Lion Puppet for the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe

8/2021 - 5/2022

Project Scope

In theater, many different methods are used to make characters come to life. One popular method of character creation is puppetry, and in the case of this project, large scale puppetry, where one or more actors use their bodies to pilot a character larger than them. This project focuses on creating a new design for a Lion Puppet using Solidworks, and then performing Static and Dynamic Analysis upon the finished model. The aim of this study was to create a new design of a Lion Puppet, focusing with a two-actor based exoskeleton design. This is in order to lessen the amount of weight upon a singular person, especially because the actors will need to be within the puppet for approximately 2 hours. The exoskeleton will also permit more freedom for the costuming element. Furthermore, the head will be controlled by a ball joint in the neck, to allow for the largest range of realistic movements. All of this is to facilitate a life-like lion on stage, that can walk, talk, and move its head.

Method & Results

Utilizing the capabilities of the Solidworks 3D modelling software, an assembly was created to model the Lion Puppet. The use of 3D modelling software was beneficial because it allowed tests to be ran without having to deal with the physical scale of the project, or the costs of building a prototype of the puppet. Within the software, Static and Dynamic Analysis was performed on the finished models of the head and body in order to visualize the potential stress points and the movement of the exoskeleton. Running the tests through Solidworks Simulation program revealed the potential stress points of the body and head, and the desired motion of both parts. Both performed within parameters, with the only potential problem an uneven weight distribution towards the back end of the body, which would result in a heavier load the back actor would have to bear. This, however, would be counteracted with the attachment of the head in the completed design.

Static Simulation

Dynamic Simulation (Oscillation of Joints)

Conclusion

With the data collected, this design is a possible solution for Lion Puppet, with all movement and stresses being nominal and within parameters. However, when human actors are added, real life testing will have to occur to account for testing real application aspects of the designed puppet.

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