Kitty, it really depends on happenstance and what kind of puppetry you
would
like to do. I have no degree in puppetry -- I have no degree at all. I
started my puppetry career with a Kids on the Block troupe locally. Kids
on
the Block is an international educational program using American bunraku
puppets to address a number of social and medical issues im****tant to
children and young people. You can find troupes all around. Most are
volunteer; I was lucky to be with a paying troupe. After five years with
them, I auditioned for Bits n' Pieces Puppet Theatre. Since I already had
lip sync experience and acting experience, I was hired by this
internationally touring company. I toured nationally with BnP for five
years and ended my touring contract in good standing in Eastern Europe.
Both of my experiences did not require me to be a puppet builder, though I
did pick up a lot of information and techniques as I was required to do
puppet maintenance and repair. And the experience with KOB and BnP did
put
me in a position where I could teach puppetry workshops. All of these
things can add to your resume to make you desirable to a puppet company.
One of the puppeteers I did summer work with toured with Bear in the Big
Blue House, and he also had no experience other than a love of puppetry.
I
hope this helps.
Dan Polson
Actor/Puppeteer
<KittyLu920@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:1110593200.527355.46500@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Do I need to have the intensive degree that is offered at UCONN to
> become a professional puppeteer? Enrollment in the program is strictly
> limited and therefore extremely competitive. I have to make a living in
> the meantime. I already have one degree in a non-related field and
> fear I lack the experience to even warrant an audition at UCONN.
>
> I performed with a World Premiere puppet show a few years back in
> Hartford, and just fell in love with it. I felt such a connection.
> I am also a singer, actress, and voice-over artist, I feel that adding
> the puppetry skill might be a feather in my cap. (Yes, I would love to
> be in "Avenue Q" someday!) However, I really can't study anywhere
> outside of Southern New England or the City.
>
> Long story short, can I start making professional quality puppets and
> performing with good companies after studying under some of these
> workshop-type places I see advertised? I just get leary of their
> credibility.
>
> Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
>
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