Puppetry Unteachable
If in the past performers and critics have argued that puppetry is an instinctive and therefore unteachable art, the London School of Puppetry has proved this is not the case and is becoming increasingly known and respected both within and outside puppetry circles. LSP runs short courses for puppeteers, or for artists from other disciplines wanting to extend their skills or the Professional Puppeteers Diploma as a two year course. There are also short introductory courses and Summer Schools.
Two Different Types of Student Experience
LSP training is divided into two different types of student experience. One type is gained from the enhanced ability to make and perform solo work, the other from the enrichment offered by working with colleagues from puppetry and other art forms.
General information
The London School of Puppetry was established in 1991 out of the popular Puppetry Summer School. Students train to become freelance artists specifically in the discipline of puppetry.
A strong emphasis on technique and operating skills is a characteristic feature of LSP training. Students can be confident that with hard work they will become accomplished puppeteers on this course proficient in the language of puppetry. There are supporting studies in voice, movement, puppetry in education and therapy, business studies for the puppeteer.
Keeping your work alive and in demand
During LSP courses you:
- build up a personal collection of puppets, tools and equipment
- learn to animate different types of puppets up to a high standard
- use puppets in a variety of professional contexts
- experiment with and innovate new work and performance styles
- work in collaboration with other artists as well as develop solo work
- learn to run educational workshops
- learn how to keep your work alive and in demand
The Paper Trail to show you that the student always comes first
Once you are ready to start studying with LSP, you will be sent an ILP (Individual Learning Plan) this enables you to agree how the course might be tailored to your precise needs. You will also be asked to comment on each UNIT programme.
While you are studying you will be asked to assess your own work by means of the Student Self Assessment Document,(SSAD) and the Student Self Assessment Report(SSADR) in which you grade your work. This is an important aspect of professional training. You will also be assessed by your peers in discussion and by looking at each other’s work, and by a tutor and second assessed by an internal assessor using the STINT form.(STudent Interim assesssment) During the Unit you will be given a prediction about whether or not you are likely to pass the UNIT. (PAW predictive assessment of work) this will help you to direct your work carefully to ensure that you pass. At then end of the Unit the SAFE form will be used to provide you with final feedback for that Unit. For each Unit you need to produce live performance work and a 3 copies of a DVD of that work. Two copies need to be given to the school and you keep one yourself for your portfolio. Each Unit finishes with a de-briefing where the Individual Learning Plans are reviewed. At the end of the Diploma, we give our assessment of you (CRAW Complete Record of Assessed Work) to be reviewed by the External Moderator who will confirm your Pass before we give you the Diploma.
It is important that you return all forms on time and that you have access to a computer and your own email address.