Blog
Blog
November 2023
November 2023
Phew!
It. Has. Been. A. Min. Ute!
2023 (the latter bit!)
Winnie The Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation
Ok. I’ve avoided it long enough. I’m ready to talk about Pooh. I’m ready to discuss what its meant to me.
Here’s the TL/DR.
I auditioned in May at breakneck speed after returning from Bali.
1 tape. Two call backs. Two weeks between to find out if I had a part.
I was with my very dear friend Allanah, who is on Bluey and who I envied and wanted to be just like at the time I got the call. I got the call. We got 3 weeks rehearsal and one week’s tech and previews. We played over 60 shows in 11 venues in six states over four months from July-October. It was the trip of a lifetime. But it was also the crew of a lifetime. The role of a lifetime. The exact moment I needed to experience in that point of my career. I discovered more about myself than I expected. I found love along the way. It was really, truly life changing and it’s very hard to let go of. I am so, so proud and incredibly grateful.
That’s the short version.
Here's the rest of it. Here’s what Pooh means to me. Let me tell you a story.
Sit down. Get comfy. This will be a long one.
When I was four. I went with my mum to pick up my brother from primary school. Unprompted, and tired of waiting for the bell to ring, I burst into the staff room and announced who I was, who my brother was and that I was coming to their “big school” next year. That room of surprised and delighted teachers who declared they would have me in their class next year were my first public audience. I loved it. And it’s the most authentic example of me I can recall. But I didn’t discover where to put it all until I was 9 or 10.
By then, I’d been introduced to bullies. But Ms Hristofski put me in the year four play and the following year I was in the school musical and the following year I went to Vanuatu on a performance tour with my drama school without my parents at age 11 was off to a performing arts high school the year after that.
But here’s the catch – when you’re good at one thing in the local state school and then you go to the school where all the other kids who were also good in their state schools go to be performing artists – yes you find your people. But you’re just a shiny object in a room full of other shiny objects. And you’re a bit dimmer than others, and shinier than some. I was introduced the culture of people who would polish you and those you’d try to grease you up so they could slip ahead. Growing up in performing arts, you go to a lot of auditions. You’re pitted against kids far better looking than you, more popular than you. You’re under the enormous pressure of the fact your parents took days off work to pull you out of school, to drive you to the most undriveable of places in Sydney to wait with you for three hours so you can have your five minutes to impress someone enough to make the experience worth the parking ticket your mum doesn’t even know she’s gotten yet. And then you don’t get it.
And as a kid, you don’t have neither the tools nor the language to unpick the kind of self-deprecation that follows. Suddenly the thing you love becomes the thing you’re apprehensive of. Suddenly you’ve lost your confidence, suddenly the people who support you lose their confidence in you. Suddenly you avoided theatre almost altogether for almost 7 years and you’re in a career you never wanted. Suddenly you’re not only unshiny, you’re actively hiding your shine from others. And then darkness gets the better of you.
And then just as suddenly - you’re asked to teach kids drama after school once a week, even though you’re only qualified to teach art. And suddenly you’re given a Drama class to teach a few years later, and suddenly you’re being sent to camps and conferences and suddenly you realize you’ve made the kids who are just like you were the same space you had when you were their age. And it leads you back. Slowly, it coaxes you in. It overtakes. Maybe you could be safe in theatre again yourself.
Suddenly it clicks. You do one show. It goes well. You wait a while. You do another. It goes well. You go overseas to test your luck. That blows the door wide open. And then you decide to shift your life to have a proper go. At 29. And the last four years in Melbourne have been me clawing my way back to theatre. Into a ready state. Shaking the imposter syndrome. Putting in the work. Developing the networks and getting the training I needed to feel like I belonged.
So, By the time I auditioned for Pooh, I was still going to get a parking ticket. But all the pressure wasn’t there anymore. For the first time ever, I could hold myself in two frames of mind – that I wanted this really badly and that I knew I would be ok and that there were other things going on for me if I didn’t get it. And so, with that in mind, I walked into the room w i t h o u t nervousness. Without fear. And it’s the first time someone has seen me in one of those rooms without it.
And it worked. But it was an agonizing wait. And there were some hard truths and tough lessons I had to wise up to about the current state of our theatre industry along the way. I'm glad I know what I know now. Knowing makes doing it again seem less far away.
The month of rehearsals that followed auditions while also doing a puppetry festival show was so challenging. But so, so wonderful. Where in independent theatre do we EVER get four weeks of paid rehearsal? I’ve never felt so ready.
And then the tour kicked off. How many chances do we get as performers, to do a show 60 times? For it to set in? For it to become our day in day out? Its never happened to me before. How many people can say they've performed a leading role at The Sydney Opera House? Or The Melbourne Comedy Theare? I'm sorry for all the rhetorical questions here but I'm really still blown away by all that this show granted me to tick off my bucket list.
The past few months have been spent taking stock. Going through all the photos. Missing the people that became my family. Come back down to earth. Coming back to that square one place. The place I was in before this happened, so I could understand what has changed and how it has changed me. And that kind of processing takes a long time.
What I’ve understood is – I’m more ‘me’ than I have ever been before. I’m Alex Joy – a person who isn’t shrouded in the shame placed upon me. A person who has unlearnt all the versions of myself society required me to be to belong. And I can finally do the things that four year old boy believed he could. I always could. I just needed to believe it, wholly, resolutely. And now I do.
The journey to becoming Winnie The Pooh fulfils and aligns my journey to self discovery and self actualisation. Of being myself. Of loving myself. And being loved for myself. And even finding someone who loves me back along the way! And I’m so proud that so many of you got to see me do that because for me, you seeing it proves that it happened.
That’s what it means to me to have been Australia’s Winnie The Pooh. What're more is to have been given the trust to hold the legacy of this character in my hands. Pooh's voice, his gesture, his manner - they are not only iconic but they are so interconnected with the reason why people love him so much. To be able to stop hiding behind the puppet and become one with the puppet in the case of Pooh to try my hand at giving him that has been the greatest honour. To be part of just a handful of international people who've played this role, thats something. And to have travelled around the country with some of your very best friends and exceptionally talented performers whom you respect and love. Thats everything. And to be doing all that while doing that thing you love called puppetry full time? Icing on the cake.
Thanks for reading. More to come.
Alex
September 2021
September 2021
The dark and difficult times in the life of the artist roll on. Don't worry, this isn't going to be a sad and negative post. You've seen too many of those already and I'm not here to add to the noise.
The dark and difficult times in the life of the artist roll on. Don't worry, this isn't going to be a sad and negative post. You've seen too many of those already and I'm not here to add to the noise.
Probably one of the most trending words of this pandemic has been "pivot". This corporate buzz word certainly does deserve to maintain its hold in 2021 thanks to the looming presence of snap lockdowns that have hung over our heads this year. With pivoting comes the realisation that we have all learnt something from 2020, we have become the masters of change. I'm struck by the resilience we've developed here in Melbourne. I remain constantly in awe of teachers and students who I've had the pleasure of working with this year.
Probably one of the most trending words of this pandemic has been "pivot". This corporate buzz word certainly does deserve to maintain its hold in 2021 thanks to the looming presence of snap lockdowns that have hung over our heads this year. With pivoting comes the realisation that we have all learnt something from 2020, we have become the masters of change. I'm struck by the resilience we've developed here in Melbourne. I remain constantly in awe of teachers and students who I've had the pleasure of working with this year.
I'm flawed by what has happened to artists and entertainment workers with regards to venue and work restrictions relative to the exceptions that have been made to sport and sporting venues. But I'm always so surprised by how artists and creative works find ways to reach their audience.But this isn't about telling artists 'keep going you're doing great'. Because that pulls focus away from the fact that artists need help and they are under constant threat of what little support there is being taken away. Me, I'm lucky enough to fall back into classroom teaching when things get tough. But I am weaker than many more artists who stay the course and maintain their creative practice in spite of a pandemic and who stick it out in this financially and mentally perilous period.
I'm flawed by what has happened to artists and entertainment workers with regards to venue and work restrictions relative to the exceptions that have been made to sport and sporting venues. But I'm always so surprised by how artists and creative works find ways to reach their audience.But this isn't about telling artists 'keep going you're doing great'. Because that pulls focus away from the fact that artists need help and they are under constant threat of what little support there is being taken away. Me, I'm lucky enough to fall back into classroom teaching when things get tough. But I am weaker than many more artists who stay the course and maintain their creative practice in spite of a pandemic and who stick it out in this financially and mentally perilous period.
