Virtual workshops are now available!

We offer puppet making workshops that can be booked as stand alone events, or along with a performance. Listed here are our standard workshops, but we can also create a workshop tailored to the needs of your group. Please contact cactusheadpuppets@gmail.com for more information.

Rod Puppet Workshop

Learn to make and perform with your very own rod puppet! We’ll share some examples of rod puppets and explore how they move. Then, each participant will get to design and build their own rod puppet character using provided materials. Once the puppets are complete participants will learn the basics of rod puppet performance, focusing on how to use movement to convey emotion, and get a chance to introduce their puppet character to the group! For ages 5 and up.

Workshop length- 60 min. or 90 min., depending on the age for the group.

Available in-person or live virtually. Materials kits can be mailed in advance of virtual workshops.

Shadow Puppet Workshop

Explore the world of shadow puppetry! We’ll begin with a demonstration of different types of shadow puppets. Then, each participant will design and create their own shadow puppet. Using their own puppets, participants will explore different shadow puppet performance techniques, and create a very short performance to share with the group. For ages 6 and up.

Workshop length- 60 min. or 90 min., depending on age of group.

Available in-person or live virtually. Materials kits can be mailed in advance of virtual workshops.

Paper Bag Puppet Workshop

This workshop is great for younger groups. We start with a demonstration of a moving mouth puppet, and show all the participants how they can use their bare hand as a moving mouth puppet. We provide materials and instruction for each participant to make a simple moving mouth puppet using a paper bag and construction paper. Once the puppets are complete, we put on a short group song performance. For ages 4 and up.

Workshop length- 45 min. or 60 min., depending on age of group. 

Available in-person or live virtually. Materials kits can be mailed in advance of virtual workshops.