If you've been in our intermediate video puppet coaching group sessions with Michael Schupbach, then you know what a delightful, fun, and informative time it is. But imagine what life would be like if you got 90 minutes of one-on-one coaching from Mr. Michael Schupbach all to yourself! You'd be a fun-hoarder, and you know what? Everyone should hoard fun!
WHAT: This is a 90-minute, one-on-one puppeteering coaching session with the one and only Michael Schupbach. Through the magic of the internet, you'll have 90 minutes for Michael to coach you through improving your already-budding video puppetry skills.
Use this time to brush up on some some basics you've already learned, like eye focus, lip synch, centering yourself in the frame, or just building your confidence. You can also work on more advanced concepts like character development, using the frame to your advantage, and emotional performances. Michael is an excellent coach and can help you identify areas to improve and create the healthy training habits you need to take your performance to the next level.
WHEN: We'll reach out to you and choose a date and time that works for everyone's schedule.
WHERE: Zoom! Which means ANYWHERE!
HOW: Just add this to your cart & make your purchase! After we receive your order, we'll reach out to you to work out a date and time.
SKILLS REQUIRED: Holding your arm up for extended periods of time; watching your performance on a monitor as you are working; lip sync; changing your name in zoom to match the name of the ticket-holder before you enter the zoom link provided before the session.
WHO: This workshop is designed for humans, ages 18+ who are capable of safely achieving the skills listed above (accommodations for people under the age of 18 may be made at the instructor's discretion, with a parent/guardian present during the session. Please contact us prior to purchase).
This is for the intermediate tv/video/monitor puppeteer who would like to improve upon their video performance skills.
BRING TO THE WORKSHOP:
- At least one moving-mouth puppet
- Your camera should be positioned very high (not tilted), so you can puppeteer comfortably while still viewing the zoom screen.
- Please set your camera up in an area where you will be able to move around easily, if possible.
- Please see the diagram for more details about your ideal set-up!
ABOOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Michael Schupbach has designed and built puppets for both children’s television programs and Tony Award-winning theatrical productions. He is a proud alumnus of Jim Henson’s Muppet Workshop and a co-founder of The Puppet Kitchen. He currently works as a puppet and animatronic designer for Animax designs.
Mr. Schupbach constructed and/or performed puppets for stage productions of Little Shop of Horrors on Broadway, Avenue Q, The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park, Imaginocean, and BRT’s The Little Prince at the New Victory Theater and subsequent national tour.
His screen credits include The Oogiloves Big Balloon Adventure, The Disney Channel’s Emmy Nominated Johnny and the Sprites and Emmy Award-winning Bear in the Big Blue House, the Disneyland stage show Bear in the Big Blue House Live, Imagine Dragons Radioactive Music Video, The Godwin Groups Vacation Crustaceans Commercial Series, Hyperactive Content’s Fingerlings, IFC’s Greg the Bunny, PBS’ Sesame Street, Noggin’s interactive series Play with Me Sesame, and Universal Studios’ Sesame Street in 4-D.
Michael has B.A. in Education with a concentration in Children’s Television from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, and a somewhat less serious degree from The Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey’s Clown College.
EXTRA/TECH DETAILS: One purchase is required for each person in attendance (with the exception of a parent/guardian for students under the age of 18).
You do NOT need to be in the Phoenix area for this workshop, however you DO need a computer/device with a camera and microphone so your instructor can see and hear what you’re doing. You’ll also need a stable internet connection. Headphones are also a good idea (as in, please use headphones). You’ll receive an email from Puppet Pie with a zoom invitation/link the night before the lesson. Please check your spam folder and then reach out on our contact page if you haven’t received it 2 hours before the event.