Did you know that "pivot" is also a noun as well as a verb. Google's dictionary function describes it as:
Did you know that "pivot" is also a noun as well as a verb. Google's dictionary function describes it as:
a person or thing that plays a central part in a situation or enterprise.
a person or thing that plays a central part in a situation or enterprise.
ie. "the pivot of community life was the local theatre"
The local theatre's such as The Butterfly Club, Chapel off Chapel and La Mama Theatre are the ones who are doing it the most tough and they are also the theatres that give new artists like my self a space to exist and emerge from. You guys are the pivot of the community in Melbourne's arts and culture scene. You You guys are my heroes.
The local theatre's such as The Butterfly Club, Chapel off Chapel and La Mama Theatre are the ones who are doing it the most tough and they are also the theatres that give new artists like my self a space to exist and emerge from. You guys are the pivot of the community in Melbourne's arts and culture scene. You You guys are my heroes.
And "pivot" is also a word used in puppetry mechanisms
And "pivot" is also a word used in puppetry mechanisms
"the central point, pin, or shaft on which a mechanism turns or oscillates."
Yes. I am actively and aggressively trying to reclaim this word from its corporate undertakers. And I'm actively still pursuing my puppetry education, however woefully online. But I've found my self branching out of muppet worlds into new and original puppets where these mechanisms are all the more elusive. I've learnt so much throughout a number of builds - many of which are taking so much longer than anticipated to complete. But the learning is there and I am grateful for it.
Yes. I am actively and aggressively trying to reclaim this word from its corporate undertakers. And I'm actively still pursuing my puppetry education, however woefully online. But I've found my self branching out of muppet worlds into new and original puppets where these mechanisms are all the more elusive. I've learnt so much throughout a number of builds - many of which are taking so much longer than anticipated to complete. But the learning is there and I am grateful for it.
So here are some updates on where One Orange Socks projects are at and whats transpired over the past six months...
So here are some updates on where One Orange Socks projects are at and whats transpired over the past six months...
RAV Creative Workers in Schools Program
RAV Creative Workers in Schools Program
What transpired between April and June was some of the most rewarding and toughest work of my career. I wrote a show! It's called 'In Touch' and it is very dear and personal to me and I hope to those of us St Helena who contributed to it.
What transpired between April and June was some of the most rewarding and toughest work of my career. I wrote a show! It's called 'In Touch' and it is very dear and personal to me and I hope to those of us St Helena who contributed to it.
Sadly due to so many snap lockdowns, time lines with the Year 9 class of muppeteers reached a point of no return. And while the students wrote a pretty great draft of a 20 minute muppet play for the school's orientation program - their class rolled over before the end of the term and we no longer had the contact hours we needed with them to reach a performance outcome. I hope that we can pick this project up when things are more stable. I had the great pleasure of including the school's Textiles, Art and Design departments in this project and it was a true exemplar of the STEAMD capabilities of puppetry arts in the curriculum. Yes, the D stands for Drama, and the result is an all encompassing pork bun of puppetry goodness!
Sadly due to so many snap lockdowns, time lines with the Year 9 class of muppeteers reached a point of no return. And while the students wrote a pretty great draft of a 20 minute muppet play for the school's orientation program - their class rolled over before the end of the term and we no longer had the contact hours we needed with them to reach a performance outcome. I hope that we can pick this project up when things are more stable. I had the great pleasure of including the school's Textiles, Art and Design departments in this project and it was a true exemplar of the STEAMD capabilities of puppetry arts in the curriculum. Yes, the D stands for Drama, and the result is an all encompassing pork bun of puppetry goodness!
Throughout June and July, I managed to teach a workshop in Commedia Dell'Arte and Puppetry 101 to every Year 7 and Year 8 class in that school. Thats about 360 kids. We had a ball and it was great exposure for puppetry arts in the school's drama curriculum. At the same time. I was madly building the puppets for this new show I'd created. Emmett, needed a lot of tweaking from his plastic bubble wrap and calico origins to transform from a workshop Bunraku puppet to a working show-puppet. And then I was able to try something I'd always wanted to. I got to build Grandma.
Throughout June and July, I managed to teach a workshop in Commedia Dell'Arte and Puppetry 101 to every Year 7 and Year 8 class in that school. Thats about 360 kids. We had a ball and it was great exposure for puppetry arts in the school's drama curriculum. At the same time. I was madly building the puppets for this new show I'd created. Emmett, needed a lot of tweaking from his plastic bubble wrap and calico origins to transform from a workshop Bunraku puppet to a working show-puppet. And then I was able to try something I'd always wanted to. I got to build Grandma.
Grandma is a central character in 'In Touch'. I was inspired by the work of Natacha Belova and her work 'Tchaika'. The method is a head sculpted in clay or plasticine, then either made into a mould, or, in my case papier-mache'd over to make a detailed and weathered puppet using a combination of brown paper, chux cloth, calico cloth and torn up stockings layed to create age line. I'm really happy with the result and I congratulate and thank my puppeteer Parker on their performance of this character.
Grandma is a central character in 'In Touch'. I was inspired by the work of Natacha Belova and her work 'Tchaika'. The method is a head sculpted in clay or plasticine, then either made into a mould, or, in my case papier-mache'd over to make a detailed and weathered puppet using a combination of brown paper, chux cloth, calico cloth and torn up stockings layed to create age line. I'm really happy with the result and I congratulate and thank my puppeteer Parker on their performance of this character.
Putting a show together is huge and requires an enormous amount of team work. In a school context, it also involves training students to become this team. We created a student backstage crew and had an amazing young man, Kadin, captain it as well as run lights and sounds. We met over Zoom during snap lockdowns to plan and source technical elements and produce video content for the show. We really had the full commitment from staff and students at St Helena for this show to go ahead come hell or high water.
Putting a show together is huge and requires an enormous amount of team work. In a school context, it also involves training students to become this team. We created a student backstage crew and had an amazing young man, Kadin, captain it as well as run lights and sounds. We met over Zoom during snap lockdowns to plan and source technical elements and produce video content for the show. We really had the full commitment from staff and students at St Helena for this show to go ahead come hell or high water.
By this stage, my residency had technically ended and I was also taking up a new job as an art teacher at a local high school. But we pushed on.
By this stage, my residency had technically ended and I was also taking up a new job as an art teacher at a local high school. But we pushed on.
We really did try to give 'In Touch' a live audience. We really did. We scheduled and rescheduled (pivoted and...re-pivoted?) the show three times before the slippery slope between lockdown's five and six meant that we could not have one hundred people in the school's theatre because it was a school venue, and therefore did not fall under the rules for theatre's at the time of August 4.
We really did try to give 'In Touch' a live audience. We really did. We scheduled and rescheduled (pivoted and...re-pivoted?) the show three times before the slippery slope between lockdown's five and six meant that we could not have one hundred people in the school's theatre because it was a school venue, and therefore did not fall under the rules for theatre's at the time of August 4.
So, overnight, 'In Touch' and the Sue Dyet Theatre at St Helena Secondary College became a film set there's another 'pivot', take another shot if you've been following along). It was so important to me to give the Northern Youth Performing Arts (NYPA) students a sense of closure and resolution to this long journey. They had worked so had and had had their hopes dashed too many times for us to give up on the day of the show.
So, overnight, 'In Touch' and the Sue Dyet Theatre at St Helena Secondary College became a film set there's another 'pivot', take another shot if you've been following along). It was so important to me to give the Northern Youth Performing Arts (NYPA) students a sense of closure and resolution to this long journey. They had worked so had and had had their hopes dashed too many times for us to give up on the day of the show.
What resulted was a pretty grueling twelve hour day with very few breaks to get this thing from as many angles as we could with as many takes as we could for students to show their best work. We had three school cameras and I did my best to direct live recording with our vocal coach Renee and choreographer Keera as camera persons. By 7:30 pm in the evening we finally finished. The relief was palpable. We have a record. We can safely say that this show does exist, and that it's a show that needs to be seen and a story that needs to be told.
