Something New
A while back we got a note from one of our readers with a wonderful suggestion for a method that he uses in his practice sessions and wanted to share it with you. It is still the same in that he understands the need to constantly practice to keep his skills sharpened to a fine edge, but he has added a new twist to the practice routine.
We all know how important manipulation is to keep the puppet looking alive. Without good manipulation, you might just as well stay at home, because you will be short changing your audience.
What this gentleman was concerned about was being able to tell when he was truly doing a great job with his manipulation. Most of us know that video taping is a great way to look for things like lip control. What we aren’t always able to see is just how good or bad our manipulation is in the process.
What this gentleman does is set up and video tape his performance. Nothing new in that. Where the neat new trick comes in is what he does then.
After viewing his performance for all the usual stuff, he then MUTES the sound for another playback. With the sound completely gone, he can focus on ONLY his manipulation and can much more easily see where he needs to improve what he is doing.
It is such a small thing that most of us would never have thought of it, but it is very effective and you will be able to see things you would never have seen with the sound turned on to distract you. Give it a try.
Thanks,
Steve and JET
Great suggestion! Thank you! We review our Weekly Wacky Wednesday facebook LIVE performances, but your suggestion will be implemented immediately!
While this is a great suggestion. You will be able to better critique your performance if you will wait a day or two before reviewing it. This will improve yourperspective immensely. You’ll forget “Oh that as when I had my hand slip” or “That was when this or that happened”. Give yourself some time and your judgement will help you be a better vent!