How to Work a Marionette

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Working a Marionette is a lot easier than you might think, but the basic premise is still the old "practice, practice, practice"... This article will show you a few beginner methods for your puppets, but there are many different movements to create a lifelike and entertaining performance for you to enjoy working out for yourself.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Preparation

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    To do so, follow these steps (assuming you put him away using the method below):
    • Carefully, drag him out by the wooden bar (the 'control') - never by his feet!
    • Hold the control in two hands and twist it round and round to decrease the amount of spin and lower the puppet until all the strings are off the control.
    • Open the control to form a cross.
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    Do not stand precariously as the excitement of moving the puppet can unbalance you.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Movements

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    Hold the back string in your left hand and lower the control. Tilting the front end of the control up at the same time the marionette will raise his arms. [1]
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    Pull the left front string up (raises left hand) or down (raises right hand) to move the hands. Pulling the left string up and out simultaneously will lift both hands.
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    These work in the same way as the hands, but with the string that is attached to the legs.
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    Pull the leg string up and down so that the feet make a walking motion, whilst moving the marionette forward will create a simple movement to this effect. [2]
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    Dancing is great fun with a puppet, and can be done in multiple ways. One such way is to make a walking movement again, but instead of moving the control forwards, bounce it up and down. Once you have mastered this, hold the right hand and left leg string together and move them up and down, up and down. To create the best effect, tip the control from side to side as he dances to make his head tilt in time with the music.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Packing Away

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    • Close the control.
    • Spin him round to his right until the strings are in one thick string.
    • Now, take the control in two hands and roll over and over so about 3" remain not on the control.
    • Hold his legs to lay him in the box, separated from his control by some tissue paper to prevent scratching.

Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How long does it take to learn how to use a marionette? I think it is hard.
    Community Answer
    Well, it depends on the kind of marionette. It usually takes a week to nail a marionette but it depends on your skill. It takes dedication and hard work, so keep trying!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 32
  • Question
    How do I make a simple marionette?
    Community Answer
    Check out this article on making a marionette.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 16 Helpful 38
  • Question
    Can I use a teddy bear?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    Unless the arms and legs are loose and floppy, it would be difficult to manipulate a normal teddy bear. Most jointed bears have tight joints that do not allow any motion with string attachments.
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      Tips

      • Practice handling marionette puppets before trying them out in a show. They are very lifelike in their movements but manipulating them well takes a lot of practice and perseverance.
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      • There are no "quick and easy" ways to learn. Practice really DOES make perfect.
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      Things You'll Need

      • A marionette

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNXexixPI9w
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyR3zaooZ0w

      About This Article

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Fiona Hoey

        Jun 18, 2019

        "I am making marionettes with my grandchildren. It is a long time since I had strung one, so I looked online and ..." more
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