What resulted was a pretty grueling twelve hour day with very few breaks to get this thing from as many angles as we could with as many takes as we could for students to show their best work. We had three school cameras and I did my best to direct live recording with our vocal coach Renee and choreographer Keera as camera persons. By 7:30 pm in the evening we finally finished. The relief was palpable. We have a record. We can safely say that this show does exist, and that it's a show that needs to be seen and a story that needs to be told.
And so then, we had about 30 minutes to laugh and cry and say goodbye to what was in itself, opening and closing night all at once.
And so then, we had about 30 minutes to laugh and cry and say goodbye to what was in itself, opening and closing night all at once.
Every student in this show is part of One Orange Sock. They were my first company of actors and thus, they surely all deserved a button and a letter penned by me to thank them all for helping me tell this story. It is these moments of jubilation and the sheer thought of 'we just did that!' that last for me in my own memory. I hope this one memory lasts for these guys too.
Every student in this show is part of One Orange Sock. They were my first company of actors and thus, they surely all deserved a button and a letter penned by me to thank them all for helping me tell this story. It is these moments of jubilation and the sheer thought of 'we just did that!' that last for me in my own memory. I hope this one memory lasts for these guys too.
As a documentary about the residency is currently underway, so too is the post production for 'In Touch' and we hope to showcase it to the students and their families (and hopefully to all of you) by year's end.
As a documentary about the residency is currently underway, so too is the post production for 'In Touch' and we hope to showcase it to the students and their families (and hopefully to all of you) by year's end.
Being employed as a full time artist has been one of the hardest but most rewarding and validating experiences of my life. I can safely call myself an artist now. That means the world to me. And my practice is stronger for it. My resolve and my plans for the studio have changed for the better. I'm still learning what this creative space has potential for, what niche it fits. But I'm drawing closer to it.
Being employed as a full time artist has been one of the hardest but most rewarding and validating experiences of my life. I can safely call myself an artist now. That means the world to me. And my practice is stronger for it. My resolve and my plans for the studio have changed for the better. I'm still learning what this creative space has potential for, what niche it fits. But I'm drawing closer to it.
That Darned Scholarship in Europe You Won't Shut Up About...
That Darned Scholarship in Europe You Won't Shut Up About...
It really is finally over. PuppeTry is no more. On April 30 we heard that the partner universities had decided to pull out of the program as SFZE (The University of Theatre and Film Arts) Budapest is now under the control of Hungary's autocratic federal government.
It really is finally over. PuppeTry is no more. On April 30 we heard that the partner universities had decided to pull out of the program as SFZE (The University of Theatre and Film Arts) Budapest is now under the control of Hungary's autocratic federal government.
Earlier this month, this new and unfriendly version SFZE reared its ugly head and attempted to put students safety at risk by trying to turn the program on its head and turn the blame around on the partner universities. We students, who have formed a tight bond as we've journeyed through this agony of the past 18 month smelt a rat pretty quickly and resolved finally that we need to ignore SFZE herein. We hope, that the FreeSFZE - a collective of the members of SFZE who resigned in protest and re-established themselves will find recognition and status as a tertiary education provider that will avoid censorship by the far right.
Earlier this month, this new and unfriendly version SFZE reared its ugly head and attempted to put students safety at risk by trying to turn the program on its head and turn the blame around on the partner universities. We students, who have formed a tight bond as we've journeyed through this agony of the past 18 month smelt a rat pretty quickly and resolved finally that we need to ignore SFZE herein. We hope, that the FreeSFZE - a collective of the members of SFZE who resigned in protest and re-established themselves will find recognition and status as a tertiary education provider that will avoid censorship by the far right.
It was a dream, and I still won that scholarship. It was mine to win. That for me is enough validation in itself. But the two year masters in Europe - It's never going to happen. I've got to move on. Its embarrassing to have told everyone about it, left jobs, put this on my LinkedIn profile in pride. But I did that with the full hope that this university would retain its promise and its integrity. It didn't. So here we are. I have no regrets. You've got to be in it to win it. And sometimes you do, and sometimes you don't. I've learned that it is possible to win something and still lose.
It was a dream, and I still won that scholarship. It was mine to win. That for me is enough validation in itself. But the two year masters in Europe - It's never going to happen. I've got to move on. Its embarrassing to have told everyone about it, left jobs, put this on my LinkedIn profile in pride. But I did that with the full hope that this university would retain its promise and its integrity. It didn't. So here we are. I have no regrets. You've got to be in it to win it. And sometimes you do, and sometimes you don't. I've learned that it is possible to win something and still lose.
And thats ok. Because it wasn't my fault. And I've learned something anyway.
And thats ok. Because it wasn't my fault. And I've learned something anyway.
Puppet Mayhem - A Blanck Canvas' Opening of 'The Playground' at Seaworks Maritime Precinct
Puppet Mayhem - A Blanck Canvas' Opening of 'The Playground' at Seaworks Maritime Precinct
This was pure unadulterated joy and part of the reason that I was able to escape the grief of losing that Master's degree relatively quickly.
This was pure unadulterated joy and part of the reason that I was able to escape the grief of losing that Master's degree relatively quickly.
Joe Blanck has held a large space at Seaworks Maritime Precinct, located in Williamstown across from the Port Melbourne since around June 2020. It hosts spectacular city views and is its own thriving community. The precinct is home to a number of shipwrights and the famous Sea Shepherd. But Joe and his team have been working constantly over the past 12 months to make this space the home for Melbourne Puppetry. The activation across two large warehouses and a massive quadrangle that also is home to The Pirate's Tavern hosted just about every puppeteer and every form of puppetry Melbourne has to offer.
Joe Blanck has held a large space at Seaworks Maritime Precinct, located in Williamstown across from the Port Melbourne since around June 2020. It hosts spectacular city views and is its own thriving community. The precinct is home to a number of shipwrights and the famous Sea Shepherd. But Joe and his team have been working constantly over the past 12 months to make this space the home for Melbourne Puppetry. The activation across two large warehouses and a massive quadrangle that also is home to The Pirate's Tavern hosted just about every puppeteer and every form of puppetry Melbourne has to offer.
We rehearsed for the one-night-only show over four Friday afternoons but the big bash was on May 15. I was thrilled to be one of the operator's on ABC's signature pieces - The Guardian and The Messenger puppets. As well as a solo puppeteer in a giant squid eyeball, originally created for a Thundamentals live show, and a lovely baby water dragon in a basket.
We rehearsed for the one-night-only show over four Friday afternoons but the big bash was on May 15. I was thrilled to be one of the operator's on ABC's signature pieces - The Guardian and The Messenger puppets. As well as a solo puppeteer in a giant squid eyeball, originally created for a Thundamentals live show, and a lovely baby water dragon in a basket.
There was so much on at any given moment and it was just the best kind of fanfare and chaos. Four stages - an indoor theatre, marionette stage, the Pirate Tavern's small proscenium and the open space of the quadrangle with music pumped out by a roving DJ aboard UKI the kinetic insect.
There was so much on at any given moment and it was just the best kind of fanfare and chaos. Four stages - an indoor theatre, marionette stage, the Pirate Tavern's small proscenium and the open space of the quadrangle with music pumped out by a roving DJ aboard UKI the kinetic insect.
It was such a great glimpse of what the future of puppetry will be when it gets a moment to breathe in a space such as this one.
It was such a great glimpse of what the future of puppetry will be when it gets a moment to breathe in a space such as this one.
The Melbourne Festival of Puppetry
The Melbourne Festival of Puppetry
Well, that was a wonderful thing that somehow managed to escape the grips of COVID this time. Under heavy restrictions, Sarah Krieglar (who also acted as a mentor for me during the residency) and Jacob Williams pulled off the virtually impossible. The Melbourne Festival of Puppetry had been cancelled twice before and I'm sure it was a great relief to get it off the ground third-time lucky.
Well, that was a wonderful thing that somehow managed to escape the grips of COVID this time. Under heavy restrictions, Sarah Krieglar (who also acted as a mentor for me during the residency) and Jacob Williams pulled off the virtually impossible. The Melbourne Festival of Puppetry had been cancelled twice before and I'm sure it was a great relief to get it off the ground third-time lucky.
What resulted was puppeteers from other parts of the country and Victorian puppeteers alike being able to perform to live audiences again and it was such a breath of fresh air, or more a deep and satisfying sigh of collective relief.
