Dead Puppet Society Launches Mechanical Bird-Making Workshops

Brisbane’s Dead Puppet Society is inviting community members to unleash their creativity in a new mechanical bird puppet-making workshop this May.

Held at the esteemed group’s headquarters in Woolloongabba, this new experience promises an immersive hands-on experience that focuses on celebrating the vibrant beauty of Australia’s native birds.

Participants will have the opportunity to craft their own unique bird puppet under the expert guidance of the Society’s skilled artisans. The workshops will take place in their Fabrication Workshop, where attendees will select their preferred colours for their puppet’s body and wings. Participants will then witness their puppet come to life, through the magic of technology as their chosen materials are created using a laser cutter.

These sessions not only teach the basics of puppetry craftsmanship but also offer a glimpse into the innovative techniques that the Dead Puppet Society uses in the production of their renowned stage props and puppets.

Participants will learn and be taught by the puppet masters and creators of successful productions such as ‘Holding Achilles’, ‘Ishmael’, and ‘The Wider Earth’. The Dead Puppet Society also has the upcoming Australian premiere of Disney’s ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’, set to debut in Brisbane in March 2025.

The DPS Social Workshops are scheduled over three evenings, on 23 May, 24 May or 30 May, from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Given the limited availability and the inclusion of a complimentary bar service, interested parties are encouraged to book their tickets early. The event is tailored for adults and is not suitable for those under 15 years of age.

Workshops will be held at the DPS HQ, located at 6 Annerley Road, Woolloongabba. Tickets are priced at $135 and can be purchased through Eventbrite.

This unique event combines art, technology, and entertainment, providing a perfect evening out for those interested in the behind-the-scenes magic of theatrical productions.

To learn more about this unique experience and to book tickets, visit the Dead Puppet Society’s website.

Photography by Dean Hanson.