Bandersnatch Puppets
In the summer of 2011 I worked with the UGROW undergraduate research initiative at Midwestern State University. For the project, 22 Theatre students from the Fain College of Fine Arts teamed up with 3 Mechanical Engineering students from the McCoy school of engineering. After the three week program ended, I and one of the Engineering students dedicated the rest of our summer to the project.
The lion's share of my time on this project was spent on developing the prototype of the large mechanical hands used by the "Bandersnatch"-- the research that went into the production methods involved experimentation with steaming, bending and lashing ratan, and learning how to batch produce independent finger segments that hinged on pieces of bailing wire.
Originally starting with Aircraft cable, we quickly adapted to using bicycle brake cable- we favored it for its sleaving, fine finish and low friction. In the final iteration we were able to remove the crosbies from the glove and rely on the brake cable stops.
I learned to walk to painters stilts so that I could put on the hands and exo skeleton for panel discussions with the rest of the Research committees.
The suit for the Jabberwock started off as an excellent demonstration of using steamed ratan to build up a light weight bulky structure. In the initial phases of design, crutch-like appendages held the actor's upper body up and a bicycle cable system actuated a mouth full of teeth on the puppet head. However, after an advanced movement study, the actor was able to do more with less, and the puppet was stripped down to be resemble more of a costume.
In the end I was cast to play the Bandersnatch in the world premier performance, and then again to perform in Norman, Oklahoma for KCACTF Region 6. I was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a monster's voice, body and mind and then bring that monster to life.
Bandersnatch was Co-written and Directed by Brandon Smith - Bandersnatch Puppet Development by Zac Evetts and Russell McKinley - Jub Jub Bird (Pictured above) Puppet Development by Cody Bates - Scenic Designer Kate Schultz- Meyers - Lighting Designers Devon Farnsworth and Ryan Moore - Costume Designers Lauren Payne and Rebekah Howard.
Photo Credit: Emma Brown