Giant Lantern Puppet Masterclass - Andrew Kim

Local artist development

In July 2025, Urban Wilderness CIC hosted a Giant Lantern Puppet Masterclass as part of our artist development programme. The course offered artists and puppet makers a unique opportunity to develop their skills on a larger scale with renowned puppet, mask maker, performer, and director Andrew Kim of Thingumajig Theatre.

Over 11 days in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, participants worked alongside Andrew and the Urban Wilderness team to design and construct two giant lantern puppets. These puppets were created using techniques in clay modeling, pattern making, Worbla, bamboo and aluminium frame construction, willow, fabric, and electrics. Participants gained hands-on experience in large-scale puppet design, construction, and performance, and collaborated with other like-minded artists and volunteers.

The puppets created during the masterclass were presented at Urban Wilderness CIC’s Winter production in December 2025, giving participants the opportunity to see their work performed in a professional setting. The masterclass also provided a platform for local Stoke-on-Trent artists and artists from the Global Majority to access specialist training through bursary support, making the programme accessible to a diverse group of creatives.

The masterclass reflected Urban Wilderness CIC’s commitment to artist development, large-scale participatory arts, and creative collaboration, providing skills, mentorship, and the chance to realise ambitious artistic projects.