How To: Professionally operate puppets

In this video, Paul Louis, a professional puppeteer and puppet builder discusses the difference between puppets intended for theater and television and how they are different both in appearance and operation. For a puppet on stage, stitching is acceptable to be seen on the outside of the puppet and large, exaggerated movements for the puppet are acceptable and encouraged for easier viewing by your audience. For a puppet which is shown on a television shown, the puppet should be cleaner and the movements should be smaller and seem more realistic in order to have a better presentation on a television screen. By following these tips and techniques, any aspiring puppeteers will be able to learn the basics of performing on different mediums.