In many puppet and theatrical shows, and especially in the world of TV and film, the audience members really see just what the artist wants them to see. The puppeteers, the cameramen, the people who create the illusion, are usually invisible. In People Like Me 2003, Lunatique Fantastique does a kind of puppetry called "Object Animation." In our show, the audience can see the puppeteers. The children can see that only three people cooperating bring the character magically to life! However, this requires you, the audience, to be more active in using your imagination!

The tiniest children have a magical sense of belief. Their imaginations take them away into a fantasy world, so they don't notice that daddy or mommy is making the doll move. Later, children work hard at figuring out what is real and what is make believe. While this is a very important cognitive task, during People Like Me 2003 we ask our audiences of all ages to come with us on our adventure, and let go of "reality" for a bit. Going to the theater is a wonderful chance to let ourselves believe the impossible!

Here's an exercise to get you and your students all warmed up to enjoy this show the most you can! Get into pairs, and take turns being puppeteer and audience. One of you plays the puppeteer, so pick up an object, (for example a pencil, a book, or a pair of glasses). Animate your object, put all your feelings into it! Make the object move and make silly sounds (but no real words!). Think of it like the world of cartoons!

The partner who is the audience member, notice where your eyes go. What are you focusing on? See if you can ask yourself to pay attention to the puppet instead of the person moving it.

• What role does color play? Would it help to place a colorful object onto a black cloth so that the colors are contrasting?
  
• What role does distance play? Can you focus more on the object when it is closer to you, or further away?
  
• What role does your mind play? How can you control what you focus on?
  

After each of you has a turn, come back together as a whole group and discuss if you were really able to see the object as a character. What parts of the illusion worked because of what the puppeteer did? What did you do as the audience member? Now, bring this ability to the show, and fasten your seat belt!