Pubbet Magic 101 – Episode 3: Puppet Manipulation and Movement

Hey puppetry fans, James here - the founder of Pubbets. In Episode 3 Brian walks you through the building blocks of character manipulation and movement. If you watched the video, you already know why posture matters. In this post I’ll share extra drills, behind-the-scenes tips, and resources to help you put the magic in your puppet’s personality.

Why Character Manipulation Matters

Movement is personality. A simple head tilt can say “curious,” a slow slump can show “sad,” and a quick shoulder jerk can signal “surprised.” When you layer in micro-gestures - like a slight wrist flick or a finger tap... you give your puppet a unique character 'voice' without speaking a word.

Bonus Practice Exercises

  • Emotion Speed Run: Pick five emotions (happy, angry, curious, confused, bored). Practice each in 5-second bursts, exaggerating posture, arm angle, and head tilt.
  • Mirror Check: Work in front of a mirror or phone camera. Record yourself and look for moments where your puppet’s movement feels robotic. Then go back and soften those joints.
  • Silent Story: Use your puppet to act out a 30-second story - no words. Tell a joke, react to an invisible object, or express surprise. Post your clip in the Pubbets Academy Facebook group and get feedback from fellow puppeteers! You might even get a reward for your efforts..

Stage vs Screen Tips

Brian covered the core differences, but here are a few extra pointers:

  • Mark Your Frame: On camera, tape a small sticky note on your monitor showing “eye line” and “waist line.” It helps you keep consistent cropping without guessing.
  • Rehearse with Monitors: If you’re used to stage work, practice in front of a TV or computer. Even simple smartphone playback can train your eye for what the audience sees.
  • Scale Your Movements: Small gestures read loud on screen. If you normally lift your puppet’s arm five inches on stage, try just two inches on camera.'

We have a LOT more training coming for you - including monitor puppetry and greenscreen work.

Resources & Next Steps

Ready to take it further? Check out these links:

Drop a comment below with your favorite character-building exercise or a moment from the video that surprised you. We love hearing how your puppets are coming to life! 👍

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