CONSTRUCTION CLASSES
Construction classes at National allow you to learn new skills through hands-on experience. These classes do require pre-registration for a materials fee to cover your cost of supplies.
Class sizes are limited. Register early to guarantee your space!
*Already registered? Sign up here.
Full Body Moving Mouth Puppet Construction
Instructor: Linda MacAuslan
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: $50 | Sold out!
You will start with a pre-sewn kit to construct your own full body moving mouth puppet with detachable legs and an “ergonomically correct” mouth. Participants will be able to select from a beige or brown flesh tone fabric. Supplies will be provided.
Making Dog Puppets
Instructor: Patsy Coffin
Wednesday: 2:45 - 5:00 pm
Cost: $35 | 10 spots left!
You will be using hot glue, white glue, and hand sewing to craft your own animal puppet using a pre-sewn kit.
Participants should be 13 years old or older.
Stuffed Animals to Puppets
Instructor: Patsy Coffin
Thursday: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Cost: $10 | 9 spots left!
We will be using hot glue guns to turn stuffed animals into puppets with moving mouths. You may bring your own stuffed animal (please make sure the neck is wide enough for your hand to fit through) or purchase one in class!
Please bring a glue gun and glue. Other supplies will be provided.
*FCP Express attendees are welcome to come early and register for this session!
Ventriloquism 101
Instructor: Dotti Seitz
Thursday: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
No Cost | 5 spots left!
Participants will learn about and practice the basics of ventriloquism, playing second fiddle to a doll, and how to make a puppet “partner” come alive before an audience in this semi-private workshop. Participants with some experience are encouraged to present a short piece for the class to further finetune their skills. Please bring a puppet and all those voices in your head!
*FCP Express attendees are welcome to come early and register for this session!
Marionette Passion Play
Instructor: Joe Dunfee
Thursday: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
No Cost | 4 spots left!
"The Marionette Passion Play" is thought to be the only marionette passion play designed for live performance. We will work together to learn one act from the play while exploring marionette manipulation. We will perform as a group in the evening. Please bring black performance attire (long sleeve and pants).
*FCP Express attendees are welcome to come early and register for this session!
Dollar Store Props
Instructor: Debbie Streicher
Friday: 1:45 - 2:45 pm
Cost: $5 | 7 spots left!
Props vary but they all add to and enhance the message. This workshop will give ideas and suggestions for making props with an eye on low cost as we brainstorm and create together.
Baby Bird Puppet Construction
Instructor: Jill Harrington
Friday: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Cost: $25 | 5 spots left!
Join us for an easy “make and take” class where you will construct your own baby bird hand puppet.
There will be lots of colors to choose from! Supplies will be provided.
Balloon Twisting Jam Session
Instructor: Esther Haynes
Friday: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Cost: $10 | 10 spots left!
You will learn how to create more advanced twists with balloons to create intricate balloon sculptures. All you need is an ability to inflate a balloon using a pump, and tie it!
Please bring a balloon pump and balloons, if you have them. There will also be a couple of balloons, pumps and instruction manuals available.
LED Face Computer Puppet
Instructor: Joe Dunfee
Friday: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Cost: $35 | 3 spots left!
Participants will construct a battery-powered computer puppet that has multiple LED lights on its face. A button lights up the mouth so the puppet can "talk." The main task is soldering a large number of LED lights together, but no prior experience is necessary.
All materials will be provided. Please bring a soldering iron.
Beginning Magic: Tricks You Can Do!
Instructor: Michael T
Saturday: 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Cost: $5 | 9 spots left!
Learn 5 Magic Tricks in this hands-on class! You'll soon perform each trick with enough skill to enjoy performing it and that your audiences will enjoy the performance as well! Show Time!
Supplies will be provided. Please bring sharp scissors.