What resulted was puppeteers from other parts of the country and Victorian puppeteers alike being able to perform to live audiences again and it was such a breath of fresh air, or more a deep and satisfying sigh of collective relief.
Me? I didn't think I had a spot in this festival. I just booked a bunch of tickets to workshops and events and hoped to be a happy as Larry fanatic spectator. One Orange Sock didn't exist when submissions were due back in late 2019, early 2020.
Me? I didn't think I had a spot in this festival. I just booked a bunch of tickets to workshops and events and hoped to be a happy as Larry fanatic spectator. One Orange Sock didn't exist when submissions were due back in late 2019, early 2020.
But, out of nowhere, Sarah offered me one of the best gigs I could have asked for. I worked with a lovely puppeteer named Hugh and his working partner Adam to engage audiences as they entered Carlton's Italian Cultural Centre for performances. We had a great time playing with a variety of puppet friends for three lovely afternoons.
But, out of nowhere, Sarah offered me one of the best gigs I could have asked for. I worked with a lovely puppeteer named Hugh and his working partner Adam to engage audiences as they entered Carlton's Italian Cultural Centre for performances. We had a great time playing with a variety of puppet friends for three lovely afternoons.
Also fantastic were the workshops presented at Seaworks by Philip Millar and Jacob Williams in puppet mechanisms and performance respectively. This on the same day at the final show of the festival, and the only 'adults only' one at that. This was when the biggest surprise of the whole festival happened...
Also fantastic were the workshops presented at Seaworks by Philip Millar and Jacob Williams in puppet mechanisms and performance respectively. This on the same day at the final show of the festival, and the only 'adults only' one at that. This was when the biggest surprise of the whole festival happened...
When, the immeasurable wonder that is Jhess Knight, offered me a spot in this show 'Puppet Potluck' I reacted far too quickly completely abandoning the fact that I didn't have any content written and all my puppets were locked up in the school studio at St Helena - I just said 'yes'. Because when Jhess asks you to be a part of something that is what you do. And suddenly I had said yes and had a week to put together a bit from scratch, including building a puppet.
When, the immeasurable wonder that is Jhess Knight, offered me a spot in this show 'Puppet Potluck' I reacted far too quickly completely abandoning the fact that I didn't have any content written and all my puppets were locked up in the school studio at St Helena - I just said 'yes'. Because when Jhess asks you to be a part of something that is what you do. And suddenly I had said yes and had a week to put together a bit from scratch, including building a puppet.
What resulted was an awesome new collaboration with the young and delightful Jackson Eather. After a very late night rehearsal filled with what can only be descirbed as "pure symbiotic panic-flow", we presented two of his puppets in a short piece called 'The Theif' and my new piece called 'The Last Roll' - a comic take on panic buying and Australia's apparent obsession with toilet paper hoarding.
What resulted was an awesome new collaboration with the young and delightful Jackson Eather. After a very late night rehearsal filled with what can only be descirbed as "pure symbiotic panic-flow", we presented two of his puppets in a short piece called 'The Theif' and my new piece called 'The Last Roll' - a comic take on panic buying and Australia's apparent obsession with toilet paper hoarding.
I cannot quite tell you how thrilled I was to be included alongside Puppet Jam, Philip Millar, Sydney Puppet Theatre and a number of others in the line up. I nicked the run sheet and have it framed in my workshop with my tickets from the festival. It felt like arrival after fifteen months of waiting.
I cannot quite tell you how thrilled I was to be included alongside Puppet Jam, Philip Millar, Sydney Puppet Theatre and a number of others in the line up. I nicked the run sheet and have it framed in my workshop with my tickets from the festival. It felt like arrival after fifteen months of waiting.
God I've missed puppet festivals.
God I've missed puppet festivals.
Spare Parts Puppet Theatre Internship
Spare Parts Puppet Theatre Internship
If you are a puppet person and you haven't heard about the UNIMA Australia Lorrie Gardiner Scholarship yet, you should really consider joining UNIMA. After two years of membership, you can apply for up to $2500 in funds to go towards professional learning in puppetry arts.
If you are a puppet person and you haven't heard about the UNIMA Australia Lorrie Gardiner Scholarship yet, you should really consider joining UNIMA. After two years of membership, you can apply for up to $2500 in funds to go towards professional learning in puppetry arts.
I applied this year, and thought I didn't get the scholarship, its existence led me to think about what opportunities are available to me on home soil to learn more about what I'm into. But it's not that easy. There are virtually no in-person courses and very few masters who have the time to host this kind of learning. There are the odd few workshops connected with festivals here and there. But I started scouting around.
I applied this year, and thought I didn't get the scholarship, its existence led me to think about what opportunities are available to me on home soil to learn more about what I'm into. But it's not that easy. There are virtually no in-person courses and very few masters who have the time to host this kind of learning. There are the odd few workshops connected with festivals here and there. But I started scouting around.
Earlier in the year I approached Michael Barlow and Philip Mitchell about interviews for Season 2 of Talking Sock that could co-inside with a two week residency at Spare Parts Puppet Theatre in Fremantle where I'd have access to their workshop, their rehearsal space to sit-in on new work and the chance to pick each of their brains. This would also coincide with visiting performer Ellis Pearson's Basel mask workshops.
Earlier in the year I approached Michael Barlow and Philip Mitchell about interviews for Season 2 of Talking Sock that could co-inside with a two week residency at Spare Parts Puppet Theatre in Fremantle where I'd have access to their workshop, their rehearsal space to sit-in on new work and the chance to pick each of their brains. This would also coincide with visiting performer Ellis Pearson's Basel mask workshops.
I got as far as booking flights and accommodation but, in short, July's lockdown...lockdown four I believe got in the way of things again. This one's pivot is more of a slower orbital rotation, but I'm still hoping to visit WA and hear from the perspective of so many great artists on that side of the country soon.
I got as far as booking flights and accommodation but, in short, July's lockdown...lockdown four I believe got in the way of things again. This one's pivot is more of a slower orbital rotation, but I'm still hoping to visit WA and hear from the perspective of so many great artists on that side of the country soon.
Another wonderful thing ultimately shot down by lockdown six (yes we count them here in Melbourne, and we string the days together. It think today is day 240). After meeting the lovely duo at Bonkel Theatre, Katrina Gaskell and Enio Pozzebon, at the Melbourne Festival of Puppetry, I was due to do some puppet wrangling of their new show 'Rolling' between two suburban train stations. But here we still are in locky-d. So, we'll put this one on the shelf for another day.
Another wonderful thing ultimately shot down by lockdown six (yes we count them here in Melbourne, and we string the days together. It think today is day 240). After meeting the lovely duo at Bonkel Theatre, Katrina Gaskell and Enio Pozzebon, at the Melbourne Festival of Puppetry, I was due to do some puppet wrangling of their new show 'Rolling' between two suburban train stations. But here we still are in locky-d. So, we'll put this one on the shelf for another day.
The festival is still going on! Somehow! Virtually! And you should definitely still check it out and support the artists! Click the subtitle title to link you to it.
The festival is still going on! Somehow! Virtually! And you should definitely still check it out and support the artists! Click the subtitle title to link you to it.
Talking Sock - What About Season Two?
Talking Sock - What About Season Two?
Yes. Wow how the year has gotten away from me. Obviously all of the above comes with a certain amount of grieving that I'm not going to deny is happening and is hard. With the sheer enormity of the four outcomes of the residency, with all this pivoting and with so many timelines being pushed - Talking Sock has gotten away from me this year.
Yes. Wow how the year has gotten away from me. Obviously all of the above comes with a certain amount of grieving that I'm not going to deny is happening and is hard. With the sheer enormity of the four outcomes of the residency, with all this pivoting and with so many timelines being pushed - Talking Sock has gotten away from me this year.
However, the other factor in my resistance to put up Season Two just now this is that I don't want to be asking puppetry artists about their losses due to COVID. This darkness has already entered the conversation and has almost dominated season one. And what I do want to do is be poised and ready to bring you those artists when they are ready to show you the best of themselves and tell you about what is coming up. So that I am publishing in the time of hope, not in a time of despair.
