TMP methods

The show consists of multiple and distinct vignettes strung together so as to create one continuous flow of action. Each vignette consists of a song, a storyline, and one or more characters. Both the puppet character’s and the puppeteer’s actions stay in sync with the music. As the song progresses, the audience should take note that the character dynamics periodically go “back and forth.” For example, at times, the puppet character and puppeteer are the same individual, while at other times, they are different. At one moment, the puppet character will “talk about” the puppeteer, while at another moment, the puppet character will talk about him/herself but through the puppeteer! As a result, the audience often sees both the puppet character and the puppeteer “operating” within different worlds (this makes for an interesting stage dynamic!).  

Between each vignette is a “preparation period,” which consists of another song the puppeteer attempts to bring to life. The puppeteer does this coincidentally, with actions that help to ready himself, the stage area, and the puppet character for the next vignette. This “preparation period” is considered the backstage activity, e.g., wardrobe changes, prop set-ups/strikes, puppet character introductions. As any stage manager will claim, because it assists with stage efficiency and performance flow, the backstage activity can be just as important as what takes place on stage. All together, the audience experiences the performance in such a way that the music and activity are non-stop! 

Why TMP?

TMP was created so as to further enrich puppetry and provide audiences–in particular adults–with a different form of entertainment. It takes puppetry in a new direction: the puppet character and puppeteer “place themselves” inside a song, draw out the storyline, and then present that on stage. As a result, audiences not only hear a particular song for perhaps the umpteenth time, but also see the song, invariably, for the first time.

TMP asserts that music has more to offer than just melody, rhythm, and its many other musical dynamics, and he wants to “tell” audiences all about it! TMP does so by providing a “visual” commentary on songs:

“This commentary is presented as performance art, namely puppetry, acting, and props, and other elements (outlined below) so as  to showcase what many of us give little to no attention to when we listen to a song–its inherent story. To achieve this, TMP uses innuendo, exaggeration, audience anticipation, situational irony, and surprise as performance devices. TMP makes no attempt to ridicule the artists nor their respective songs and techniques. Further, TMP claims the performance does not replace the songs but rather is a way to redefine and transform them; in doing so, TMP gives them new meaning and, in effect, brings the songs to life! In the end, the songs’ reputations remain intact, TMP creates a new art form, and, in turn, the audience gains a new perspective on –and perhaps a new appreciation for– some well-known songs).”

TMP aligns both music and movement in a way that forces the songs to take on a different purpose, character, and “feel.” He essentially converts the musical arts into the performance arts and thereby creates a new work– a new art form that offers audiences with a fresh way to look at their favorite music. Should any song be unfamiliar to, say, a young child, all the various accompanying artistic elements (see below) should allow him/her to make sense of the action. In any case, each audience member, regardless of age, will respond to and utilize different stimuli in a way that is most effective for him/her. 

Admittedly, puppetry has lost its way within the world of entertainment. TMP seeks to revive the craft by offering it a place within a formal performance. Because puppetry can be “silly” on its surface, TMP can succeed on today’s stage only if the acting is top-notch; the situations are somewhat realistic; the emotions are sincere; there’s no attempt to condescend to the audience; and the show is engaging, creative, novel, and fun. We submit that TMP checks all of those boxes.

Elements

TMP is a self-conta­ined performance that engages audiences utilizing multiple performance elements. Those elements are listed below: