The Theatre Times: It’s late on a Friday night in July and I’m setting up my kitchen for co-hosting an online puppet cabaret, Slamalicious, with the Calgary Animated Object Society (CAOS). This raucous, interactive slam with a pirate theme is hosted by clowns and will feature new works by a roster of both established and emerging puppeteers.
5 comments:
I love this!! A puppeteer I once worked with told me about puppet slams, and I’ve been meaning to look up more information about them and their format for a potential playground piece, so this is a lovely coincidence. I think it is interesting that this article talks about how the switch to digital for these types of artists – they mention “clowns, puppeteers, mask performers and mimes” – are pre-equipped to do art anywhere, and thus the switch to online was fairly seamless. I guess that stems from the Commedia dell'arte form, which were shows and acts often designed to tour. I was surprised to read that the number of audience members at digital slams essentially matched the numbers that in-person performances had had. I wonder what tips and tricks current theatre makers struggling to pivot to digital could take from the form and function of events like this puppet slam in order to make their events more successful? Is it the content? Or is it the audience’s expectations for the content? My guess is the latter, and that's why there has been a struggle.
I have never heard of Puppet Slams before reading this article, and I think this is such a good idea. It seems like a genuinely fun way for people to engage with performance and based on the topics still get something meaningful out of it. It seems like these puppet slams have transitioned really well to being an online experience which is great. I think the audiences of these definitely appreciate all of the work that these performers are doing to make this happen online because based on the article it seems like the audiences are loving this and having a lot of fun. I am so glad the art of puppetry is something so versatile and really has lived on for so long in so many different forms. I really would like to learn more about modern day puppetry art forms like these puppet slams because I feel like I mostly just know about puppetry as it was used historically in theatre and performance.
I will admit, I have always hated props. It must be PTSD from being a prop master on one of my first shows, where I was thrown into this position with no experience or guidance. Whenever it comes to props, (mostly hand props), but also puppets… I emotionally break out into hives. But this concept of a “puppet slam,” while it sounds awful to manage, seems fun. Alice Nelson hosts a “puppet slam” from her home, through Zoom. I found it interesting that she noted that she has technicians hosting, working sound, and video sharing from a different location.
Puppeteering is an art I know little to nothing about, but it’s interesting to know that they are also coming up with innovative ways to keep their art flowing and to continue sharing their shows to the public. While Zoom is incredibly frustrating at times, it is nice to know that people are working on making it accessible for them.
I had no idea that puppet slams were a thing and I probably wouldn’t have been able to guess what they were before this either. I think it’s another interesting way of artistic expression and I guess I still held a little bit of the idea that puppets were mostly children’s toys (like sesame street, etc.). But shows like Avenue Q also exist and events like these puppet slams that use characters to jest about more hard issues targeted towards an older audience. I also like how they’ve been able to adapt to the online zoom setting seemingly effortlessly. The attendance numbers are at the same level as in person, and the breakout rooms/ chat windows becoming something closer to normal mingling. It’s cool to see arts still thriving. I feel like It’s hard for me to imagine it doing so well over zoom because all of my experiences with zoom calls have not been engaging or very interesting, so maybe CMU SoD should try to do something more interesting too.
This was the first time I have ever heard of a puppet slam and I am intrigued. I would love to attend one of the zoom shows, especially during this election year. They mentioned how through puppets and comedy they are able to talk about hard truths and political commentary. That’s such an interesting concept. Additionally, I find the artistry that goes into creating a puppet fascinating. It requires so much skill and time to make physical art along with conceptualizing and bringing to life a character for the enjoyment of others. I’m very happy to hear that they are making the most of the platform we must use instead of risking lives. I feel like many people are rushing to make in-person events happen again, but it is way too early. They are proof that we can make it work online, at least for the time being.
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