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"Learn to Carve a Wooden Puppet."

At the Boo, Horse + Bamboo

20th to 24th July 2009

Masterclass by John Roberts

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Comments about past courses:
"Brilliant.! Thoroughly enjoyable."
"Loved every minute. Exactly what I wanted. Exceeded expectations."
"The most enjoyable course I've done…Relaxed, fun and very clear. This man knows his onions!"

See photos from past workshops

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Aim
For you to learn how to make carved a wooden puppet.
The week is planned to suit your needs.
The days will be as intensive or relaxed as you choose to make it..... there will be beginners and experienced makers... individual needs will be catered for.
Each person's level of skill, aim and speed-of-working can be accommodated. You could aim to make a complete puppet ... which is a lot to do within the week... or you can work at a more leisurely pace. You should at least go away with all the bits and knowledge to complete a truly unique and beautiful puppet.
This is a course for adults: not for anyone under 18 years old.

Aspects that will be covered:
Design of a puppet; Safe handling of tools; Working with wood; Sharpening the chisels; Construction techniques that produce a puppet that really works!

At the Boo, Horse + Bamboo Theatre Space, 679 Bacup Road, Waterfoot, Lancashire, BB4 7HB.
General office number here is 01706 220241. The masterclasses are part of our Summer Festival of Puppetry.

Method.
The methods used are versatile, fast and require minimum tools or equipment...... you can use this method without the need for a bench, vice or electrical tools.... using only a sturdy table and some hand tools.
It is unique combination of Chinese and European puppet techniques.
i.e. Freehand carving using very fine chisels is done in China with no pre-design or cutting out of the wood. John has combined this very fast technique with the more considered method used throughout Europe - designing a puppet first on paper.... transferring this to the wood .... using a bandsaw to cut accurate profiles before carving begins.
All tools will be provided. Some specialist tools will be available for sale at the end of the week.

John Roberts must be one of the most experienced course leaders in Europe having run carving courses every year since 1980 and the ONLY non-Chinese person to learn traditional Chinese string puppet secrets during 7 months study in China. He has run workshops, internationally - in Sweden, Zimbabwe, America and Japan. His puppets are some of the finest in Britain. He worked for The Little Angel Puppet Theatre for 10 years, has made work for the RSC, Brandenburg Theatre Orchestra, Opera North, Film and TV including the recent hit advert of Brains. John set up his own touring puppet company PuppetCraft in 1990.

Provided:
All tools, wood and other odds and ends will be supplied.
Tea and coffee and juice will be provided.

Time table:
Monday to Friday: 10am to 5.30pm.
Plus Tuesday and Thursday evening sessions for those who want to work on: 7pm to 9pm.

Accommodation: a list of local accommodation can be provided.

Food. There is a kitchen with a fridge and microwave at the workshop, and a supermarket nearby.

Cost:£325
Contact Emma Porter: emma@horseandbamboo.org
Direct number is 01706 242946.
This includes all materials and use of tools. Accommodation and food is not included.