Center for Puppetry Arts to Host Series of Workshops, Beginning Tomorrow

A landmark in Atlanta for almost 36 years, the Center for Puppetry Arts serves as both an entertainment venue and an educational center, inspiring learners of all ages through performances, exhibits and workshops. For individuals eager to expand their knowledge and practice of the craft of puppetry, the Explore Puppetry Series is a hands-on opportunity to engage within classroom environments, as well as through recorded playback sessions and live webinars on select workshops (check website for digital component availability). All workshops in the series with the exception of the International Puppetry Celebration are appropriate for ages 16 and up.

Discovering Puppetry with Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia Wednesday, August 13 (7-8:30 p.m.)

A workshop focused on hands-on manipulation methods and puppetry styles employed by the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, beginner to intermediate puppeteers are welcome. The company is also performing "The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites" at the Center, August 5-17.

International Puppetry Celebration Sunday, September 28 (5-6:30 p.m.)

Back by popular demand after a sold-out workshop in 2013! A family workshop for all ages and levels, this hands-on demonstration offers plenty of opportunities for participation and play as the Center's education staff present puppetry traditions from cultures all over the world.

Puppetry in Independent Film Monday, October 13 (7-9 p.m.)

Participants will be educated on the "who, what, where, when, why" of using puppetry in film making. A combination of lecture and demo, some puppetry and/or film experience is suggested. Led by Atlanta's own New Puppet Order, an innovative, respected and prolific company dedicated to producing innovative, mature and experimental motion pictures that involve the use of puppetry.

Creative Collaboration Tuesday, November 4 (7-8:30 p.m.)

The sibling trio known as the Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers will present a behind-the-scenes show-and-tell panel as they elaborate on their creative collaboration process. A lecture and demo combination, beginners are welcome. The troupe will also perform their audience favorite "The Headless Horseman of Silly Hollow" at the Center, October 28- November 9.

Stick-em Up! An Introduction to Rod Puppetry Monday, Jan. 5, 2015 (7-9 p.m.)

Paul Mesner Puppets of Kansas City, Mo., presents this hands-on workshop in which participants will learn the art of rod-puppet manipulation, as well as basic construction ideas. This workshop is recommended for intermediate to advanced levels. The company also performs "The Stinky Cheese Man" at the Center, Dec. 30, 2014 - Jan. 11, 2015.

Puppetry in Antiquity Monday, Feb. 23, 2015 (7-8:30 p.m.)

A lecture for beginners and beyond, participants will join the Center's resident puppet builder Jason von Hinezmeyer for an energetic discussion and debate on ancient puppetry and the evolution of this art form.

Timeslips: A Story Circle Workshop Wednesday, March 18, 2015 (7-9 p.m.) For individuals interested in the art of storytelling, this workshop digs deep into the creative process. Sandglass Theater of Putney, Vt., will take participants through a collective story-making process called Timeslips. Beginners to advanced level learners are welcome, along with artists, arts educators and senior caregivers. March 20-22, 2015, Sandglass Theater will also perform "D-Generation: An Exaltation of Larks," based on Timeslips workshops with dementia patients.

Story to Stage: Adaptation for Puppet Theatre Monday, March 30, 2015 (7-9 p.m.)

Tears of Joy Theatre of Portland, Ore., will teach intermediate to advanced level participants how to choose a story to adapt to puppet theater. A triple combination of lecture, demo and hands-on experience, participants will be taken through the process of scripting, puppet creation, making tour-friendly sets and more. Tears of Joy Theatre will also perform "Stellaluna" March 24- April 4, 2015.

2D Illustration for Puppet Design Monday, May 4, 2015 (7-9 p.m.)

Center puppeteer and artist Jeffrey Zwartjes will demonstrate the process of designing puppets on paper (or digitally) as a precursor to building 3D characters. Recommended for all levels.