However, the other factor in my resistance to put up Season Two just now this is that I don't want to be asking puppetry artists about their losses due to COVID. This darkness has already entered the conversation and has almost dominated season one. And what I do want to do is be poised and ready to bring you those artists when they are ready to show you the best of themselves and tell you about what is coming up. So that I am publishing in the time of hope, not in a time of despair.
And neither I as the host nor many of these artists have that capacity right now. But we soon will. I think by November.
And neither I as the host nor many of these artists have that capacity right now. But we soon will. I think by November.
Stay tuned.
Stay tuned.
The Future...
The Future...
The arts need to recover. And so do many of us artists. I anticipate the next six month will be spent wrapping up these projects and taking some time before taking any more up again.
The arts need to recover. And so do many of us artists. I anticipate the next six month will be spent wrapping up these projects and taking some time before taking any more up again.
Talking Sock will go on. But I can't say what else is on the horizon just yet.
Talking Sock will go on. But I can't say what else is on the horizon just yet.
If you've made it this far, thanks for reading. It's been a lovely morning reflecting on what has transpired - good, great and not so great this year.
If you've made it this far, thanks for reading. It's been a lovely morning reflecting on what has transpired - good, great and not so great this year.
Stay Safe.
Stay Safe.
P
P
April 2021
April 2021
RAV Creative Workers in Schools Program
RAV Creative Workers in Schools Program
Being a full time creative has been a wonderfully rewarding experience. Switching gears from being a Drama Teachers as my bread and butter to being an 'Artist In Residence' within a school has not been without its mental challenges, but ultimately has been really freeing. I find my self able to be more useful and effective in instilling a love of the arts in students this way than I ever did in a teaching role.
Being a full time creative has been a wonderfully rewarding experience. Switching gears from being a Drama Teachers as my bread and butter to being an 'Artist In Residence' within a school has not been without its mental challenges, but ultimately has been really freeing. I find my self able to be more useful and effective in instilling a love of the arts in students this way than I ever did in a teaching role.
My collaboration with Regional Arts Victoria is at its half-way point as I take some time this Easter school holidays. I'm really excited by the progress and enthusiasm of staff and students at St Helena Secondary College. What an amazing school with a high calibre of creative and performing arts programs and students. The school has had quite a bit exposure to puppetry and mask as I've managed to make my way through every cohort delivering workshops in modern Bunraku, Commedia Dell' Arte, Muppeteering and various forms of puppet making this past 6 weeks. My regular cohort in the Northern Youth Performing Arts Program (NYPA) have helped me build a new and experimental puppet called 'Emmett' whom you can find out more about through my 'Open Process Diary'.
My collaboration with Regional Arts Victoria is at its half-way point as I take some time this Easter school holidays. I'm really excited by the progress and enthusiasm of staff and students at St Helena Secondary College. What an amazing school with a high calibre of creative and performing arts programs and students. The school has had quite a bit exposure to puppetry and mask as I've managed to make my way through every cohort delivering workshops in modern Bunraku, Commedia Dell' Arte, Muppeteering and various forms of puppet making this past 6 weeks. My regular cohort in the Northern Youth Performing Arts Program (NYPA) have helped me build a new and experimental puppet called 'Emmett' whom you can find out more about through my 'Open Process Diary'.
By June 18, we'll have a show together, featuring both Year 9 Drama Students and the NYPA program. I'll be really sad when June 25th rolls around and my time with RAV comes to an end. I've been so lucky to have the Creative Workers In Schools Program as an opportunity to extend my practice and I don't know how the next adventure will be able to match this experience. Especially since we have received such rich professional learning with consultants from The Koorie Heritage Trust and Collective Being. I've learnt so much.
By June 18, we'll have a show together, featuring both Year 9 Drama Students and the NYPA program. I'll be really sad when June 25th rolls around and my time with RAV comes to an end. I've been so lucky to have the Creative Workers In Schools Program as an opportunity to extend my practice and I don't know how the next adventure will be able to match this experience. Especially since we have received such rich professional learning with consultants from The Koorie Heritage Trust and Collective Being. I've learnt so much.
From this experience, I've been granted ways to have my own collapsable touring puppet theatre that I can now take with me on the road. I've also really polished up my school workshop program and have a much deeper knowledge of the Victorian Drama Curriculum. So I'll be eager to see what I can make of these improvements to manifest some new opportunities in arts education and advocacy for puppetry arts.
From this experience, I've been granted ways to have my own collapsable touring puppet theatre that I can now take with me on the road. I've also really polished up my school workshop program and have a much deeper knowledge of the Victorian Drama Curriculum. So I'll be eager to see what I can make of these improvements to manifest some new opportunities in arts education and advocacy for puppetry arts.
So, Is your Masters of Puppetry in Europe still Happening?
So, Is your Masters of Puppetry in Europe still Happening?
Still waiting. Watch this space. I think I'll know very, very soon. *tears hair out*
Still waiting. Watch this space. I think I'll know very, very soon. *tears hair out*
Give War A Chance goes on ABC's Rage
Give War A Chance goes on ABC's Rage
I never expected a student film to ever get my puppeteering onto an institution of Australian music such as Rage. But Lauren Hester's film clip really was THAT GOOD. The band, Private Function, whom Lauren requested to make the video for loved it so much that they had it published as an official music video. It was such a lovely moment to spend Good Friday morning in front of the Telly with a coffee seeing that come to life. Check out the video below.
I never expected a student film to ever get my puppeteering onto an institution of Australian music such as Rage. But Lauren Hester's film clip really was THAT GOOD. The band, Private Function, whom Lauren requested to make the video for loved it so much that they had it published as an official music video. It was such a lovely moment to spend Good Friday morning in front of the Telly with a coffee seeing that come to life. Check out the video below.
World Puppetry Day 2021
World Puppetry Day 2021
I'm not sure how widely known it is that I am a committee member for UNIMA Australia. And proudly so. Mostly, my role involves me managing the socials and some communication stuff.
I'm not sure how widely known it is that I am a committee member for UNIMA Australia. And proudly so. Mostly, my role involves me managing the socials and some communication stuff.
Since June last year, I've been heading up the 50th Anniversary UNIMA Oz Magazine team as designer and 'editor in chief' (and everytime I say those three words Miranda Priestly looms in my mind) .
Since June last year, I've been heading up the 50th Anniversary UNIMA Oz Magazine team as designer and 'editor in chief' (and everytime I say those three words Miranda Priestly looms in my mind) .
What an enormous task it is to publish 50 years of Australian puppetry and the part an organisation such as UNIMA has had to play in it. But on World Puppetry Day, I was really happy to publish the first volume of what is to be three separate digital magazines, titled Past, Present, Future. You can check out my work and Editor's Note by heading to the magazine on the UNIMA Oz Website.
What an enormous task it is to publish 50 years of Australian puppetry and the part an organisation such as UNIMA has had to play in it. But on World Puppetry Day, I was really happy to publish the first volume of what is to be three separate digital magazines, titled Past, Present, Future. You can check out my work and Editor's Note by heading to the magazine on the UNIMA Oz Website.
Talking Sock International Season 2
Talking Sock International Season 2
Season Two launched on World Puppetry Day 2021 with a mini-episode that tied in with UNIMA Australia's 'Story Time With Richard Bradshaw' online Zoom event. Richard Bradshaw is prime puppetry material. He is gold to puppeteer's ears. It was time to give the people what they wanted, more Richard. And so I went through my archival tracks from when we first recorded with Richard to find out some lovely little stories.
Season Two launched on World Puppetry Day 2021 with a mini-episode that tied in with UNIMA Australia's 'Story Time With Richard Bradshaw' online Zoom event. Richard Bradshaw is prime puppetry material. He is gold to puppeteer's ears. It was time to give the people what they wanted, more Richard. And so I went through my archival tracks from when we first recorded with Richard to find out some lovely little stories.
This season, we're all about Talking Sock International - interviewing the best of puppetry arts in Australia, and worldwide. But, as Australia has opened up, puppeteers have a lot less time on their hands to talk sock with little old me...and isn't that wonderful? No really. It is. We're back. If they aren't talking to me, it means they are doing shows and this makes me so, so happy.
This season, we're all about Talking Sock International - interviewing the best of puppetry arts in Australia, and worldwide. But, as Australia has opened up, puppeteers have a lot less time on their hands to talk sock with little old me...and isn't that wonderful? No really. It is. We're back. If they aren't talking to me, it means they are doing shows and this makes me so, so happy.
