Giant Puppet Workshop
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY!
Make Large-Scale Lantern Animal Puppets
with Andrew Kim
January 11-21, 2026
Sunday, Jan 11 – Wednesday, Jan 21
(with day off on Friday, Jan 16)
Time: 9:30-5:30pm daily (1 hour break for lunch)
Location: Fine Arts Building, Studio 433
Cost: $675
Join Master Puppet Builder Andrew Kim of Thingumajig Theatre for a Giant Puppet Workshop (Level 1). In this two-week intensive, participants will design and construct large-scale lantern, animal puppets. This is a unique, hands-on learning experience that will cover puppet design and mechanisms, LED lighting, sculpture, painting, and working with various material types like Worbla (thermoplastic), bamboo, and foam.
This workshop is great for:
- learning skills to bring back to your community
- J-term students looking for artistic experience
- Artists of any discipline seeking puppetry expertise
Please note: Due to the large scale, nature of the work being created, this workshop must have a minimum of eight people to run. Please spread the word!
If you are planning on registering for this workshop but are not ready to pay the full cost at this time, please contact info@chicagopuppetfest.org to put down a deposit and save your spot. Limited scholarships available. See below to apply.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Limited scholarships available upon request, BIPOC encouraged to apply.
We will review applications on a rolling basis.
About Andrew Kim
Andrew Kim (Puppet and Mask Maker, Performer and Director) was born in Korea, raised and educated in the USA. Andrew has created and performed puppet and mask plays, parades and events for over 30 years. Andrew started with In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre in Minneapolis where he spent 10 years learning all elements of making, performing and directing puppet plays, parades and large-scale spectacles. He trained further working with Bread and Puppet Theatre and studied traditional Korean and Balinese mask theatre. He is the founder and former Artistic Director of the Hebden Bridge Handmade Parade and the Todmorden Lamplighter Festival. He also teaches giant puppet and lantern puppet workshops where he builds one or two new giants with up to a dozen artists in two weeks. He has led these masterclasses in England, Scotland, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Bulgaria, South Korea and several cities throughout the USA.
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.