Puppet Certification: How to Validate Your Puppet Skills and Knowledge
Introduction
A puppet is an object that resembles a human, animal, or mythical figure, that is animated or manipulated by a person called a puppeteer. Puppetry is the art or practice of using puppets in a theatrical show. Puppetry is one of the oldest forms of entertainment and storytelling in the world. It has been used for various purposes such as education, religion, politics, comedy, and drama. Puppetry can be found in almost every culture and region across the globe. There are many different types of puppets that have been developed over time. Some of the most common types are hand or glove puppets, rod puppets, marionettes or string puppets, shadow puppets, ventriloquist puppets or dummies, and finger puppets. Each type of puppet has its own characteristics, advantages, and challenges. Playing with puppets is not only fun, but also beneficial for children and adults alike. Puppets can help develop various skills such as language, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills. Puppets can also stimulate creativity, imagination, and expression. Puppets can be used as tools for learning, teaching, therapy, and entertainment. In this article, we will explore the history, types, and benefits of puppetry. We will also provide some examples of famous puppets and puppet shows from around the world. We hope that by the end of this article, you will have a better understanding and appreciation of puppetry as an art form and a hobby. History of puppets
Puppetry is one of the oldest forms of entertainment and storytelling in the world. The origins of puppetry can be traced back to ancient times, when people used dolls, masks, and shadows to represent gods, spirits, ancestors, heroes, and animals. Puppetry was also used for religious rituals, ceremonies, festivals, and celebrations. Puppetry developed differently in different cultures and regions. Some of the earliest evidence of puppetry can be found in Egypt, India, China, Greece, Rome, and Mesopotamia. Puppetry flourished in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance in Europe, where it was used for morality plays, comedies, and satires. Puppetry also spread to other parts of the world such as Africa, America, Australia, and Oceania. Some of the most famous puppet shows and characters in history are: - The Greek comedy writer Aristophanes used puppets in his plays in the 5th century BC. - The Roman poet Ovid wrote about a puppet show featuring the love story of Pygmalion and Galatea in his Metamorphoses in the 1st century AD. - The Chinese shadow puppetry is one of the oldest forms of puppetry in the world. It dates back to the Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD) and was used for entertainment and propaganda. - The Japanese bunraku is a form of puppet theater that combines puppets, music, and narration. It emerged in the 17th century and was influenced by Noh and Kabuki theater. - The Italian commedia dell'arte is a form of improvised comedy that uses stock characters and masks. It originated in the 16th century and influenced many puppet shows such as Pulcinella (later Punch) and Harlequin. - The British Punch and Judy show is a traditional puppet show that features a violent and humorous dialogue between a husband and wife. It originated in the 17th century and was inspired by the Italian commedia dell'arte. - The French Guignol show is a popular puppet show that features a witty and rebellious character named Guignol. It originated in the 19th century and was influenced by the social and political issues of the time. - The German Kasperl show is a humorous puppet show that features a clever and adventurous character named Kasperl. It originated in the 19th century and was influenced by the folk tales of the Brothers Grimm. - The American Sesame Street is a children's television program that uses puppets to teach educational and social values. It debuted in 1969 and was created by Jim Henson and his team of puppeteers. Modern trends and innovations in puppetry include: - The use of digital technology to create interactive and immersive puppet shows - The use of multimedia elements such as video projections, sound effects, and lighting to enhance the visual effects of puppet shows - The use of new materials such as foam, latex, silicone, plastic, metal, and recycled objects to create more realistic and expressive puppets - The use of new techniques such as animatronics, motion capture, robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence to animate puppets - The use of new genres such as horror, sci-fi, fantasy, musicals, documentaries, and biographies to tell stories with puppets - The use of new platforms such as online streaming services, social media, podcasts, and video games to showcase puppetry - The use of new audiences such as adults, teenagers, and minorities to appeal to diverse and inclusive tastes and preferences Types of puppets
