Finding the Life: Puppetry Fundamentals for the Working Actor

Finding the Life: Puppetry Fundamentals for the Working Actor.
Many professional actors find themselves cast in puppetry roles with little more than good instincts to guide them. Imagine having the skills and know-how to walk into any puppetry situation, make it work, and make it look good.
This five-day intensive gives you the foundational principles that turn capable into skilled. Participants will be introduced to four distinct forms of puppetry – object, bunraku-style, arm and rod, and marionette – build a basic puppet in each form, and learn to bring an object to life.
The work is rooted not in choreography, but in understanding: how does this object breathe, how does it want to move, and what draws its curiosity?
Each day closes with material that feeds into a final sharing on Day 5.
Optional Extension:
An optional Saturday extension invites local participants and those with an appetite for large-scale work to explore parade puppetry. These puppets will find their way into the Annie and Mary Day Parade on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
Instructor:
Rebekah Lane
Who Should Apply:
Professional actors at any stage of their puppetry journey – especially those with a background or interest in dance, physical theatre, or object work. No puppetry experience required. No prerequisites.
Schedule:
August 3 – 7 | Workshop 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Optional extension: August 8 (parade puppets) & August 9 (Annie and Mary Day Parade)
30+ hours of instruction time.
Tuition:
$496 – 20% off for Festival Pass Holders
$527 – 15% off Early Bird Tuition (by July 30)
$620 – Full Tuition
A $100 deposit secures your spot.
Begin Your Application Today. Scholarships available up to 50% off.