So the season will be sporadic in its episode release as I meander through my own full time working life and puppetry gigs while teeing up these amazing, talented people. But I am very excited to announce that Season Two's proper full length episode will be with none other than international legend of puppetry, Ronnie Burkett. The episode is likely to drop before the end of April.
So the season will be sporadic in its episode release as I meander through my own full time working life and puppetry gigs while teeing up these amazing, talented people. But I am very excited to announce that Season Two's proper full length episode will be with none other than international legend of puppetry, Ronnie Burkett. The episode is likely to drop before the end of April.
Thats all from me for now. There is more in the works but better to announce all that when its out in the open.
Thats all from me for now. There is more in the works but better to announce all that when its out in the open.
Pete.
Pete.
February 2021
February 2021
It's been a really busy few months, coming out of lockdown has certainly been an adjustment. But I do feel that we are back in full swing.
It's been a really busy few months, coming out of lockdown has certainly been an adjustment. But I do feel that we are back in full swing.
Collaboration with Regional Arts Victoria
Collaboration with Regional Arts Victoria
Recently it was announced that the Victorian Government in collaboration with Creative Victoria and Regional Arts Victoria will host 150 Creative Workers in Victorian public schools over the course of 2021. This supports creative artists full time to facilitate a project with students over two school terms. It provides a substantial income to workers to maintain their studio practice while also providing project funds and school support funds.
Recently it was announced that the Victorian Government in collaboration with Creative Victoria and Regional Arts Victoria will host 150 Creative Workers in Victorian public schools over the course of 2021. This supports creative artists full time to facilitate a project with students over two school terms. It provides a substantial income to workers to maintain their studio practice while also providing project funds and school support funds.
I'm absolutely thrilled to say that One Orange Sock is one of the 37 workers selected for the pilot season of the Creative Workers in schools program. We've been paired with St Helena Secondary College in North Eltham, who have an outstanding creative and performing arts program that we cannot wait to bring #puppetpower to. They'll be more to announce in terms of the creative process and project outcomes but it is such a privilege to be supported in our creative practice and we are very excited and incredibly grateful.
I'm absolutely thrilled to say that One Orange Sock is one of the 37 workers selected for the pilot season of the Creative Workers in schools program. We've been paired with St Helena Secondary College in North Eltham, who have an outstanding creative and performing arts program that we cannot wait to bring #puppetpower to. They'll be more to announce in terms of the creative process and project outcomes but it is such a privilege to be supported in our creative practice and we are very excited and incredibly grateful.
To find our more about Creative Workers in Schools Program, check out the website and media release.
To find our more about Creative Workers in Schools Program, check out the website and media release.
Talking Sock - Season One Concludes
Talking Sock - Season One Concludes
Exactly 9 months after we launched Talking Sock, we aired our final episode of Season One on January 21st. Nancy Black - A Good Yarn was our 20th episode's guest on the program. We've had the pleasure of speaking with 19 of Australia's best and brightest in puppetry and we have learned so much. We're taking a few months off to focus on other creative work but rest assured, Talking Sock will be back in 2021 with our Season 2 launch coming on World Puppetry Day.
Exactly 9 months after we launched Talking Sock, we aired our final episode of Season One on January 21st. Nancy Black - A Good Yarn was our 20th episode's guest on the program. We've had the pleasure of speaking with 19 of Australia's best and brightest in puppetry and we have learned so much. We're taking a few months off to focus on other creative work but rest assured, Talking Sock will be back in 2021 with our Season 2 launch coming on World Puppetry Day.
Private Function - Give War A Chance
Private Function - Give War A Chance
In other exciting news, we raced back from Sydney to Melbourne in early February to make it just in time to be a part of a music clip shoot for punk band 'Private Function' for their track Give War A Chance. This was an exceptionally well put together shoot directed by Lauren Hester with all puppets and props made by her as well. I was joined by some amazing puppeteers too - Allanah Sarafian (@houseofarax), Jackson Eather (@jacksoneather) and Lana Schwartz to act as puppet versions of the band. COVID safety practices dictated that we wore masks whenever indoors, including while puppeteering. So it was a particularly sweaty adventure, but I can't tell you how fantastic it felt to be back in the studio using my body again! Check out the video below.
In other exciting news, we raced back from Sydney to Melbourne in early February to make it just in time to be a part of a music clip shoot for punk band 'Private Function' for their track Give War A Chance. This was an exceptionally well put together shoot directed by Lauren Hester with all puppets and props made by her as well. I was joined by some amazing puppeteers too - Allanah Sarafian (@houseofarax), Jackson Eather (@jacksoneather) and Lana Schwartz to act as puppet versions of the band. COVID safety practices dictated that we wore masks whenever indoors, including while puppeteering. So it was a particularly sweaty adventure, but I can't tell you how fantastic it felt to be back in the studio using my body again! Check out the video below.
UNIMA Australia
UNIMA Australia
In May of 2020 I accepted a nomination to the committee of UNIMA Australia. I've been a member with UNIMA for 4 years now and am sincerely grateful to them, as it was UNIMA who took me to Russia with the Youth In Progress program in 2019. UNIMA in Australia is a small but merry band of puppet people, about 120 members. But through UNIMA Oz, we are connected with UNIMA International, UNIMA Youth Commission and a number of different countries who are all contributing to the art and conversation of puppetry.
In May of 2020 I accepted a nomination to the committee of UNIMA Australia. I've been a member with UNIMA for 4 years now and am sincerely grateful to them, as it was UNIMA who took me to Russia with the Youth In Progress program in 2019. UNIMA in Australia is a small but merry band of puppet people, about 120 members. But through UNIMA Oz, we are connected with UNIMA International, UNIMA Youth Commission and a number of different countries who are all contributing to the art and conversation of puppetry.
As an ordinary committee member I'm hoping to assist with the communications side of UNIMA and in particular, edit the special 50th anniversary magazine of 'UNIMA Oz'. Paired with Talking Sock, this has been quite a history lesson indeed. And I'm really proud of the work members and our sub-editing team have done in producing the content which will also be released on World Puppetry Day 2021.
As an ordinary committee member I'm hoping to assist with the communications side of UNIMA and in particular, edit the special 50th anniversary magazine of 'UNIMA Oz'. Paired with Talking Sock, this has been quite a history lesson indeed. And I'm really proud of the work members and our sub-editing team have done in producing the content which will also be released on World Puppetry Day 2021.
The Art of The Wooden Puppet with Bernd Ogrognik
The Art of The Wooden Puppet with Bernd Ogrognik
As I found out in November that my Masters degree is facing yet another setback due to COVID, I've redirected my learning into wood carving and marionettes. I signed up for Bernd's foundation course in carving a wooden puppet, and while I am dreadfully behind, I'm also enrolled in his Academy program. Bernd is an incredibly talented puppeteer and builder as well as a martial artist and musician. These vast areas of expertise lead him to have quite philosophical and meditative approach to his artistry which has proved incredibly calming during bouts of 'snap' lockdowns that we experience in Australia from time to time due to different outbreaks.
As I found out in November that my Masters degree is facing yet another setback due to COVID, I've redirected my learning into wood carving and marionettes. I signed up for Bernd's foundation course in carving a wooden puppet, and while I am dreadfully behind, I'm also enrolled in his Academy program. Bernd is an incredibly talented puppeteer and builder as well as a martial artist and musician. These vast areas of expertise lead him to have quite philosophical and meditative approach to his artistry which has proved incredibly calming during bouts of 'snap' lockdowns that we experience in Australia from time to time due to different outbreaks.
Looking ahead in 2021
Looking ahead in 2021
So things are looking up, we continue to roll with the punches in this bumpy COVID ride. But we're hopeful and grateful for the opportunities that are coming our way to continue to learn, create and grow.
So things are looking up, we continue to roll with the punches in this bumpy COVID ride. But we're hopeful and grateful for the opportunities that are coming our way to continue to learn, create and grow.
October 2020
October 2020
Well things are really beginning to perk up here as we complete our 14th week in Melbourne lockdown with hopefully more good news to come as things begin to relax.
Well things are really beginning to perk up here as we complete our 14th week in Melbourne lockdown with hopefully more good news to come as things begin to relax.
