ronnie Burkett Show, which will be held the evening of Friday, August 12, also at the Almonte Old Town Hall, is likewise for mature audiences.

#Puppetry museum to mcdonalds full#

Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Basketballs, which is playing from May 12–15 at the Almonte Old Town Hall is a perfect example - it’s funny, irreverent, full of innuendo and definitely for adults only. But some shows are created specifically for adult audiences. To add to your enjoyment, here are some interesting facts about puppets, puppeteers and puppet shows:ġWe normally think of puppet shows being for kids. They’re colourful, comical, and kids of all ages love them. Everyone who has been to a puppet show knows how much fun they are. We’re delighted to be offering tickets through Tickets Please TicketsPlease.ca at “early blue jay prices”. 7 Things to Know About Puppet Shows - theHumm May 2022 By Susan Macaulayįolks in Mississippi Mills, and Almonte in particular, are excited about the resurrection of the Puppets Up! festival this summer from August 12–14.