There are a few puppets out there that don't have bodies. Eg. the Axtell Drawing board and Big Mouth puppets. My question relates to them in regard to the required misdirection for vent. With a standard puppet they move and look around helping to create the illusion that they are the ones talking. How do you overcome the 'handicap' of not having a body?

I hope this makes sense. My mind is a little outside of my body at the moment too.

All you need is the moving mouth of the puppet/figure/drawing board, your still lips, and the interaction between you and whatever the character is. The audience's minds take care of the rest.

Examples that come immediately to mind, aside from the Drawing Board, are Jay Johnson's Spalding (a tennis balls with a slit for a mouth and plastic eyes) and Señor Wences's Johnny (the head in a box).

Bob

Other option is use something to "cover" the body.

I use sock puppet or glove puppet with a paper bag.
It give the illusion that the body (and legs) is inside the bag.

There are some puppets in the market which are in the hat, can, flowerpot, etc

But don't forget to hold the cover with your other hand or they will be hanging in the mid air!


Budi Ha Ha