Traveling the Bridge Between Darkness and Light with James Cooper

After the major success of Introduction to Clay Puppetry and Film, James Cooper has returned to teach the mystical methods of shadow puppetry. He is offering a full course comprised of three four-week sessions that delve into the history and techniques of this timeless art. In this course, students will examine the heart and range of the different styles, develop and construct their portable puppet stage, practice skills in constructing puppets from various materials, and design and direct a complete puppet production. Capacity is limited and discounted pricing is offered for taking the full course.

Class Details:

• Class Dates: Tuesdays, January 5 - March 23, 2021 (Containing three subject units)

  • Session #1 - European Shadow Puppetry: January 5, 12, 19, 26 -

  • Session #2 - Chinese Shadow Puppetry: February 2, 9, 16, 23

  • Session #3 - Contemporary Shadow Puppetry: March 2, 9, 16, 23

• Class Meeting Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

• Class Location: Art Room B (Also available online via Zoom Video Conferencing Software)

• Cost:

  • $40 per session

  • Purchase the discounted full course pack including all three sessions for only $90 (Only available until December 21st)

  • Price is the same for online and in-person

• Ages: 5+ (Families Welcome!)

• Registration Deadline(s):

  • Full Course and Session #1 Registration Deadline - January 1st, 2021 at 11:59 pm

  • Session #2 Registration Deadline - January 29th, 2021 at 11:59 pm

  • Session #3 Registration Deadline - February 26th, 2021 at 11:59 pm

• Instructor: James Cooper

Additional Details:

Supplies for this class are only included with the in-person option. Online participants are responsible for their own supplies.

Supplies List:

• For the Puppet Screen:

  • Strong Light Source (Lamp or Flashlight)

  • X-Acto Knife (Adult Supervision Required)

  • Cardboard Box (Large, Recommended Size 28”x36”)

  • White Fabric (Pillow Case) or Butcher Block Paper

  • Duct Tape

  • Cell Phone or Small Video Camera for recording

• For the Puppets:

  • Manilla Folders

  • Card Stock Paper (65 - 85 lbs.)

  • Scissors (Sharp Scissors work Best)

  • Bamboo Skewers

  • Masking Tape

  • Glue or Hot Glue

  • Thread or Yarn

  • Pencil

• Additional Items Specifically for Session #2

  • Paint

  • Cooking Oil

• Additional Items Specifically for Session #3

  • One (qty:1) Foam Core Poster Board

  • 1/2-Inch Cushion Foam

  • Elastic Band or Lightweight Rope (For Headband)

About the Instructor:

Master puppeteer James T. L. Cooper, provides creative opportunities for children from 3 to 103 years young. Mr. Cooper boasts over twenty years of theatre arts and technical theater experience, fifteen plus years of professional puppet and prop design experience, and more than ten years of experience in teaching and program development.

In addition to TLC Puppet Workshops, James runs The Venue on 35th, is a teaching artist with Young Audiences of Virginia, and a resident lighting designer with the Virginia Arts Festival. Mr. Cooper aims to increase children’s awareness of the world around them in a creative environment while providing inspiration that lasts a lifetime.