Fakeha Naeem, Contributing Writer
VCUarts Theatre, in collaboration with Virginia Repertory Theatre, returned with Puppetry 102, the second class puppet related workshops, with Mary Nagler, an artist and a puppeteer with 40 years of experience working in the performing arts.
The workshop was structured in a lecture format and took place from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Singleton Center. It was similar to the first Puppetry 101 event, which was held Feb. 4.
The second class offered students a more hands-on experience exploring a technique called “flat patterning,” which uses flat sheets of foam and their natural bend to make shapes. Nagler brought in a “naked puppet” and then showed attendees how to start building upon its base.
She spoke extensively on the techniques and material used to construct the “snap head” and mouth construction.
“I feel capable, and more welcomed in the business, learning different aspects of costumes and ways to improve skills,” said Audri Ulm, a fourth-year theatre student who attended the workshop.
In her previous workshop Nagler walked students through the types of puppets that are being used in the industry such as shadow puppets, marionettes, hand puppets and table puppets. She brought in some of own puppets for demonstration that she created and has performed with over the years.
Nagler mentioned how in her previous workshop students were curious towards Muppets and their construction — which gave her the idea to demonstrate how to create foam puppets, which have material similarities.
Nagler’s students learned different ways they can make puppets, even out of recycled material after taking this workshop. Additionally, sharing ways to find materials in household objects and different places aspiring puppeteers can go to find things.
An essential part of being a puppeteer is making sure that the puppets are packed properly to avoid destroying their material, Nagler said. Sometimes materials disintegrate and then puppeteers have to recreate their creations if they are not stored in a cool, dark place.
“Puppets are very therapeutic,” Nagler said. “ They become mediators helping children express difficult situations. Children on the spectrum are able to connect and respond to them positively.
They teach humanity and you don’t need words for that.”
Everyone responds and connects to puppets despite their cultural or language differences. Apart from working as a puppeteer, Nagler helps restore puppets for other artists who reach out to her seeking her expertise.
The puppeteer also started a “puppet adoption program” — the purpose of which is to restore abandoned or broken puppets found in thrift stores, bringing them back to life. The puppets are then sold at a nominal price at shows or events as a way to raise awareness of the art.
Nagler believes the future of puppetry is looking good. There are now more puppet festivals and international puppet groups. More puppets are seen on television and many theatre groups use them as part of their shows.
More awareness and education about puppetry within universities has made it more accessible.
“Puppetry is a wonderful hobby and a profession,” Nagler said.
VCU alumnae Gracie Berneche is currently working on coordinating this event for Virginia Repertory Theatre hopes that this class shows you do not need to work for a huge puppet theater to be a puppeteer.
“We want them to see that you have the agency to go out and purchase these materials to make your own puppets and know that there are resources available to them to help them start,” Berneche said.
CORRECTION: The original version of this story incorrectly attributed the featured photo. The story has been updated with the correct attribution.