FAQ
How are the puppets made?
We purchase most of our puppets and equipment from Oneway UK, although we do improvise and make the occasional puppet ourselves. We are also good at inviting others we know who have creative skills in assisting us in making the odd puppet for us.
What about the props?
We make most of our own props using inspiration, imagination, new and recycled materials. The younger members of the group come up with some fantastic ideas and as a team we create all sorts of wierd and wonderful props! These visual aids help improve the performance and enjoyment of the songs.
Are the puppets heavy to hold?
When you first pick the up they don't seem to heavy, however when you are doing the lip-sync and holding a puppet up above shoulder hight for the length of the song, while making the puppet move or dance then they seem very very heavy! Especially when the puppet you are holding is also carrying an instrument such as a guitar, violin or clarinet.
What instruments do the puppets "play"?
The puppets have a whole range of instruments: piano, keyboard, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, violin, chimes, drums, clarinet, trumpet. Usually when the puppet is "playing" an instrument it will involve two puppeteers to work the puppet.
What are arm rods?
Arm rods are made of long, stiff, thick pieces of wire with dowling at one end (that's the end the puppeteer holds and controls). The end of the wire is attached to the wrist of the puppet. This way, the puppetteer can control the arm movements to help make the puppet look more realistic. When there are lots of arm movements or arm gestures required in a performance, two puppetteers are required to control the puppet.
What is Lipsync?
Lipsync is the word we use to describe the movement of the mouth. This is controlled with the fingers of the puppetteer being inside the puppet head. The Lipsync is when the puppetteer opens and closes the puppet's mouth in time (synchronisation) to the words in the song or script. The better the lipsync, the more realistic the puppet looks! That's why all our puppetteers have lots of practice sessions to enable our puppets to "come alive".
How often do the puppetteers need to practice?
The puppetteers get together every Tuesday evening for an our during term time only.
How often do PuppetKru perform?
The PuppetKru perform on the first Sunday of every month at the Family Service at St. Bart's Church, Horley (except August and January). They also perform as requested at other events - see Events Calendar.