Heath McIvor
Heath McIvor
I was thrilled to meet and speak with Heath McIvor, creator and puppeteer comedian of Randy Feltface this month. His interview will be published over two episodes in October / November as the podcast maintains a bi-weekly format herein to keep things sustainable. Heath is a delight to talk to but also a deep thinker and a very private individual. I was enraptured in his reflections on how Randy and Heath have merged paths somewhat on their respective journeys and how the two have mellowed together.
I was thrilled to meet and speak with Heath McIvor, creator and puppeteer comedian of Randy Feltface this month. His interview will be published over two episodes in October / November as the podcast maintains a bi-weekly format herein to keep things sustainable. Heath is a delight to talk to but also a deep thinker and a very private individual. I was enraptured in his reflections on how Randy and Heath have merged paths somewhat on their respective journeys and how the two have mellowed together.
Europe
Europe
I'm really pleased to be finally able to publicly announce that earlier this year, I received an Erasmus Mundus full scholarship to study a Master of Puppetry Arts in a joint masters program. This means that in 2021 I will studying in Budapest and Prague followed by Bucharest, Bialystok and a likely return to Budapest in 2022. In the age of Corona virus, the course has been much delayed and making the trip to Europe amidst a Melbourne lockdown and international travel continues to be a huge challenge. But I have made plans, booked flights, left jobs, passed up other opportunities - I'm going. And I'll be joined by some of my Russian Moon family too. I can't wait.
I'm really pleased to be finally able to publicly announce that earlier this year, I received an Erasmus Mundus full scholarship to study a Master of Puppetry Arts in a joint masters program. This means that in 2021 I will studying in Budapest and Prague followed by Bucharest, Bialystok and a likely return to Budapest in 2022. In the age of Corona virus, the course has been much delayed and making the trip to Europe amidst a Melbourne lockdown and international travel continues to be a huge challenge. But I have made plans, booked flights, left jobs, passed up other opportunities - I'm going. And I'll be joined by some of my Russian Moon family too. I can't wait.
Season Two
Season Two
I'd like to announce that Talking Sock will have a second season after we conclude the current Australian-only season with Episode 24 in a few months. In season two, we'll be taking on the great European journey over years and I am opening up the podcasts to international guests in the aptly named 'Talking Sock - International'. I'll be undertaking my masters in puppetry during this time, so I'm not expecting the same output of 24 episodes in the season. But perhaps the season will last over two years. Its been wonderful to watch the show grow its audience and our analytics tell us that there are a number of listeners, some wonderful puppet practitioners in the own right, from the continent of America.
I'd like to announce that Talking Sock will have a second season after we conclude the current Australian-only season with Episode 24 in a few months. In season two, we'll be taking on the great European journey over years and I am opening up the podcasts to international guests in the aptly named 'Talking Sock - International'. I'll be undertaking my masters in puppetry during this time, so I'm not expecting the same output of 24 episodes in the season. But perhaps the season will last over two years. Its been wonderful to watch the show grow its audience and our analytics tell us that there are a number of listeners, some wonderful puppet practitioners in the own right, from the continent of America.
New Podcast Project
New Podcast Project
I've learned a lot from creating, hosting and producing Talking Sock. Not only about puppetry, but about podcasting and this wonderful self-published world. Many of you will already know from the podcast that my bread-and-butter gig is as a design, art and drama educator to secondary students. Sometimes I also teach adults. But as I begin to leave teaching to pursue my career in puppetry I also want to maintain that contact with my amazing colleagues from the profession. So, my next podcast will have a much wider audience, a much shorter format and much more anecdotal content from the world of teachers.
I've learned a lot from creating, hosting and producing Talking Sock. Not only about puppetry, but about podcasting and this wonderful self-published world. Many of you will already know from the podcast that my bread-and-butter gig is as a design, art and drama educator to secondary students. Sometimes I also teach adults. But as I begin to leave teaching to pursue my career in puppetry I also want to maintain that contact with my amazing colleagues from the profession. So, my next podcast will have a much wider audience, a much shorter format and much more anecdotal content from the world of teachers.
There are so many great stories in teaching to be told. I've wracked up a number just in my short 6 years in the job. So I can only wonder what it will be like to speak with educators with a life time of experience. As the world continues to expand and change, the job becomes that much more demanding and difficult to navigate. The data is fascinating. It's estimated that there are 96 million teachers worldwide and that we'll need to train and keep another 69 million by the year 2030. But, in my country at least, there is a huge number of graduate teachers who leave the profession in their first 5 years. In fact, more than half. I hope I have you intrigued. Keep an eye out for this next one orange sock production in 2021.
There are so many great stories in teaching to be told. I've wracked up a number just in my short 6 years in the job. So I can only wonder what it will be like to speak with educators with a life time of experience. As the world continues to expand and change, the job becomes that much more demanding and difficult to navigate. The data is fascinating. It's estimated that there are 96 million teachers worldwide and that we'll need to train and keep another 69 million by the year 2030. But, in my country at least, there is a huge number of graduate teachers who leave the profession in their first 5 years. In fact, more than half. I hope I have you intrigued. Keep an eye out for this next one orange sock production in 2021.
Drama Victoria
Drama Victoria
Recently I was asked to author an article for the Drama educators association of Victoria, short handed as Drama Vic. I wrote about my experiences of teaching puppetry online and in the classroom and some of the tips I've learnt along the way. If you're an educator, keep checking back here - I'll be allowed to release it to the wider public soon.
Recently I was asked to author an article for the Drama educators association of Victoria, short handed as Drama Vic. I wrote about my experiences of teaching puppetry online and in the classroom and some of the tips I've learnt along the way. If you're an educator, keep checking back here - I'll be allowed to release it to the wider public soon.
Melbourne Fringe - Fringe-O-Vision
Melbourne Fringe - Fringe-O-Vision
Very excited to announce that we have collaborated with Kellie-Anne 'Kak' Kimber and Jet Phoenix of PuppetJam to produce a video entry for Melbourne Fringe Online's Eurovision spin-off, Fringe-O-Vision with the song 'What A Time To Be Alive'. We'll be representing "Brunswick South" and the video features 95% One Orange Sock original puppets. It was wonderful to puppeteer again and bring the puppets back to life 100 days into lockdown. I'm really proud of the product we have produced.
Very excited to announce that we have collaborated with Kellie-Anne 'Kak' Kimber and Jet Phoenix of PuppetJam to produce a video entry for Melbourne Fringe Online's Eurovision spin-off, Fringe-O-Vision with the song 'What A Time To Be Alive'. We'll be representing "Brunswick South" and the video features 95% One Orange Sock original puppets. It was wonderful to puppeteer again and bring the puppets back to life 100 days into lockdown. I'm really proud of the product we have produced.
September 2020
September 2020
Back In The Habit
Back In The Habit
Just over six months ago, on World Puppetry Day (March 21) I launched Talking Sock Podcast. I had never done a podcast before and I'd barely even listened to more than a few. It was a new venture. I wanted to find out more about puppetry and I wanted to ask the best in the business. March 21, however, was also the very first day of our first nationwide lockdown against Covid19.
Just over six months ago, on World Puppetry Day (March 21) I launched Talking Sock Podcast. I had never done a podcast before and I'd barely even listened to more than a few. It was a new venture. I wanted to find out more about puppetry and I wanted to ask the best in the business. March 21, however, was also the very first day of our first nationwide lockdown against Covid19.
As theatres shut their doors the artistic community realised the devastation that was about to become our new covid normal reality. As a new puppeteer and artist, in a new city I saw so many opportunities that I was so excited for melt away. It was really scary. I actually think that talking about puppetry really kept me going through that time.
As theatres shut their doors the artistic community realised the devastation that was about to become our new covid normal reality. As a new puppeteer and artist, in a new city I saw so many opportunities that I was so excited for melt away. It was really scary. I actually think that talking about puppetry really kept me going through that time.
This second bout of pandemic lockdown, specifically tailor made for Melbourne and Victoria has been a real slog. I battened down the hatches some what just to be able to cope and adjust with the amount of screen time we were taking on.
This second bout of pandemic lockdown, specifically tailor made for Melbourne and Victoria has been a real slog. I battened down the hatches some what just to be able to cope and adjust with the amount of screen time we were taking on.
But we're coming back folks. I still am guided by my goal of producing 24 episodes by years end. I'm moving the show to a bi-weekly format to remain sustainable but I'm really happy to tell you what we have coming up.
