Create Miniature Worlds from Found Objects – Online Set Design Workshop
A 2-part virtual course with award-winning designer Joel Sass – 17 & 24 August 2025, 10:00–11:30pm UK time, hosted by Full Moon Puppet Arts & Open Eye Theatre
I'm really pleased to share this one with you — it’s another beautifully imaginative workshop from the team at Full Moon Puppet Arts, and it’s all about transforming everyday objects into tiny, magical stages.
Set Design for Miniature Worlds is a two-part online workshop led by acclaimed designer and director Joel Sass, who has created stunning scenic environments for everything from large theatres to intimate puppet performances. If you’ve ever wanted to build a puppet stage inside a suitcase or turn an old cabinet into a shadow theatre, this one’s for you.
🗓 When? Sundays, 17 & 24 August 2025
🕙 Time? 4:00–5:30 PM Central Time / 10:00–11:30 PM UK time (BST)
💻 Where? Online via Zoom
💵 Cost? $30
🎟️ Ages? 13 and up
👥 Spots? Limited to 25 participants
Over two sessions, Joel will offer a crash course in scenic design basics, including measuring, drafting, and sourcing creative materials. You’ll explore how to reimagine found objects — like a suitcase, crate, or cupboard — into a compact performance space for puppets, shadow plays, and object theatre.
This is an ideal workshop if you're a performer, puppeteer, maker, or theatre enthusiast looking to build atmospheric, portable sets without needing a full workshop or power tools.
What you'll need:
A table top object or container you’re willing to modify (think: second-hand box, old trunk, cabinet, or crate)
Full materials list will be shared closer to the workshop date
About the Instructor: Joel Sass
Joel Sass is an award-winning director and designer based in the Twin Cities, USA. His scenic designs have graced stages such as the Guthrie Theater, Theatre Latte Da, Park Square, Open Eye Theatre, and more. In recent years, he has turned his design eye to miniature performances — building intimate, atmospheric settings for puppetry, masks, and shadow theatre.
Joel has taught scenic design at the University of Minnesota and Augsburg University, and holds a BA with Honours from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. Learn more at joelsass.com.
Registration is $30 and non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.
To sign up or ask questions, email thefullmoonpuppetshow@gmail.com.
If you have a workshop or event that I have missed, email the details to hollylikespuppets@gmail.com