LIGHT-UP Puppetry Masterclass
with renowned Puppet Maker & Designer Andrew Kim of Thingumajig Theatre
Artists & Puppet makers - Do you want to learn how to develop your puppetry making skills on a larger scale? An incredible opportunity has arisen to get first hand puppetry design and experience from renowned Puppet, Mask Maker, Performer and Director Andrew Kim and Assistant Artist Kathy Kim in a Puppet making Masterclass.
A chance to learn, develop and master puppetry techniques and to be a part of making Giant Lanterns that will be used and displayed by Urban Wilderness CIC at one of the Winter productions in December 2025.
Dates: July 3rd - 14th July 2025 (8th July - Day off)
Location: Urban Wilderness CIC, 15 Bennett Precinct, Longton, Stoke-On-Trent,
Course Cost: £650*
Andrew has created and performed puppet and mask plays, parades and events for over 30 years and has previously run these master classes in Scotland, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Bulgaria, South Korea and several cities throughout the USA.
This practical and hands-on masterclass will be running across 11 days (1 day off in between) in the heart of Stoke-On-Trent, in the potteries Town of Longton at Arts Organisation Urban Wilderness CIC. Two giant lantern puppets will be designed and created during the course.
A chance to develop your creativity on a much larger scale - It’s time to dream big!
What the course will offer you:
First hand experience of puppetry by renowned master puppet designers and makers
A chance to work in an exciting and progressive Arts organisation based in one of the towns of Stoke-On-Trent
To work with other like minded creative individuals
The giant lantern puppets you’ve crafted will make their grand debut at Urban Wilderness CIC Winter Event taking place in December 2025 — an amazing opportunity to showcase your work!
An example of previous Giant Puppet Lanterns with Andrew Kim: Instagram
Additional Information:
This course is designed for artists with some relevant experience in theatre making. Classes run from 9:30am - 5.30pm with an hour lunch break. The last day (13th July) will finish at Sunset following a presentation and meal.
Accommodation
Whilst accommodation is not provided we would recommend:
The Hilton Garden Inn (Discount Available on request)
Stoke on Trent (Hanley) Hotel | Hotels In Hanley | Premier Inn
Air BnB’s available - Large & Convenient | City Centre with Parking - Houses for Rent in Hanley, England, United Kingdom - Airbnb
All located approx. 15 minute drive.
Artists may wish to share accommodation and therefore we could assist in sharing contact details with permission required from all parties.
Transport
Stoke Station is approximately a 15 minute drive from Longton Town Centre
Address: Stoke-On-Trent Railway Station Station Road, Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2AA
Parking
Parking is available for free (no time limit) at Tesco - Baths Rd Longton, Stoke-On-Trent ST3 2JB which is approximately a 5 minute walk to the Urban Wilderness CIC main HQ.
Refreshments
Refreshments including tea, coffee and snacks will be available throughout the course, lunch will not be provided but an end of the workshop meal will be included.
Booking & Payment
To register your interest, please complete the form here and if you require any further information please contact charlotte@urbanwildernesscic.com. Once you have registered your interest, Artists will be sent payment details and are required to pay a 50% non refundable deposit before officially securing a place. Artists must commit to the whole duration of the workshop.
*Course Bursary
We understand the importance of being able to support Artists, the challenges that Artists can face and the ability to access opportunities, therefore if you are a local Stoke-On-Trent based Artist (ST1 - ST13 postcode) or an Artist who Identifies as part of the Global Majority we want to hear from you!
Urban Wilderness CIC are offering a bursary to a small number of applications, to help towards covering the cost of the masterclass. The bursary will be £500 towards the workshop (Including the teaching, materials and refreshments) with £150 balance to be paid by the participant. Travel, lunch and accommodation will not be included within this. Apply here to be considered for this opportunity.
If you require any assistance in completing any of the forms please contact Charlotte Davies (Production Assistant) charlotte@urbanwildernesscic.com or Jenny Harper, jenny@urbanwildernesscic.com (Co-Director)