There are many different types of puppets that have been developed over time. Each type of puppet has its own characteristics, advantages, and challenges. Some of the most common types are: Hand or glove puppets
Hand or glove puppets are puppets that fit over the hand of the puppeteer. The puppeteer uses their fingers to move the head and arms of the puppet, and their thumb to move the lower jaw or mouth. Hand puppets are usually made of fabric, felt, or foam. They can have eyes, noses, ears, hair, clothes, and accessories. Some examples of hand puppets are: - Punch and Judy: A traditional British puppet show that features a violent and humorous dialogue between a husband and wife. Punch is a hunchbacked, hook-nosed, and red-cheeked puppet who often hits Judy with a stick. Judy is a nagging and scolding puppet who often fights back with Punch. The show also includes other characters such as a policeman, a crocodile, a baby, and a devil. - Kermit the Frog: A green frog puppet who is the main character and host of The Muppet Show and Sesame Street. Kermit is a friendly, optimistic, and witty puppet who often acts as the leader and mediator of the other Muppets. Kermit is also known for his signature song "The Rainbow Connection" and his catchphrase "Hi-ho, Kermit the Frog here". - Elmo: A red furry monster puppet who is one of the most popular characters on Sesame Street. Elmo is a cheerful, curious, and playful puppet who loves to learn new things and make friends. Elmo is also known for his segment "Elmo's World" where he explores different topics with his pet fish Dorothy and his crayon-drawn friend Mr. Noodle. Rod puppets
Rod puppets are puppets that are controlled by rods attached to their limbs or body parts. The puppeteer holds the main rod that supports the head or torso of the puppet, and moves the other rods that manipulate the arms or legs of the puppet. Rod puppets can be made of wood, metal, plastic, or paper. Some examples of rod puppets are: - Wayang golek: A traditional Indonesian puppet show that uses wooden rod puppets to perform stories from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Wayang golek puppets have elaborate costumes, jewelry, and facial expressions. They are accompanied by a gamelan orchestra and a narrator called a dalang. - Pinocchio: A wooden rod puppet who is the main character of the classic Italian fairy tale by Carlo Collodi. Pinocchio is a naughty and mischievous puppet who wants to become a real boy. He is guided by his conscience Jiminy Cricket and his father Geppetto. He is also known for his nose that grows longer whenever he lies. - Lamb Chop: A white sock puppet who is the main character of the children's television show Lamb Chop's Play-Along. Lamb Chop is a cute, sassy, and witty puppet who loves to sing songs and tell jokes with her friends Charlie Horse and Hush Puppy. She is also known for her signature song "The Song That Doesn't End" and her catchphrase "This is Lamb Chop". Marionettes or string puppets
Marionettes or string puppets are puppets that are controlled by strings or wires attached to their limbs or body parts. The puppeteer holds a device called a control bar that supports the strings or wires, and moves it to manipulate the movements of the puppet. Marionettes can be made of wood, cloth, paper, or plastic. Some examples of marionettes are: - The Sound of Music: A musical film that features a scene where the von Trapp family performs a marionette show of the fairy tale "The Lonely Goatherd". The marionettes are dressed in traditional Austrian costumes and have expressive faces and gestures. They are accompanied by a song sung by Maria and the children. - Thunderbirds: A British science fiction television series that uses marionettes to portray the characters of the International Rescue organization. The marionettes are designed with realistic proportions and features, and have electronic mechanisms to control their eyes and mouths. They are also known as Supermarionation. - Team America: World Police: A comedy film that parodies action and spy movies using marionettes. The marionettes are modeled after celebrities, politicians, and terrorists, and have exaggerated expressions and movements. They are also involved in violent, sexual, and vulgar scenes. Shadow puppets
Shadow puppets are puppets that are made of flat materials such as leather, paper, or cardboard. They are cut out in shapes that represent characters or objects, and have joints or hinges to allow movement. The puppeteer holds the puppet between a light source and a screen, and creates shadows that project on the screen. Some examples of shadow puppets are: - Wayang kulit: A traditional Indonesian puppet show that uses leather shadow puppets to perform stories from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Wayang kulit puppets have intricate patterns and colors, and are decorated wit