Masterclass in Giant Puppetry: Unleash Your Creativity!
11 - 22 June 2025 - Create, Craft, and Parade – Join the Giant Puppet Revolution!
Are you ready to step into the world of giant puppets? If you've ever dreamed of creating larger-than-life characters to bring to the streets, this is your chance to make that dream a reality! I'm so excited to share this incredible opportunity with you – a hands-on 11-day masterclass in giant puppetry, led by the talented Andrew Kim of Thingumajig Theatre (@thingumatheatre).
This isn't just any puppetry workshop. Running alongside preparations for the Hebden Bridge Summer Parade, you'll dive into the magic of creating processional giant puppets – and I’m telling you, it’s going to be a blast!
Workshop Details:
Dates: 11-22 June 2025 (Day off on 16 June, Parade on 22 June)
Location: Handmade Productions, Unit 5 Victoria Works, Victoria Road, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8LN
Cost: £650
Time: Daily from 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM, with an hour-long lunch break
What You’ll Be Doing:
This workshop is all about hands-on learning. Over eleven days, you’ll create two stunning giant puppets, designed to captivate audiences in the daylight (this is not a lantern-making workshop – we’re all about those big, bold, and beautiful daytime puppets!).
You’ll get to:
Design and sculpt your own giant puppets
Learn how to use materials like papier-mâché, Worbla, and foam to build lightweight, durable creations
Master the mechanics of giant puppets, from puppet movement to costume making
Collaborate with other artists – working as part of a passionate creative community
Paint, costume, and bring your puppets to life under the expert guidance of Andrew Kim, a leading figure in the world of outdoor arts and puppetry
And on 22nd June, you’ll see your work in action, as the giant puppets make their grand debut at the Hebden Bridge Summer Parade. It's going to be a vibrant and thrilling experience!
What You’ll Get:
Expert guidance from Andrew Kim, one of the best in the biz when it comes to outdoor puppetry
Hands-on experience crafting two different types of giant puppets (learn the whole process from start to finish)
Access to Handmade Productions’ workshop – get up close to the creative process and meet other amazing puppet makers
Collaborative environment with fellow passionate artists
An incredible experience where your puppets will be showcased in the Hebden Bridge Summer Parade
Who’s It For?
This workshop is perfect for anyone with some experience in theatre, outdoor arts, or carnival-making. If you’ve worked with large-scale projects before and you’re looking to get your hands dirty in puppet-making, this is for you!
Important note: You must be available for the entire workshop period, from 11th June to 22nd June.
Ready to Join the Fun?
If you want to be part of this exciting workshop, just email hello@handmadeproductions.org.uk to book your spot! But don’t wait too long – we need at least 8 participants to confirm the workshop, and spots are limited.
This is your chance to step into the world of outdoor puppetry, make lasting connections, and see your creations come to life in a public parade! Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!