Art Dolls, Puppets & Character Figures
Workshops and Classes
by Linda Geiger

Throughout my career I have worked in visual, performing and literary arts. I enjoy graphic arts, fiber arts, batik, silk painting, papiér maché, and clothing design, but I especially enjoy working with fabric and clay. I work with children at our local community theater, and I enjoy teaching the arts to both children and adults.

Several years ago I was inspired to build dolls as a creative expression and also as a healing medium, as my mother had passed away and I found myself connecting with her spirit as I created dolls. These dolls mature as I do, and every time I make a doll or teach a class in doll-making, and my craft evolves to the next level. I learn new techniques from my students as well as from my own personal experiences.

My teaching goal is to encourage the students to relax and not focus on a finished product, but instead enjoy the process of going deep inside their souls to search for feelings and characteristics about themselves that make them unique. I do not stress the creation of beautiful works of art, although many certainly will be made. Instead I encourage my students to enjoy the tactile and visual sensations of the media, and love it so much they continue experimenting on their own. I also insist they are comfortable working in a non-judgmental atmosphere so they can fully express themselves through the characters and throughout the process.

The lesson plans for my workshops and classes are flexible,and I can work with you to develop a class to fit your needs.

 

Art Dolls

Art Dolls are vessels of expression that go beyond a simple showpiece. What starts as a project, finishes as a part of the soul. It is virtually impossible to create an Art Doll without having it take charge of its own destiny, often letting its maker know what it wants to wear, how it wants to pose, and what its name will be. Each doll is truly a magical experience.

Puppets

Puppetry arts is a form of drama that many students find attractive and non-intimidating. It is often easier to let the puppet do the talking for the actor! I have found that puppetry eliminates many of the limitations of performance art. Special effects, unique characters, fantasy settings, and affordable costuming and props are a reality in a smaller-scale puppet theatre. This sets the pace for affordable “out of the box” thinking and truly unique experiences. The emphasis in my puppetry programs is on teamwork. The focus is not on the finished product, but the process of doing, and learning about personal character along the way. As with doll-making, the puppets often become the maker’s alter ego, encouraging much personal introspection.

Character Figures

The art of “Character Figures” evolved from my life-long love of collecting and making dolls and puppets. The figures begin with inspiration, but magically they take on a life of their own during their creation, becoming unique and unlike what was originally intended. We are not just creating art, but illustrating an extension of our personal existence, or even something beyond. I feel that children can discover much about themselves through this creative miracle. I am often inspired to add a poem or prose to the finished product as well. The dolls seem to “talk” in this way.

Lesson Plan Options
Following are suggestions for Lesson Plans, however, all my suggestions are flexible. I can combine concepts and adjust timetables to suit your curriculum and schedule. We can also create an entirely new focus on the project... I am always open to new creative suggestions!

 

ART DOLL & CHARACTER FIGURES WORKSHOPS

Character Figures (focusing on present self-awareness)
After a short exercise in “finding your personal character” students create their own figure consisting of a clay head, stuffed fabric body, and embellishments. Using Haiku poetry or other writing genre, students create a written accompaniment to their finished soft-sculpture. The figures are then displayed in a gallery-style exhibit.

Career Characters (focusing on the future)
Students discuss career choices and begin thinking about plans they will have to make to obtain these goals. They then create their own figure consisting of a clay head, stuffed fabric body, and embellishments. Time permitting, the clothing can be custom-made to further illustrate their chosen career. The figures are then displayed in a gallery-style exhibit, or can be presented “show-and-tell” style.

Art Dolls (focusing on pure creativity)
Using a variety of media and doll-making techniques, students will be encouraged to create a doll of their choice, with no limits on theme or artistic elements.

 

PUPPETRY WORKSHOPS

Puppetry Design and Construction
An introduction on many kinds of puppets and how they are built. Emphasis is on manual skills and appreciation of the media used to build sock puppets, marionettes, shadow puppets, rod-and-arm puppets.

Performing With Puppets
Performance techniques are demonstrated, learned, practiced and performed, including voice quality, character development, and manipulation. Focus is on acting.

Let’s Put On A Show
Using a combination of live actors, puppets and props, students present a short play. They learn the entire play-making process including audition techniques, acting techniques, rehearsals, stage managing, and scenery. Can also incorporate audio, lighting, and special effects if space and resources permit.

Story Building
Understanding that puppets will be the primary players, students develop an original musical play, incorporating playwriting techniques such as character development, plot, conflict and resolution.

Theatre On A Tabletop
This is a miniature version of a theatre, using cardboard boxes as stages and small puppets on rods. Good for smaller spaces where an auditorium or stage is not available.