Join us for the next Festival: January 15-26, 2025

Summer 2023 Workshops

Announcing Summer Puppetry Workshops!

Join us for new, in-person workshops at the Fine Arts Building in downtown Chicago! These workshops offer a range of puppetry styles with expert instruction to create within a fun, communal format. Live work sessions, group sharing and personal feedback combine to make these some of the most enjoyable and productive workshop opportunities available. See below to select your course and register!

Six-Day Intensive with Tom Lee and Linda Wingerter

Physical Shadow Puppets on the Digital Stage

Intensive with Tom Lee and Linda Wingerter

Monday, July 24th – Saturday, July 29th, 2023

Daily: 10am – 5pm CST (with an hour lunch break)

Cost: $600

Location: Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave, 4th Fl, Chicago, IL 60605

Six-Day Intensive with Yael Rasooly!

The Performer, the Object, and the Secret in Between

Intensive with Yael Rasooly

Sunday, July 9th – Friday, July 14th, 2023

Daily: 10am – 5pm CST (with an hour lunch break)

Cost: $600

Location: Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave, 4th Fl, Chicago, IL 60605

Six-Day Intensive with Blair Thomas

The Double: Puppet performance workshop with Blair Thomas

Intensive with Blair Thomas

Monday, July 17th – Saturday, July 22nd, 2023

Daily: 9:30am Warm Up; Workshop 10am – 5pm CST (with an hour lunch break)

Cost: $600

Location: Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave, 4th Fl, Chicago, IL 60605

Please Note:

  • Pricing listed below with each workshop
  • Limited scholarships available upon request, BIPOC encouraged to apply. To request email info@chicagopuppetfest.org with a brief statement of interest/need

Guide to Levels

Level 1 – Introduction of a particular form, through its basic skills and elements. Ideal for all new to puppetry and those looking to refresh their foundational knowledge.
Level 2 – Offering applied foundational skills and techniques for a specific form. Ideal for those who have some experience working in the form.
Level 3 – Instruction of more advanced skills and techniques for emerging and experienced puppeteers.

Level 4 – Instruction supporting the use of puppetry to create or progress a short form work.
Level 5 – Ideal for artists who are expert in their respective artistic field. These offerings frequently have an application and selection process, are by invitation and are designed to take a work in development to the next level.