WORKSHOPS
PUPPETRY FOR PERFORMANCE : ENTRY LEVEL
Chris Pirie leads participants in a lab-style exploration of puppetry fundamentals, with a strong focus on four key principles that underpin the work of Green Ginger; FOCUS - BREATH - PRESENCE - CONNECTION. Each one is unpacked in a fun and physical way, through their relationship to both puppet/object and the puppeteer. Particular focus is given to the potential of multi-operator puppetry, and the use of simple tricks to maintain strong connection and syncjhronicity between performers.
Chris can deliver this workshop within 3 hours, or over a number of days, at your venue, or at Puppet Place in Bristol. .
Disability is no limitation - all bodies welcome!
PUPPETRY FOR PERFORMANCE : PROFESSIONAL LEVEL
Chris offers an advanced workshop suitable for actors, clowns, storytellers, designers, makers, writers, directors, physical performers, and other theatremakers wishing to build upon existing skills, or add new ones to their resources. Building on the same foundational principals above, the sessions delve deeper into the details that make a difference in the creation and delivery of memorable and effective puppetry, including the unique relationship between centre of gravity, breath and intention. Chris can deliver this workshop at your venue, or at Puppet Place in Bristol.
TRASH:HACK WORKSHOP
This workshop can be can delivered at your venue, or at Puppet Place in Bristol. Trash-Hack is an exploration into re-purposing industrial and domestic junk to create and animate instant puppet creations and is suitable for any level of experience. Be prepared to stretch your imagination, dare to fail, pull it apart and build another. Trash Hack is great for anyone wishing to gain confidence or new perspectives in accessing puppetry and making it part of their skillset. It is ideal for anyone running workshops, teaching lessons or leading rehearsal or research activities with a limited budget.
All workshop materials will be provided.
Chris has developed a unique teaching style through three decades working at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama’s Scenic Design BA/MA, with MA students in University of Bristol’s Film & TV Dept, and in the Drama Dept. of Bath Spa University. He has mentored graduates and young emerging talent through various organisations including Boomstasuma, Rising Arts Agency and Calling the Shots/Channel 4. Chris also works as a design, fabrication and performance consultant with arts organisations including Aardman Animations, Welsh National Opera, Tobacco Factory Theatres and Bristol Old Vic.
MORE ON GREEN GINGER’S TRAINING
DESIGN, FABRICATION and PERFORMANCE
Green Ginger offers puppetry training to increase accessibility and up-skill the theatre industry. The company’s experienced artists can deliver design and performance surgeries to suit all levels from enthusiastic novice to established practitioner. Company members are available to train up performers and crew in productions that require an experienced hand to guide them in performance or fabrication techniques. Whatever the scale of your needs or ambition, from a puppet build that has hit a snag, to a large scale opera requiring a long-term relationship, get in touch with us here.
MENTORING
In 2010 Green Ginger created Toast in the Machine, a Leverhulme-funded CPD and mentoring programme for emerging artists with a commitment to puppetry within their craft. The company also teaches and mentors at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and Bath Spa University. Its members are experienced in the provision of content to all, regardless of physical limitation or additional needs.
GREEN GINGER can supply training and expertise in:
Performance Technique * Projections * Object Manipulation * Design and Fabrication
Prototyping * Writing, Direction & Dramaturgy * Lighting Puppetry
Materials * Junk Puppetry & Re-Purposing * Street & Outdoor Work
