Puppetry courses in the UK?

[amelia turner]

Hey i'm from the uk, i'd like to get a job in the film industry designing and making body suit puppets for kids shows and movies. I dont have any qualifications in puppetry like a masters degree or anything. I was wondering if anyone could suggest the best route I should take to get working for a company who specialises in this? I've looked at university degree courses on puppetry in england but can only find a couple in London. I cant afford to move to London because it's too expensive, I live in North Yorkshire so If anyone knows of local puppetry businesses i could start an apprenticeship with or any courses near to me? Kind regards, Amelia.

 

[jimmymontana]

Hey, I wish i could help you but all my friends who work in puppetry are self taught and haven't done any specific puppet courses.

What about doing a theatre design course? I know it's not ideal but if you got on to one that allows you to costume design and wardrobe, you might be able to do body suit puppets for a project (this way you could use the Universitys materials and resources). I guess if it was me i'd be looking to get a portfolio together and get some designs created. Try and use all of the free marketing tools out there (56% of the UK population use Facebook every day!) to get your work out there!

Sorry I can't be more help.

 

[amelia turner]

Hey jimmymontana,
thanks so much for the reply. I was on a costume design course, that's where i learnt about puppetry and got into it so much but i didnt make any full body puppets,only did some body padding. I'll keep looking out for related courses anyway, thanks again!

 

[jimmymontana]

No problem, you should put some pictures on here of any designs that you come up with. People who love to see your work!