Hand Shadow Masterclass

This masterclass explores the ancient artform of shadowgraphy – making moving pictures with your shadow. Sometimes called hand shadows, this may be the oldest form of puppetry, and involves the simultaneous use of a series of skills, including hand-eye co-ordination, ability to visualise shape and form, muscle memory and sense of movement.

In the course of four two hour session participants will learn practical physical warm-ups, general hand positions for making a range of animals and characters, specifics of lighting and screens and suggested contexts in which hand shadows can be used to good effect. There will be opportunities to ask questions and make requests. Many of the skills taught are transferrable to other forms of puppetry, including lip-synching, dynamics and quality of movement and use of the whole body.