Hi, all--terrific to hear of all the passion for and experience with "Little Shop of Horrors"! I've puppet coached many productions of this terrific show, and puppeteered it myself several times, so have the following to offer if it's of use:
1) AUDITIONS: absolutely hold auditions for these roles, and have a primary puppeteer and a puppet master as well that can train as second/back up puppeteer (as well as puppet master = take care of the puppets, set, re-set, etc.). I find it crucial to announce and hold auditions for puppeteers at the same time as the other performers--it's very important to integrate the puppeteers into the "bigger picture" so that they feel as much a part of the show as all others and, most importantly, so that the rest of the cast gives the puppeteers the respect they earn and deserve. I usually do a group audition for the puppeteers, leading them through a physical warm up, then through some theatre games that will show give and take (e.g. mirrors, zip zap zop) and comfort with objects (the prop game). I tend to do more "formal" puppetry activities as part of that audition, too, but no need--all you need to look for is a sense of strong physicality, an ability to sync up with someone else (to "disappear" into the work) and a comfort level with objects. Making the auditions for this "formal" is a great way to instill pride and a level of "seriousness" right off the bat.
2) REHEARSALS: get the puppeteer(s) blocked into the spots in the regular blocking rehearsals--again, for a sense of respect and teamwork as well as the basic knowledge of the piece. Have puppeteers attend music rehearsals, too, sitting right by VOP (voice of plant) so he/she/they start to breathe, think, react with the singer. in rehearsals, I would absolutely have the puppeteers "mime" the actions of the puppet(s) that they will be using, to build arms, thighs, etc.
Just some general thoughts to accompany the great ones already given--feel free to reach out directly as/if needed.
Best wishes!
~Aretta
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Aretta Baumgartner
Education Director
Center for Puppetry Arts
Atlanta, GA
www.puppet.orgarettabaumgartner@puppet.org------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 12-17-2019 08:49
From: Nathan Shewell
Subject: Little Shop Puppetry Practice
HI Jaclyn,
As an alternative, if you're not locked in, i own the Audrey II sets and could rent them to you and give them to you for your entire rehearsal period. I'm in Indianapolis. Let me know if you're interested. Otherwise, best of luck with the show - one of my favs!
Thanks,
Nathan
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Nathan Shewell
Theatre Arts Director
INDIANAPOLIS IN
Original Message:
Sent: 12-16-2019 09:36
From: Jaclyn Marta
Subject: Little Shop Puppetry Practice
Hello!
We are going to be starting a production of Little Shop in January, but we don't get our Audrey 2 until February. How would you rehearse with your puppeteers when you don't have your puppet? Any advice?
Also, how have you gone about casting them? Do you have them try out something?
Thanks!
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Jaclyn Marta
Moline IL
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