Puppet design - AQAConsidering size, shape and materials

Other aspects to consider when designing a puppet include:

• size and scale
• shape
• materials

Size and scale

The size and scale of the puppet need to be taken into consideration during the design process. Their size is particularly important when used on stage with performers. If a puppet is small, then a human on stage will look large in comparison. Alternatively, a puppet might be significantly bigger than the performer on stage, so that it appears grand or makes the performer appear small.

Shape

A puppet designer has the ability to convey ideas through the use of shape, which will contribute to the puppet’s overall effect. For example, a puppet of an evil witch might be designed with sharp, exaggerated features.

Materials

Puppets can be made from a diverse range of materials, which will convey different ideas to the audience. A puppet in a play set in the African savannah might be constructed using wood, beads and animal skins to convey geographical context, and one from a play set in the future might be created using lightweight metals and angular shapes to make it look futuristic.