Current Classes Offered
July 19-20, 2025
Step into the world of tabletop puppetry with acclaimed puppeteer, Fred C. Riley III in an immersive and dynamic workshop designed for performers of all levels.
This class offers a unique opportunity to learn the foundational techniques that bring puppets to life through the artistry of gravity, focus, and breath.
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned puppeteer looking to refine your skills, this workshop will cover:
- The Basics of Tabletop Puppetry: Understand how gravity informs natural movement, how focus tells a story, and how breath brings subtle realism to performance.
- Solo and Ensemble Techniques: Learn how to animate a single figure with one, two, or even three puppeteers in harmony.
- Hands-On Training: Participants will gain practical experience manipulating tabletop puppets under Fred’s expert guidance.
Fred C. Riley III brings years of performance, directing, and puppetry expertise to this exciting class. His passion for collaborative storytelling and precision movement makes this a must-attend event for artists, educators, and theater enthusiasts alike.
WHEN: July 19-20, 2025
10-3pm
WHERE:
Marin Theater Company
397 Miller Ave,
Mill Valley, CA
COST: $200
Click Below to Sign Up
Tabletop Puppetry Introduction
Instructor
Fred C Riley III: Fred has taught puppetry to adults at The Center for Puppetry Arts (Atlanta GA), lectured on puppetry at Stanford and trained professional puppeteers in the USA and abroad. He has directed, written and performed in countless performances over the last 30 years.
Course Description
This class will take students through the practice and practical application of Tabletop Puppetry. Over the 2 week course, students will learn to move the puppet alone and how to achieve more complicated movement cooperating with 2 to 3 puppeteers on a human figure. Students will learn conventions of the style and best practices in improving movement through the form.
Learning Objectives
Students will be introduced to the basics of puppet movement, and how to apply those concepts to the Tabletop Puppet. We will explore and apply these concepts through classroom exercises and performances.
Students will:
• apply the concepts of gravity, breath and focus
• analyze movement to apply to puppet performance
• practice the basics of a swing walk
• learn the importance of finding and working within the inherent rhythm built in to each puppet
• explore the areas where puppetry moves beyond the confines of dance and acting, and where the forms intersect
Outcome
This course is meant to lay the groundwork for a greater exploration of Tabletop Puppetry. It is meant to introduce a new storytelling tool as well as help students see the world in a new way. Some will want to take more classes and delve deeper into this Tabletop world, and some will take what they learn to add something new to their current artistic endeavors. Both theater and film (through greenscreen) have embraced this form, so we are trying to give you the tools you need to explore too.