workshops [studium]
For centuries, puppetry and puppets have captivated us with their universal appeal and power. With their innate ability to allow audiences to instantly suspend disbelief, and as extensions of ourselves, they provide a rich and unique opportunity for both self-discovery and artistic expression. In this age of complexity and technological advancement the magial simplicity of puppets is growing more and more relevant as is evident through the continual growth and desire to use puppets in performance. Puppetry is (re)emerging as commentary on the world. Come discover this timeless art form in engaging and fun workshops led by Martina Plag.
Sign-up for class now by clicking here.
Play & Build Workshops available:
power of puppetry:
Discover the heart of the puppet and what makes it beat through studium-praxis’ unique approach to bringing the inanimate to life. Exploring organic and multi-disciplinary techniques, we will create life that is both believable and emotional and gain a deeper sense of its theatrical potential. Through character development, mask and acting work, table-top style (Bunraku-style) puppetry and improvisation, learn the skills that can leave an audience breathless. Puppet Build Workshop(s) recommended but not mandatory.
The Puppet/Object in Performance:
(Starting in March 2009) [play]
Table-Top Puppetry Training: an Overview ~ led by Martina Plag at 155 Cecil B. Moore Ave. Masher Street Co-op - the new home of studium praxis.
No previous experience necessary - last years’ workshop participants helped develope a piece that showed at the Joyce SoHo’s (NYC) Performance Festival, in April 2008.
For more information or to register, please contact me directly at mplag@studium-praxis.org
In this intensive performance workshop, techniques and discoveries of are put into
practice as we begin the process of creating work. Drawing inspiration from real life, stories, or our imaginations, puppeteers learn the basics of theatricalizing a vision.
Through exercises of visualization, solo exploration and group collaboration, we will foster partnerships with our puppets while exploring a world of our own making.
speaking of making … come join us for these workshops:
Mold Making and Casting (* $100+materials):
(Starting in April 2009) [build]
silicon rubbers and liquid plastic are a perfect combination for reproducing your creations
learn how to make an original from “clean clay” (or learn to seal other materials so they release from a mold like “clean” clay), build your own casting box, make two part rubber molds or your original piece and then cast plastic replicas of your original(s) - this is an excellent method for making hands, feet, puppet handles or any other item that you need more than one of …
Life Facecasting (* $100+materials):
(Starting in May 2009) [build]
don’t worry, our method doesn’t require straws up the models nose
Foam Sculpting (* $100+materials):
(Starting in June 2009) [build]
From a sketch, picture, or your imagination, create an original caricatured puppet head from rigid foam insulation using studium-praxis’ sandwich & sculpting techniques. Once the basic head is created we’ll advance to covering it with chamois leather and learn painting techniques and explore different methods of hair making and placement/attachment.
Open to all levels of experience. No prior training is necessary. Space is limited to 12 per workshop.
* Need-based scholarships available.
Registration, with a deposit of $25, is required 7 days prior to each workshop. If a workshop must be canceled you will be notified and the full deposit will be refunded. studium-praxis usually makes the decision to cancel workshops that are under enrolled 4 days before the class is scheduled to run. If you cancel a week before the workshop, you must forfeit your deposit.
The remainder of the fee is due the day of the class.
Checks payable to Martina Plag should be sent to:
Martina Plag
studium-praxis
4601 North 18th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
All workshops take place at the 155 Cecil B. Moore Ave.; The Masher Co-op., Philadelphia, PA 19122:
home of studium-praxis’ workshops & performances
TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 215.429.9939