I am looking to make my puppet appear in a puff of smoke. Does anyone have any experience of doing this or any ideas on ways to do it?

Matthew:

This month's MAGIC magazine has an extensive article on the use of pyrotechnics. You might want to read the article and then decide if you really want the puppet to appear this way.

There is a lot required in the way of acquiring, transporting, and using pyrotechnics, getting approval of the venue and the local fire marshall, etc. Then there are the safety issues.

Bob

Thanks Bob,
I have a stage residency in a theatre so most of those concerns are sorted but I will certainly check out MAGIC.

Matthew,
I always look for the easy way out - so here would be my take - either a Square Circle that can be shown empty and then either reach in to produce puppet or if a hard figure, lifted off.

Another option would be a black art box with a dropping or roller flap.

Either way it would be a custom build.

Oh - and for the puff of smoke - why not use a small fog machine and use a hose to funnel the smoke where you need it. Avoids pyrotechnics and saves the pain of having to okay them.
Tom