14 DAY TRIAL // Puppet shows need a lot of manual dexterity and excellent digit coordination, not to mention a significant multitasking ability. However, they also need very special puppets to work.
They need to be solid, you see, as well as heavy enough for gravity to find proper purchase on them. However, they also need to be very, very mobile.
To keep the art alive, a 3D artist by the name of Laurie Berenhaus has started a catalog of 3D printed puppet parts and joints.
Her goal is to preserve the tradition and history of puppet theaters and also to allow puppet artists to make their own creations through 3D printing.
Puppeteers can use her catalog and tools to put together their own creations. The joints fit standard PVC pipes, so puppets can be made in any size.
You can go to the BYOPuppet website to use the tools and models, or through the Shapeways Shop, since they've also been posted there.
Laurie has made a 25-inch tabletop rod puppet that can stand on its own two feet. It allows puppeteers to have as many articulated characters as they want on a stage and go from puppet to puppet during the show.
The video of it is unavailable, but others are. The one below is of the 3D printed feet.
Laurie Berenhaus hopes that puppeteers and puppet makers will explain what other parts they need, if any, and maybe share some of their experiences with fellow storytellers.
