 An Exploration in Marionettes: Workshop with Madison J. Cripps

How do you make a marionette move? What connects its parts and pieces? Can you (yes, you!) make your very first marionette in an hour? Learn all this and more in an afternoon workshop with the incomparable Madison J. Cripps! We will begin with an introduction to the essential parts of the string puppet, or marionette, before constructing our own simple marionettes. You’ll learn some basic knots, attach strings for the fun of it, and explore the forces and mechanics that bring a marionette to life. Then, we’ll stop just “hanging around” and share our newly created puppets with the group by using exercises designed to get the body — and the puppet — moving. Next, we’ll dive deeper into marionette performance by using the puppets from A Slice of Crazy Pie to learn how design choices affect movement. Manipulate the marionettes to discover the relationships of gravity, pendular momentum, and active and passive movement. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to play with trick strings and other simple mechanisms that can help you take your marionettes to the next level. All those interested in exploring the construction and manipulation of string marionettes are welcome in this workshop! No experience necessary — just an appreciation of marionette-themed puns! Adults 18+ May 18 (Sat): 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Registration deadline: May 11 About the Instructor Madison J. Cripps has been performing as a professional puppeteer for over a decade, both in Massachusetts and in North Carolina. His dedication to the art form has earned several accolades, including an UNIMA Citation of Excellence in Puppetry in 2015 for his work on Billy the Liar with Toybox Theater. In addition to performing with and making puppets, he works as a jewelry designer and received formal training in silver jewelry design at Sterling Quest School in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Madison draws on his diverse experiences in fine arts, construction, environmentalism, theater, and travel to create his imaginative, and often surprising, works of puppetry.

Puppet Showplace Theater

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Best of 💫

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

Where

An Exploration in Marionettes: Workshop with Madison J. Cripps

Website

Where?