Dan Horn is about to start his lecture here in Kentucky. The title is: Rehearsing Your Puppet Movements. Dan is an expert manipulator best known for his work with arm rods. His skills go far beyond that though. Dan uses advanced techniques with mouth movement (yes, it is more than simple open/close) and body movement to create realism.
Over the past year, I’ve been working with Dan on his Master Manipulation course. We recorded the video prior to the 2014 Vent Haven ConVENTion and have been in production ever since. This course is, without a doubt, a college education on the art of puppet manipulation. Master Manipulation will be coming out on Maher Studios soon. Enjoy this brief look below:
Today, spend some time working on your puppet/figure manipulation. Try some pantomime to get the most out of your character. Perhaps a fly is bothering it. Maybe your character smells something bad and can’t find the source. Or is angry about something you said and giving you the silent treatment. Remember, no words – you need to get the point across just through manipulation.
Have fun and we’ll see you later today!
BTW – What pantomime scenes can you imagine? Share your ideas in the comments below to help inspire others to practice their manipulation skills!
Dan Horn really is a master at work. It would have been fantastic to hear the lecture. I love watching his youtube videos and seeing all the subtlety that brings his puppets to life. I love experimenting with different expressions on my puppet then trying them out in a show to see how the audience connects with what they’re doing. I loved the movie “Being Elmo” for all the cool puppet tips that were peppered throughout it. I’m sure this course is really going to be fantastic!
How about watching a tennis match or sitting at a bus stop watching car go by. Your puppets reaction to you eating an ice cream cone and it’s his favorite.
I am eagerly waiting the release of Dan’s course. I have not seen or met him (yet), but I know from videos and interviews that his his the KING of manipulation and just an all around talent.