Workbench Tours
A group of local Chicago puppet artists were asked to share photos of their puppetry workbenches. The guidelines were simple, “Show us a real glimpse into your puppet workbench. What type of materials do often work with and what’s at arm’s reach? No need to tidy up; give it to us raw!”
Mike Oleon - Co-Artistic Director of Rough House Theater
“I've been working on tensegrity puppets in an attempt to make puppets that move more dynamically than traditional building methods. I like working with a variety of materials, typically string, wire, wood, leather, and thrifted fabric, paint, cardboard, and lately 3D-printed connections. My little toolbox follows me everywhere and has everything I need for snipping, cutting, drilling, punching holes and threading string. Plus gaffe tape. I cheat with so much gaffe tape.” - Mike Oleon
Tom Lee - Chicago Puppet Studio and Puppet Lab Co-Director
Tom often works with wood when designing puppets. Faces peer from every corner of his private studio. Tons of woodworking blades and measuring tools are scattered throughout every surface and wall - ready for any stage of creation. Since Tom often travels to perform and deliver puppets, he has luggage in his studio waiting to be packed. “There is a lot of chaos in my life and work right now. My workspace pretty clearly reflects that.” - Tom Lee
Myra Su - Nasty, Brutish & Short Co-Curator
Puppetry Form: Paper Puppets Combined with Tech
Myra’s main materials consist of paper, cardboard, and everyday materials.
In this photo, we can see Myra’s cozy work table, with inspirational puppets and artwork at eyesight. Markers, cutting tools, and adhesives are seen on and around her peg board. Since Myra combines technology to her puppet-building, the desktop computer is one of her puppet tools.
Caitlin McLeod - Nasty, Brutish & Short Co-Curator
Caitlin is a puppet, costume, and scenic designer, which means every inch of her studio is utilized for creation and creativity. Most important is the ability of the space to quickly transform to the project’s need, a folding work table and rolling supply carts come in very handy. Along the back wall, she has a giant mood board filled with inspiration and original art, as well as shelves containing various tools and supplies. Recently she’s been working on costumes for bunraku-style puppets, and designs for some large-scale multimedia puppets on reed forms.
Find the cat in this photo.
Chio Cabrera-Coz - Puppetry Artist
“I've been doing a lot of paper mache, so I cover pull-out tables with brown paper to protect them. My workspace includes cutting mats, masking tape, utility blades, and as much cardboard as I can find. (Thanks friends for giving me the good stuff) After sculpting with cardboard, I move on to paper mache. This photo shows a project halfway complete. I always have a bucket of paper mache ready, along with gloves and scraps of paper. It's messy work. I don't sweep or organize the space until I'm finished building.” - Chio C.
Get ready to make your own puppets! Gather basic tools around you and put together your own building bench. Want to share what your space looks like?
Send pics to Puppet Tea! chio@roughhousetheater.com
