CHICAGO PUPPET FEST PRESENTS
Puppetry Workshops
Take a live online workshop from anywhere in the world or join us at the Fine Arts Building! Whether you choose a 1-session intensive, or you prefer one to two nights a week over several weeks, these workshops offer a range of puppetry styles including Shadow Puppetry, Toy Theater, Hand Puppetry and more 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.
BY THE NUMBERS
About Our Workshops
Students from:
Students from:
In-Person Masterclass:
Kuruma Ningyō Technique with
Master Puppeteer Koryū Nishikawa V
Sunday, May 31
Schedule: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (with 1hr lunch break)
Location: Fine Arts Building, Studio 433, 410 S. Michigan Ave
Cost: $288
Chicago Puppet Festival presents an extraordinary opportunity to experience the 160 year old Japanese traditional puppetry style kuruma ningyō (cart puppetry). Fifth Generation Master Puppeteer Koryū Nishikawa V, headmaster of Hachiōji Kuruma Ningyō in Japan, will lead a master class with assistance from his student Tom Lee. English translation will be provided by Anna Okuda.
SUMMER offerings AT A GLANCE
Summer 2026 Puppetry Workshops
Hand Puppetry 2: (Level 2)
with Chad Williams
June 8 – July 13
Live Online | 6 x 2hr sessions
Toy Theater 1 (Level 1)
with Roberto Rossi
July 20 – July 26
Live Online | 5 x 2hr sessions
Shadow Puppetry 1 (Level 1)
with Chinese Theatre Works
July 27 – August 10
Live Online | 5 x 2hr sessions
Limited scholarships available upon request, BIPOC encouraged to apply.
We will review applications on a rolling basis.
early bird + multi-workshop discount
Get 15% off with the Promo Code PUPPETLOVE if you:
1. Register for a workshop at least two weeks before it starts
—or—
2. Register for two or more workshops in one session
Note: Only one discount can be used per workshop.
for teachers
Are you a TEACHER interested in using these workshops as credits toward your Certificate Renewal? We'd love to help make that happen!
Reach out to us at taylor@chicagopuppetfest.org so we can discuss.
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 2 workshops sometimes have a prerequisite of a particular Level 1 class.
Level 3
Instruction supporting the use of puppetry to create or progress a short form work. These offerings may involve an application process.
