Description:
Understanding movement is essential to creating a realistic character, and it is easier than you think. In this hands-on class, you are guided through exercises and activities that connect mind and body. Explore emotions, tempo, and stillness learning to control the subtleties of movement within your own body. Then, learn how to translate that energy into an inanimate object, breathing life into a character, both as an individual and as an ensemble. This class is very introspective, making it perfect for both beginners looking to learn new skills and experienced performers trying to enhance their current technique. No experience is necessary. Bring water and wear clothes that you are comfortable moving in. Objects and puppets will be provided, however you are welcome to bring a character that you are currently working with for questions at the end of the session.
Bio:
A puppetry artist for over 25 years, Jamie Donmoyer grew up studying with international puppetry artists. In high school, Jamie got her first professional puppetry job at Sesame Place, performing live as Oscar the Grouch, a moveable mouth/live hand puppet costume character. Surrounded by dancers, Jamie quickly realized what a difference understanding movement could make in capturing a character. Classes in clowning, puppetry and movement soon followed, and Jamie became a full-time puppeteer/costume character at Walt Disney World. There she learned subtlety and endurance, working with everything from tiny hand puppets to giant, mechanical creatures. Jamie trained puppeteers as a Walt Disney World Puppet Specialist and spent five years as a character development specialist for Royal Caribbean Cruises developing curriculum for “The Dreamworks Experience.” Jamie’s onscreen performances include Sesame Street, Johnny and the Sprites, and The Chica Show. Offscreen she has directed and performed with IBEX Puppetry, MicheLee Puppets, and The Orlando Repertory Theatre. When not performing, Jamie is co-writer/creator of Lolly’s Radio Playdate podcast, Associate Editor of The Puppetry Journal, and Producing Director for MicheLee Puppets where she teaches, writes, directs and builds live shows and videos that empower lives through the art of puppetry.