Query: Los Angeles puppetry institutions

[Giar Fraggle]

I was wondering if anyone knew any puppetry companies in the Los Angeles area that want performers. I'd like to get started on a career in puppetry as soon as I can, but I can't find any puppetry institutions that accept adult puppeteers in my immediate area.

Thanks in advance.

 

[gfarkwort]

Well.....Puppet Companies or Companies that have puppets don't really hire Puppeteers.....you can apply for them and if they like you they put you name on a list of other puppeteers who want to work. The purpose of this list is for Large puppet productions or if puppeteers aren't readily avaliable for work.

What I recommend is applying to a bunch of these companies & audition and stuff. And then start doing your own stuff or work for Disney or other Theme park attractions as a pupppeteer

Theme parks would look good on a resume because you do Lots of live work all day everyday.

 

[Giar Fraggle]

Hmmm...if only I didn't live two hours from Disneyland... Maybe someday I'll move closer, and I have a friend who works there, and...that would just be too cool.

Thanks for the advice, though.

Now I just have to find some puppet companies.

Meep. A little help?

 

[Buck-Beaver]

Try the L.A. Guild of Puppeteers Job Board. It's a good site to keep an eye on. Networking with members of that guild would probably be a good idea. It's often about being in the right place, at the right time and knowing the right people.

 

[Giar Fraggle]

Thanks for the link, I'll definitely keep an eye on this.

 

[Tim]

My first professional job was with Bob Baker at his theatre on 1st Street in L.A. You might call for an interview. I walked in and got hired!

 

[Giar Fraggle]

Wow, that's cool. I'll definitely keep that in mind.

Thanks for the references, everyone.

 

[Anita The Great]

And you might want to consider trying your hand at your own projects! With your enthusiasm, I'm sure you would be successful and it's a great way to learn. Buck's suggestions about the LA Puppet Guild is a good one, you'll meet loads of puppet people there. Keep us posted and good luck!