College Life

Private Schools That Are Well Known for This Major

• California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)*
• Central Washington University*
• Rhode Island School of Design*
• University of Maryland

 *Denotes that some classes and research opportunities are offered in puppetry, but a BFA/BA in puppetry is not available

State Schools That Are Well Known for This Major

• University of Connecticut
• West Virginia University
• University of Hawaii—Manoa
• Evergreen State College

Classes in the Major

Puppetry. Yes, a puppetry major is required to take courses in puppetry. Is your mind blown? Still, there are a variety of classes that are covered by the puppetry curtain, including Trends in Contemporary American Puppetry, Marionette Performance and Construction, Puppetry Production Techniques, and the ever-important practicum. In practicum, students will participate in and create their own puppetry productions. Puppetry practica involves stage managing, designing, and performing the shows—most of the same elements you'll find in other theater arts majors, only with a focus on puppets instead of people.

Acting. Puppetry students may not show their actual faces on stage, but that doesn't mean they won't need to know the fundamentals of acting as a craft. Of particular importance to puppetry majors are classes in movement, creative dramatics, and voice and diction. In addition, anyone looking to pursue ventriloquism will need to have the acting chops to not only throw their voice but also play at least two characters at the same time and make it look easy.

Design. Students studying puppetry need to know how to both manipulate and create the puppet. Because of this, they'll study various aspects of design, construction, and painting. As if that weren't enough, puppeteers also build the world around the puppet, so they'll focus on set design, scenery, and even lighting. There's pretty much nothing these folks can't do on stage.

Directing. Some of the most famous puppeteers are not only famed for playing lovable characters like Yoda or Miss Piggy, but also because they've been at the helm of major theatrical productions, television shows, films, or YouTube videos. These guys and dolls learn what it takes to become a behind-the-scenes leader. They may also take specific courses in children's theater, since puppets are more popular among the kiddos.

Theater Fundamentals. These are general introductory theater classes. Puppetry students need to dip their toes in the foundations of their area of study before they dive into direction and design. Courses in theater fundamentals may include History of Western Theater, Dramatic Literature, Text Analysis, or Playwriting. While these classes paint with a broad brush, they help students to understand the origins of theater and its importance in our culture. Can't hurt to know your history.