Puppeteer

What do puppeteers do?

Puppeteers are actors who express themselves artistically through the art form of puppetry. Puppetry uses an inanimate object, such as a puppet, to create the illusion that the puppet is alive. Puppeteers may control the puppet indirectly using strings, rods, wires, or electronics, or directly by placing their own hands inside the puppet or holding it from the outside, such as by its legs. Sometimes puppeteers are hidden behind the scenery, and sometimes they are an important part of the performance as a person, such as ventriloquists.

What do puppeteers need to know?

They need to be as comfortable with their puppets as actors are with their own bodies. They need to know how to use certain movements to convey emotions with a puppet's speech and body language. A lot of practice is required here. It's not uncommon for puppeteers to also do the puppet building, directing, set design, scripting and, of course, acting, as they often create their own shows. Actors who want to specialize in puppetry can take special courses in puppetry.

Source: StagePool, Uniarts