The authors, professional puppeteers specialized in string puppets, founded their theatre in the USA before moving to France. Their activity is shared between workshops for children ages 7 and above, especially for the French Educational system, workshops for professionals, touring performances in France, in Europe and in the United States and the presentation of a traveling exhibit representative of their activity. They wrote this book based upon 25 years of experience in the field ; with the help of over 200 drawings, they reveal their building methods and above all the operating techniques for marionettes, a subject rarely treated up until now. The 7 chapters (Drawing and Design - Patterns - Marionette Articulation - Balance and counterbalance - The Control Paddle - The Setting of Strings - A Glance at Operating Techniques) permit a fast and clear initiation for beginners concerning the basic principles of creating and operating this particular type of marionette. As for professionals, this technical handbook will undoubtedly help them discover different aspects which will enhance their own personal experience.
