A Puppet Designer & Maker is someone who designs, creates and dresses puppets. Puppetry is the art of making puppets and working with the Puppeteers to demonstrate how the puppet works. Puppets are small figures which are designed to be used by hand or by wire for the purpose of entertainment. Sometimes, the Puppet Designer may also take on the role of the Puppeteer as an Actor/Performer in the performance.
What are the main responsibilities of a Puppet Maker?
- Design and make puppets
- Create hand, string, rod and shadow puppets from materials such as wood, paper mache, styrofoam, wires, metal, and rubber
- Read scripts to learn about what the puppet needs to be able to do
- Move and control the puppets to animate them for an audience
- Study media for ideas that relate to stories, plays and seasonal themes
- Sew clothing for puppets by hand or machine
- Talk or sing during performances to give the illusion of voice to the puppets (if also performing)
What qualifications do I need to be a Puppet Maker?
There are no formal qualifications needed to become a Puppet Maker but a combination of artistic talent, craftsmanship, and technical skills is essential for success in the field. A Theatre and Performing Arts education can provide valuable knowledge. Internships and apprenticeships are a useful way to enter the industry.
Find opportunities to help you get into theatre here
What skills do I need to be a Puppet Maker?
- Understanding of the script and director’s expectations of the puppet
- The technical ability to create puppets
- Knowledge of varying materials
- Artistic ability
- Attention to detail
- Collaboration and communication
- Ability to speak in public
- Ability to think quickly around problems in performance
What does a career in puppet making look like?
Puppet Makers who are starting out may choose to begin with children’s parties or by taking their shows to festivals such as Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This will build on your experience and promote your shows. Some Puppet Makers might work with theatre companies or run their own. Puppet makers will often make puppets for shows that are for young audiences.
Ensure you keep a portfolio of all of your work to show to potential employers. Read our blog, ‘How to make a set design portfolio’ for some tips on how to best display your work.
How much does a Puppet Maker earn?
Most Puppet Makers work on a freelance basis and their salary can vary based on the requirement of a puppet. Some puppet makers will have an hourly rate or a daily rate, based on their level of expertise. View our What does an Actor/Performer do? blog for what a puppeteer or performer could earn. Some large scale shows that require Puppet Makers as part of the regular crew, can pay up to £850 per week.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
References:
https://bristololdvic.org.uk/blog/no-strings-attached-10-mins-with-sam-wilde-puppetry-designer
https://jobs.nationaltheatre.org.uk/job/puppet-technician-no-2-war-horse?source=google.com
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/puppet-designer-salary-SRCH_KO0,15.htm
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z6tgscw/revision/1
Updated: 6th June 2024
