So, an internship with a puppet making company.
When I got the idea that I would like to get a bit more of an insight into the world of puppetry I really had no idea what an extensive world it was. I applied to this company called Lemony S (nothing to do with Lemony Snicket) and received an enthusiastic reply to my enquiry. Jacob Williams and Sarah Kriegler were just about to start developing a work that was going to go around schools in July, this year, so my enquiry came at a very opportune time.
It's been wonderful to be involved from the start of the build as I have observed how the storytelling has come to life. Starting with a discussion over a storyboard I then went on to cut out heads from wood, made papier mache, painted backdrops, stitched tiny t-shirts and shorts and am now developing a pop-up book.
On my first day we went to see another companies street performance piece. There were rod, muppet and giant puppets, suitcases and bicycles, Catchy songs had been written by Enio Pozzebon and sung with his partner Trina Gaskell, a skilled puppet maker. It was a half hour of fun and surprise and I found myself humming the songs for a couple of days after.
Jacob put me onto a podcast called Talking Sock, hosted by Pete Davidson, which has over two years worth of monthly interviews with successful and inspirational people in the puppet industry. It's been a real eye-opener. This is still a thriving art-form which is not just for the entertainment of children.
I have another month with this internship and I will write more as it draws to an end.
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