The Magic of Puppetry in Storytelling
As a classroom teacher turned professional storyteller, I’ve discovered that a puppet is an invaluable companion for my performances. It’s not just a prop—it’s a storyteller’s ally. Whether I’m introducing a story, sharing a quick joke, or bringing a character to life, a puppet can do it all. And the best part? You don’t need to be a ventriloquist to make it work! All you need is a name, a few personality traits, and a home for your puppet, and you’re off to the races. Welcome to the world of imagination!
If you’re stuck on creating a character, look no further than your own family. I’ve got a Christmas Elf named Stormin’ Norman (after my dad), a wise-beyond-h
er-years 4-year-old girl named Beatrice (in honor of my grandma), and a scrappy leprechaun named Karl (inspired by my cranky grandad). You get the idea—personal connections make the puppets come to life.
Each of my puppets stays out of sight until the moment they’re needed. No lifeless puppets on stands or dead bodies lying on the stage! They live in their “homes”—everything from shoe boxes and gift bags to large popcorn tins and picnic baskets. One of my favorites is a box decorated to look like a red brick house—complete with doors and windows. The kids believe my puppets live in a three-bedroom ranch! When the puppet emerges, they’re full of life, and the audience’s attention shifts entirely to the character, not me. I’ve even had adults ask how I learned ventriloquism, though I’ve never tried to hide my lips. That’s the magic of puppetry—it’s all about creating an illusion.
When it comes to costumes, there’s no need to be a seamstress. Thrift stores, garage sales, and places like Build-a-Bear offer plenty of affordable clothing options. If you have a small puppet, doll clothes from craft sales can also be a fun way to bring them to life (though they can get a bit pricey).
Puppetry Tips for Beginners
If you’ve never used a puppet before, here are some quick tips for making it real:
- Speak clearly and change your voice when the puppet talks.
- Don’t bite off your words—open the puppet’s mouth when it speaks.
- Keep the puppet “alive” even when you’re talking by moving your wrist to give it life.
- Turn toward the puppet when speaking. It shows politeness and engagement.
- If someone in the audience speaks to your puppet, have it “look” in that direction.
- Get personal with your puppet! Touch it, tickle it, or give it a little hug.
- Never let the puppet’s head flop down—it might make the audience panic!
Endless Possibilities for Puppet Performances
Now that you know how to bring a puppet to life, what can you do with it? The answer: anything and everything! A puppet can be a mascot, a librarian’s helper, or even the “star” of a story. For example, my old lady puppet can sing about swallowing a fly, a spider, a bird, and so on (you know the song). A puppet banana with googly eyes can even teach kids about nutrition. The possibilities are endless, and kids love it!
The beauty of puppetry is how it captures children’s attention and draws them into the world you’re creating. Even “cool” fifth-graders can’t resist getting caught up in the fun. Puppetry, like storytelling, builds a connection between you and your audience, creating a shared experience that’s truly magical.
So go ahead—bring your puppets to life and let the storytelling begin!
Happy Puppeteering!
*************
The contents expressed in any article on Storyteller.net are solely the opinion of the author. Articles are under © and should not be used without permission of the author. Contact us if you have questions. This article originally appeared on Storyteller.net in 2008. Photo by Matt Seymour on Unsplash