Beyond the Sock puppetry workshop returns | Department of Media Arts
March 23, 2015

Beyond the Sock puppetry workshop returns

Beyond the Sock 2015The Department of Media Arts and the Department of Dance and Theatre at UNT will once again co-host the Beyond the Sock: Puppetry for Television and Film Workshop. Now in its third year, this unique workshop will be held May 19 - 23 and is sponsored in part by ProjectPuppet.com.

Attendees will learn to conceptualize, design, and build professional quality puppets by creating their own camera-ready character under the leadership of Dallas-area resident and master puppet builder Pasha Romanowski. His puppets have been featured in hit television and web series across Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. He is also the creator of Project Puppet.com and Puppetsmith.com.

In addition attendees will learn manipulation, performance, and scene-work from Jim Henson Company-trained veterans Peter Linz and Noel MacNeal. Linz has performed in film, theatre, and television, in programs such as Between the Lions and Bear in the Big Blue House. Among his best known characters is Walter from the 2012 Disney films The Muppets and 2014's Muppets Most Wanted. Peter is also long-time Muppet Performer on Sesame Street and was an original Broadway cast member of the hit musical Avenue Q. MacNeal's career spans more than 30 years and includes a long history of roles in both film and television including programs including Between the Lions, Sesame Street, Eureka's Castle as well as his breakout role of Bear in Bear in the Big Blue House. MacNeal has also been featured on HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

"You would be surprised how many puppetry workshops exist. But very few bring together such high level experts in one place," said lead workshop coordinator James. M. Martin, a faculty member with UNT's Department Of Media Arts. He and fellow coordinators Mario Tooch and Adam Chamberlin, both faculty members in the UNT Department of Dance and Theatre, wanted to bring a truly unique art and performance experience to the North Texas area.

The Beyond the Sock: Puppetry for Television and Film Workshop is an intensive experience that packs character development, design, physical manipulation of puppets, and acting with puppets into 4 1/2 days. Featuring a blend of small group instruction and hands-on training, attendees will learn using methods similar to those used to train puppeteers for television programs such as Between the Lions and films such as Disney's Muppets Most Wanted.

Both the inaugural 2013 and the 2014 workshops brought attendees from across the country and aroound the world. Previous workshops have all sold out, so early registration is recommended if you wish to attend in 2015.

General registration is $1350.00 and includes all performance and building sessions and full construction materials. Discounted registration for currently enrolled college and university students will be available on a limited basis. More information on either registration option is available by email at info@puppetclass.com or by phone at 940.369.7448.

More information such as instructor bios, directions to the workshop venue, information regarding discounted accommodations, and online registration links can be found at: www.beyondthesock.com.