It has been said that “puppetry is live-action animation,” and this workshop brings that idea to life. Students who have completed the marionette-building workshop will learn how to begin performing with their puppets. Those who have not taken the building class are equally welcome, and a puppet will be provided so they can explore the art of marionette performance. Learning to perform with a marionette is much like learning to play a musical instrument. The possibilities for expression, emotion, nuance, and depth are nearly endless, yet even complete beginners can quickly learn the fundamentals and begin bringing a character to life. Students will rehearse sample scenes, explore character interaction, and learn staging techniques and the practical steps involved in mounting a show. This is theater in miniature, offering all the drama and storytelling of a grand opera with considerably smaller production costs.