Giant Marionette Crew
Nine controls, one giant puppet and a team that must move in harmony.
About
Giant Marionette Crew combines an engineering challenge with a dose of comedy. Teams collect their kits and props, then study the construction instructions together.
They divide into sub-teams to build the different parts of the puppet. The pieces are assembled, the controls fitted and the figure decorated, until it stands taller than the people who made it.
Then the real test begins. Using nine controllers, the team raises the puppet and attempts simple human actions. Every movement requires several people working in unison, so even a wave must be broken into careful steps.
Each team becomes a control centre, aiming to impress colleagues with a smooth, effortless performance. In the finale, every puppet attempts a well-known dance move, and the room usually erupts with laughter.
Learning outcomes
Giant Marionette Crew involves everyone in strategy and project planning, both while building the puppet and while bringing it to life.
Moving the puppet requires close teamwork, crystal-clear communication and constant process improvement. Because no one can move it alone, every contribution is visible and valued, and teams that appoint a lead for each movement improve quickly.
It is not all serious business, of course. Picture each person controlling a different body part while the team tries to walk, wave or blow a kiss, and the laughter is easy to imagine.
The finale keeps the fun going. Along the way, teams see how a complex task becomes achievable when it is broken into small steps and everyone plays their part in perfect time.
Program flow
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Unpack and plan
Teams collect their kits and review the construction instructions together.
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Build in parallel
Sub-teams build different parts of the puppet at the same time.
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Assemble
The puppet is put together, its controls fitted and the figure decorated.
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Bring it to life
Using nine controllers, teams practise making the puppet walk, wave and move.
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Dance finale
Every puppet performs a well-known dance move for the whole group.
What is included
Included
- Expert facilitators throughout
- Puppet building kits and props
- Decorating materials
- Rehearsal coaching
- Finale performance
Not included
- Venue hire
- Meals and refreshments
- Audio-visual equipment
- Transfers to and from the venue
- Bespoke printed materials
Frequently asked questions
How big can the group be?
From 10 to 500 guests, organised into smaller teams.
How long is the programme?
The programme typically lasts about 3 hours.
Are artistic or puppetry skills needed?
No. Teams follow clear instructions, and learning to move the puppet together is half the fun.
Indoors or outdoors?
Either. It can be staged indoors, outdoors or across both, depending on your venue.
How many people operate each puppet?
Each puppet has nine controllers, so many hands are needed for every movement.
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Request a quote for Giant Marionette Crew
Tell us your group size, date and goals. We will reply with a tailored proposal.