How to Work a Marionette

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

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

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-1.jpg\/aid553141-v4-728px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-2.jpg\/aid553141-v4-728px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Do not stand precariously as the excitement of moving the puppet can unbalance you.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-3.jpg\/aid553141-v4-728px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-4.jpg\/aid553141-v4-728px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-5.jpg\/aid553141-v4-728px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Movements

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-6.jpg\/aid553141-v4-728px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-7.jpg\/aid553141-v4-728px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-8.jpg\/aid553141-v4-728px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    These work in the same way as the hands, but with the string that is attached to the legs.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-9.jpg\/aid553141-v4-728px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-10.jpg\/aid553141-v4-728px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Packing Away

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Work-a-Marionette-Step-11.jpg\/aid553141-v4-728px-Work-a-Marionette-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • 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

Search
Add New Question
  • 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.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 31
  • 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.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 15 Helpful 37
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 27
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      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.
        Thanks
      • There are no "quick and easy" ways to learn. Practice really DOES make perfect.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • A marionette

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make a Hand Puppet
      How to
      Make a Sock Puppet
      How to
      Make a Simple Paper Puppet
      How to
      Make Shadow Puppets
      How to
      Make a Paper Bag Puppet
      How to
      Create a Marionette
      How to
      Make Puppets
      How to
      Make Finger Puppets
      How to
      Make a Muppet Style Puppet
      How to
      Learn Ventriloquism
      Advertisement

      References

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

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 115,254 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement