The purpose of puppet design
Puppets can add an exciting dimension to a performance.
Conveying character
Puppets can be used within productions as a dramatic device to represent characters. A well-designed puppet should allow the audience to suspend disbeliefIn drama, to temporarily accept or believe things that aren’t real to make the most of the experience., enhancing the storytelling within a performance.
Supporting the style of the production
The use of puppetry can help support the overall style of the production. For example, if a play has a minimalisticTo minimise the use of set, props, costume etc in a production. design aestheticHow something looks., then puppets should be simple but also representative enough in order to match the rest of the production, whereas a production with a more theatrical style may design puppets with more detailed characteristics.
If a puppet were used in a naturalisticA form of theatre designed to create the illusion of reality for an audience. Originated in the late 19th century. production, then it would be considered a prop rather than a dramatic device used to represent a character.
Providing practical solutions
Puppets can be used for practical reasons as well as artistic ones. For example, a production that requires a dog might use a dog puppet rather than hiring a real, trained dog.