Considered the father of modern puppetry in North America, Tony Sarg was a well-known illustrator and designer in New York City. Puppetry was a part of his prodigious output and for many years his marionette troupes crisscrossed the continent with elaborate productions. His high standards and willingness to share the backstage "secrets" inspired a generation of puppeteers. Over sixty photos, drawings, and posters illustrate this scholarly study of Sarg, his productions, and the puppeteers who toured them. Many of these puppeteers founded their own puppet troupes and in¬fluenced the next generation of puppeteers.

Tony Sarg: Puppeteer in America, 1915-1942

Arts & Photography

Hunt, Tamara

Performing Arts

Charlemagne Press

The Marionette Sourcebook is filled with the best of the design and construction ideas developed by the world's most inventive puppeteers. The string puppet's anatomy is carefully detailed in 171 line illustrations. Also included are useful tips for stringing, staging, and manipulating the most regal of puppets - the marionette.

Marionette Sourcebook: Theory & Technique

Crafts, Hobbies & Home

Coad, Luman

Crafts & Hobbies

Drawing on his years as an art teacher in the New York City high schools and colleges as well as his numerous production designs for live- and puppet-theatre, Jero Magon's intent is "to vitalize the puppet theatre in terms of modern trends in aesthetics, scenery, production techniques, lighting, and stage design." A clear, concise discussion of an array of stimulating ideas - liberally illustrated with historic photographs and the author's graphics. The book was awarded a special Citation by the Puppeteers of America.

Staging the Puppet Show

Magon, Jero

Aspiring puppeteers, and established professionals, will learn from this valuable book. The author discusses how to select a play and the process of bringing the written word to life on the puppet stage. As well, there is a valuable chapter of manipulation exercises for developing subtle puppet movement.

Puppet Theatre: Production and Manipulation

Lee, Miles

Humor & Entertainment

Martin Stevens was one of the great North American puppeteers - creating such notable productions as "The Passion Play", "Joan of Arc", and "Taming of the Shrew". Steve, as he was affectionately called, was a frequent performer and teacher at the national festivals of the Puppeteers of America. In the 1950's he wrote a correspondence course with nineteen published lessons plus a final session written specifically for each student. Here are all the published lessons plus all the known final session. 
"It is a happy day that this material is once again visible and available to nudge young puppeteers to find their own way of seeing and doing shows. Bravo to "Steve." George Latshaw in the Puppetry Journal, Spring, 1998

Stevens' Course in Puppetry

Stevens, Martin

Martin Stevens was a pioneer in puppet theater for adult audiences. Born in a theatrical family, he was a skilled actor, designer, and technician before taking up puppetry. For two decades "Steve", as he was called, and his wife Olga performed "The Passion Play", "The Nativity", "Joan of Arc", and "Cleopatra". In the late 40's the couple pioneered educational films with puppets before they went their separate ways. With Margi, his new wife, Steve created outstanding productions for family audiences. With up to five companies on the road, the Stevens took up painting and teaching art classes. Martin Stevens: His Book includes Steve's unfinished autobiography, memoires of friends and family, and a reconstruction of his remarkable career and dramatic life.

Martin Stevens: His Book

One of North America's most outstanding hand puppet artists discusses her approach to the art. Complete with exercised, numerous hints, and gentle, supportive encouragement. Also included are some of the author's other essays plus several of her scripts. A treasure for the budding, and established, puppeteer.

Manual of Hand Puppet Manipulation & More

Schubert, Lettie Connell

Drawing on his nearly thirty years as a professional puppeteer, Bob Nathanson provides a glimpse behind the stage curtain at the adventures and misadventures of a touring performer.

Diary of a Doll Wiggler: A Bob's-Eye View into the Wacky and Wonderful World of Puppetry

Biographies & Memoirs

Nathanson, Bob

Arts & Literature

A hilarious account of the career of Bob and Judy Brown - puppeteers based in Washington DC

A Pair of Cockeyed Optimists:: The Puppetry Career of Bob & Judy Brown

Brown, Judy Barry

After discussing Commedia dell'arte and the cast of major characters, this book has over fifty practice scenes to help actors become familiar with the improvisational skills of a traditional Commedia performer.

Commedia dell'arte: A Scene Study Book

Rolfe, Bari

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Charlemagne Press publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Charlemagne Press