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A Common Mistake to Avoid

I’ve had the privilege of observing many puppet teams over the years as a judge for a Teen’s Involved program. In this post, I’d like to talk about a common mistake I’ve seen over and over. The mistake involves using rod arm puppets where the puppet’s arm is held out during most of the program. The puppeteer understands the importance of using the arm rods, but simply holds the arm extended out and occasionally makes a move with it.

The problem is that it looks unnatural. People don’t walk around with their arm extended out all the time. They usually make a motion, drop their arm, later make another motion, drop their arm, etc. You should do the same with your puppet.

Before your program, attach a rod to each arm. Then, during the play, let the arms hang naturally. When it comes time to make a motion, pick up the rod, make the motion and then drop it down again. Do the same thing with the next motion and so on.

Don’t just use one arm, though, but vary the use of both arms. Use the right arm once or twice and then use the left. Mix it up back and forth, but try not to just alternate left arm, right arm, left arm, right arm, etc. That becomes too predictable and therefore does not look as natural. Most people are predominately left or right handed so you may want to use one arm more than the other in your motions. The goal is to make it look as natural as possible.

Watch how people use their hands and arms in normal conversation and then have your puppet apply those mannerisms. Your puppet will become more lifelike and the quality of your programs will increase.

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