Save the Dates for the Next Festival: January 18-28, 2024

Workshops During the Festival

Workshops During the 2023 Festival

Register now for hands-on workshops led by six visiting festival artists. Some will be presented in their assigned venues so they can show their puppets. Others will happen in the festival’s education space in the Fine Arts Building, Room 433. All workshops are three hours in duration and are designed for ages 18 and up. No application required.

Friday, January 20

Manipulation of a Human-sized Puppet
with Plexus Polaire

Time: 1pm-4pm
Cost: $60
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: 18 and up
Location: Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave.

A first-hand approach to the manipulation of life-sized puppets and the basic elements that comprise the work of Plexus Polaire. Guided by two actor-puppeteers of the company (Viktor Lukawski and Andreu Martínez).

Sunday, January 22

Overhead Projector Shadow Puppetry
with Manual Cinema

Time: 10am-1pm
Cost: $60
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: 18 and up
Location: Manual Cinema Studios, 2415 W. 19th St.

This introduction to Manuel Cinema’s shadow puppetry technique using multiple overhead proejctors is hosted in the company’s westside studio.

Monday, January 23

Multiplane Shadow Puppetry
with Linda Wingerter

Time: 1pm-4pm
Cost: $60
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: 18 and up
Location: Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave.

A multiplane is a stop-motion animation apparatus which can be used to add layers, depth, and parallax effects to live-action shadow and paper puppetry for film or projection. This workshop is an introduction to techniques using commonly available digital tools and materials. (Participants should bring a smartphone or tablet capable of video capture.)

Tuesday, January 24

A Cartography of Performance
with Theodora Skipitares

Time: 1pm-4pm
Cost: $60
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: 18 and up
Location: On stage at Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State St.

Jump start a brief solo performance with objects, photos, video, sounds, smells and your body. Wear sturdy shoes.

Friday, January 27

Many Hands Make Life Work
with Janni Younge

Time: 1pm-4pm
Cost: $60
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: 18 and up
Location: On stage at DuSable Black History Museum & Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place

Celebrated puppeteer Janni Younge guides participants in three-person, direct-hand puppet manipulation.

Saturday, January 28

Manipulation Techniques
with Pigmalião Escultura que Mexe

Time: 1pm-4pm
Cost: $60
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: 18 and up
Location: On stage at MCA Chicago, 205 E. Pearson St.

The work of Pigmalião Escultura Que Mexe investigates the nature of gesture, seeking the illusion of life and the suggestion that objects have a soul. Through exercises students will explore different forms of movement with a variety of scales of puppets.

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