Puppets and Puppetry

The challenge of designing puppets and staging a performance can be as exciting as the living theater. Peter Fraser, an expert in the field, has written a practical handbook on puppetry that will appeal to children, amateur craftsmen, and students of drama, theater, and the arts. With extremely clear, step-by-step instructions and superb line drawings, this book teaches the reader how to make an extraordinary range of puppets--from the simplest shadow puppet formed by fingers and light, to the kind of marionette that can perform dazzling feats on a trapeze bar. Every kind of puppet, from ancient times until today, is included here--among them, those make with rods, glove puppets, Victorian cutouts, and wooden and plaster marionettes. There are sections on special effects, puppet scenery and drama, temporary and permanent theaters, rehearsal, lighting, animal puppets, and costumes. All the materials the budding craftsman needs are easily available at hardware and craft stores or around the house. For future professionals as well as the very young, this is the most complete, concise, and practical guide on puppetry around.