Training the animator anew: Developing cross-disciplinary opportunities for puppetry in arts, health and education

Abstract

This positioning article explores a reimagining within the field of applied theatre where through the medium of puppetry, the art and artist may become one as a way of healing. Building upon conceptual principles of animism, transference and embodiment, it is proposed that puppeteer training be usefully integrated into higher education applied arts and health programmes as an extension to existing programmes. Value is given to the metaphorical use of the puppet in both education and therapy. It is proposed that puppeteers may gain value from engaging with crossdisciplinary art-based research as a way to further understand puppetry’s uses and furthering their own practices.