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Puppetry

A Backstage Guide

  • Textbook
Puppetry cover

Puppetry

A Backstage Guide

  • Textbook
Quantity
Available on 06 Aug 2026
$17.98

Available for purchase via Bloomsbury etextbooks on publication date

This title is available for inspection copy requests

Description

From the creator of some of the world's most iconic puppetry shows comes this National Theatre Backstage Guide to the craft.

With a focus on the processes within each stage of creation and the key roles involved, the book offers insights into:

the benefits of using puppetry in your performance;

how to research and design your puppets;

how to perform with a puppet, from the technical considerations to character acting;

how to maintain your puppet and even repair it during a production;

how to pursue a career in puppetry

Drawing on both his experience working at the National Theatre on productions such as War Horse and Pinocchio, the author supplements his own know-how with contributions from other notable figures in puppetry, such as Fred Davis, Daisy Beattie, Audrey Brisson and Sarah Wright.

Photos of puppets, from prototypes to final designs, are included.

This is a unique opportunity to learn the principles of puppetry from someone who has worked extensively in the field across theatre, musicals, opera and dance.

Table of Contents

Preface
List of Credits
Introduction
1 Training
2 Research and development
3 Design
4 Construction
5 Rehearsals
6 Technical rehearsals
7 In performance
Conclusion
Glossary

Product details

Explore Methuen Drama
Published 06 Aug 2026
Format Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition 1st
Pages 160
ISBN 9781350437487
Imprint Methuen Drama
Illustrations 10 b&w
Series National Theatre Backstage Guides
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Toby Olié

Toby Olié is an Olivier Award-nominated director,…

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