PUPPETRY MASTERCLASS (LIMITED SLOTS)

Limited slots available for this workshop

ABOUT THE COURSE

In this week-long Puppetry Masterclass, award-winning theatre practitioner Oliver Chong will guide participants through puppet manipulation techniques for the Rod Puppet, Marionette, Shadow Puppet and Object Puppet, drawing reference from notable actor training and performance-devising methods such as Meyerhold’s Biomechanics, Suzuki Method of Actor Training and Viewpoints. This process draws parallels from the philosophy of The Finger Players, incorporating the rigour and micro-awareness of the puppeteer-actor*. This mastery of presence and ease in communication is essential for all practitioners who are looking to advance their virtuosity in puppetry manipulation. 

ABOUT THE LECTURER

The most recent winner of Best Actor at The Straits Times Life! Theatre Awards 2020 for A Fiend’s Diary, Oliver Chong is a multi-award-winning and published playwright, director, actor and designer. Some of his memorable works include A Fiend’s Diary, Roots, I’m Just A Piano Teacher, Cat, Lost & Found, The Book of Living and Dying, Citizen Pig and Citizen Dog. His numerous nominations at The Straits Times Life! Theatre Awards include Production of the Year and Best Director for I’m Just a Piano Teacher, Production of the Year for Off Centre, Best Director and Best Script for Citizen Pig, Best Actor for Roots, Invisibility/Breathing and Art, Best Supporting Actor for Itsy, the musical, Flare, Best Ensemble for Senang, Shit Hole, First Family, Rashomon, and A Cage Goes in Search of a Bird respectively, and Best Set Design for Twisted, Citizen Dog and A Fiend’s Diary.

Oliver was the Resident Director of THE FINGER PLAYERS (2004 – 2018), currently the core member of the company and also the founding member of A GROUP OF PEOPLE (2008 – 2012). He is the founder and Artistic Director of ODDCROP Productions (2019 – present). His published works include Roots, The Book of Living and Dying, I’m Just A Piano Teacher and Cat, Lost & Found.

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR

You should attend this Masterclass if you:

  • Would like to be introduced to various forms of puppetry manipulation 
  • Would like to deepen your understanding of how puppet manipulation relates to your craft as an actor 
  • Would like to be introduced to like-minded peers and mentor(s)

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Day 1: Understanding the puppeteer body and movements; seeing, breathing and living through your puppets; Hand/glove puppet

Day 2: Rod puppet

Day 3: String and shadow puppet

Day 4 & 5: Working towards devising a monologue with a puppet

REQUIREMENTS

  • At least 2 years of professional experience in theatre acting, and have experience in Meyerhold’s Biomechanics, Viewpoints, Suzuki Method of Actor Training (the elements in acting masterclass) OR have attended Oliver’s Acting Masterclass previously 
  • Full attendance is compulsory
  • Please attend the masterclass in comfortable clothing 
To Apply

If you have any further queries about this Masterclass, do email us at admin@fingerplayers.com.

DATE & TIME

24 – 28 October 2022

7 – 11pm

VENUE

The Finger Players Rehearsal Studio

COURSE FEE

$300 nett per person

This course is SkillsFuture credits claimable.

NUMBER OF SPACES

10 per class