But we're coming back folks. I still am guided by my goal of producing 24 episodes by years end. I'm moving the show to a bi-weekly format to remain sustainable but I'm really happy to tell you what we have coming up.
Leon Hendroff
Leon Hendroff
I'm so pleased that this month I was finally able to publish my episode with Leon that was recorded in June. I'd moved house and studio, travelled to Sydney and back and gone into a second lockdown and bout of remote teaching since then. So it felt so good to listen to Leon talk about his outstanding studio practice as a puppet maker. There is a level of striking beauty and whimsey in Leon's work, especially the large scale stuff. At heart, he is a romantic and creates such visual poetry through his collaborations with retail stores, Joondalup festival and
I'm so pleased that this month I was finally able to publish my episode with Leon that was recorded in June. I'd moved house and studio, travelled to Sydney and back and gone into a second lockdown and bout of remote teaching since then. So it felt so good to listen to Leon talk about his outstanding studio practice as a puppet maker. There is a level of striking beauty and whimsey in Leon's work, especially the large scale stuff. At heart, he is a romantic and creates such visual poetry through his collaborations with retail stores, Joondalup festival and
Merch Store
Merch Store
It's every so exciting to have released some merchandise through Redbubble. A platform that allows designers to have their work printed on demand and applied to a number of different items from apparel to accessories and office supplies. I personally enjoyed putting my design hat on again and playing with our iconic sock logo. We've not settled on a name for our new iconic sock icon, but renowned puppeteer Ronnie Burkett has suggested 'Lil Stinky' and I'm warming to it.
It's every so exciting to have released some merchandise through Redbubble. A platform that allows designers to have their work printed on demand and applied to a number of different items from apparel to accessories and office supplies. I personally enjoyed putting my design hat on again and playing with our iconic sock logo. We've not settled on a name for our new iconic sock icon, but renowned puppeteer Ronnie Burkett has suggested 'Lil Stinky' and I'm warming to it.
Coming Up
Coming Up
We're all set to interview Artistic Director of Snuff Puppets, Andy Freer and Sarah Kriegler and Jacob Williams of Lemony S. Puppet Theatre this month. We keep chipping away at our 20 episode goal for 2020 and I reckon we'll get there. I'm always so grateful to these incredible artists and creatives for offering their time to talk about puppetry with me. Keep an eye out, I hope you enjoy.
We're all set to interview Artistic Director of Snuff Puppets, Andy Freer and Sarah Kriegler and Jacob Williams of Lemony S. Puppet Theatre this month. We keep chipping away at our 20 episode goal for 2020 and I reckon we'll get there. I'm always so grateful to these incredible artists and creatives for offering their time to talk about puppetry with me. Keep an eye out, I hope you enjoy.
March 2020
March 2020
Talking Sock
Talking Sock
Please, if I ever tell you that I'm going to release four episodes of a podcast that are four hours long on a single day, stop me. What frantic madness. But boy I've learnt a lot. So there it is. Talking Sock has launched. We had a wonderful response from our audience on our launch day, World Puppetry Day. In somewhat bittersweet circumstances with the beginning of our nationwide lockdown, it does feel like the most relevant time to launch a conversation about puppetry and keep everyone together through the airwaves.
Please, if I ever tell you that I'm going to release four episodes of a podcast that are four hours long on a single day, stop me. What frantic madness. But boy I've learnt a lot. So there it is. Talking Sock has launched. We had a wonderful response from our audience on our launch day, World Puppetry Day. In somewhat bittersweet circumstances with the beginning of our nationwide lockdown, it does feel like the most relevant time to launch a conversation about puppetry and keep everyone together through the airwaves.
We launched with Episode 1, my puppet master Miss Katherine Hannaford. Katherine and I met in 2017 when she worked in tandem with Kay Yasugi to deliver a workshop in puppet making and performing to teachers. I made my first puppet with her and following that meeting, I began the journey every school holiday to southern Sydney to learn how to make puppets with her. Katherine is an educator who also has a great deal of experience in making Henson style puppets for television. She has a deep respect and passion for material arts and has been making puppets for 15 years. Her experience comes from her own master, Marie Anne Martine and extensive time spent in the USA working with Peter Linz, Noel McNeal and Pacha Romanowski.
We launched with Episode 1, my puppet master Miss Katherine Hannaford. Katherine and I met in 2017 when she worked in tandem with Kay Yasugi to deliver a workshop in puppet making and performing to teachers. I made my first puppet with her and following that meeting, I began the journey every school holiday to southern Sydney to learn how to make puppets with her. Katherine is an educator who also has a great deal of experience in making Henson style puppets for television. She has a deep respect and passion for material arts and has been making puppets for 15 years. Her experience comes from her own master, Marie Anne Martine and extensive time spent in the USA working with Peter Linz, Noel McNeal and Pacha Romanowski.
Second on the line up is Philip Millar. A staple of the Melbourne puppetry scene and a pioneer in animatronix with his foundation work at Creature Technology.
Second on the line up is Philip Millar. A staple of the Melbourne puppetry scene and a pioneer in animatronix with his foundation work at Creature Technology.
Patreon
Patreon
We have launched our Patreon, a platform that helps supporters of One Orange Sock receive personal updates and additional content pending the platforms early pick-up. We'll hope to be releasing our 'Orange Exclusives' - sections from our episodes that have previously been unheard in the edit. We've begun with Richard Bradshaw who speaks about his lovely interactions with Carroll Spinney. I hope you consider to be a supporter as we don't wish to make the podcast a commercial one, but we do need to keep it sustainable.
We have launched our Patreon, a platform that helps supporters of One Orange Sock receive personal updates and additional content pending the platforms early pick-up. We'll hope to be releasing our 'Orange Exclusives' - sections from our episodes that have previously been unheard in the edit. We've begun with Richard Bradshaw who speaks about his lovely interactions with Carroll Spinney. I hope you consider to be a supporter as we don't wish to make the podcast a commercial one, but we do need to keep it sustainable.
January 2020
January 2020
And so it begins...
And so it begins...
I officially launched One Orange Sock on New Years Day 2020. It feels refreshing. It feels new and exciting. And it feels like I have some creative control of my destiny and how I use my time. After 5 years of full time teaching, this feels so liberating. Immediately, we've jumped onto to a tour of London, Athens and Venice as a chaperone for The NSW Department of Education Arts Unit. And I've so enjoyed the mask workshop I was able to participate in, in Verona. So that was a whirlwind experience.
I officially launched One Orange Sock on New Years Day 2020. It feels refreshing. It feels new and exciting. And it feels like I have some creative control of my destiny and how I use my time. After 5 years of full time teaching, this feels so liberating. Immediately, we've jumped onto to a tour of London, Athens and Venice as a chaperone for The NSW Department of Education Arts Unit. And I've so enjoyed the mask workshop I was able to participate in, in Verona. So that was a whirlwind experience.
Melbourne Relocation
Melbourne Relocation
Amidst the heinous bushfire season, I recently flew down to Melbourne to meet with Jhess Knight of Trash Puppets. What a woman, what a company and what wonderful hospitality. While Jhess is away interning with Guillermo Del Toro on his Pinocchio stop-motion film, I will be subletting her space and studio so that I can immerse myself in the puppet world of Melbourne which is arguably the centre of puppetry in Australia.
Amidst the heinous bushfire season, I recently flew down to Melbourne to meet with Jhess Knight of Trash Puppets. What a woman, what a company and what wonderful hospitality. While Jhess is away interning with Guillermo Del Toro on his Pinocchio stop-motion film, I will be subletting her space and studio so that I can immerse myself in the puppet world of Melbourne which is arguably the centre of puppetry in Australia.
I'm excited as there is talk of a Melbourne Festival of Puppetry. Which would be a wonderful place to debut a new puppetry project.
I'm excited as there is talk of a Melbourne Festival of Puppetry. Which would be a wonderful place to debut a new puppetry project.
Podcast
Podcast
Next month we begin recording for our very first Australian puppetry podcast. We hope to canvas Australian puppeteers, puppet builders, directors and companies over 24 episodes.
Next month we begin recording for our very first Australian puppetry podcast. We hope to canvas Australian puppeteers, puppet builders, directors and companies over 24 episodes.