This month’s Spotlight interview is with Holly Miller, a freelance designer and maker for indoor theatre and outdoor theatre. Holly is based in Bridport Dorset where she has a workshop in The Lyric Theatre.
What inspired you to make puppets and props for theatre productions?
“I have always been an artist and maker. I was inspired to make puppets when my children and I first went to Puppet Club at The Lyric Theatre 11 years ago. We discovered that my children were totally absorbed in world of puppeteering and I loved making puppets. I started to work freelance for Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company and have not looked back since. I enjoy the challenge of working in theatre and all the different aspects you have to consider in puppet and prop making. It definitely keeps you on your toes!”
What is your favourite puppet you have made and why?
“I have a few!! In the forefront of my mind are the pig puppets I made for Stuff and Nonsense’s latest production of Three Little Pigs which is on tour at the moment. It is such a joyous, energetic show for families. The pig puppets have wonderful characters, movement and are brilliantly brought to life by the actors in the show, which is so engaging to watch.
I made a puppet that was puppeteered inside a mobile stage manager booth on wheels called ‘Pinky’. He is a neon pink, fluffy, non-verbal puppet who tries tirelessly to keep the pantomime and actors on track.
Another favourite is Valantine the Horse head puppet. As I was carving out his muzzle from foam, I found I could not stop creating him, all the elements of his build were taking shape and falling into place as I worked. He turned out to be a majestic grey dapple with a beautiful woollen mane.”
What advice would you give young people who want to become a theatre prop and puppet maker?
“You’ll learn the most through making. Build your knowledge up through experimenting with lots of different materials, exploring and learning a wide variety of different techniques. You never know what you are going to be asked to do for a project so just keep exploring and making with your hands. If something doesn’t work out it’s not a failure. Try again as you will be building a bank of knowledge you can always tap into in the future.”
What is it like watching you design evolve into a 3-dimensional creation?
“ When making and designing, I work instinctively. It’s that goosebump moment when you know something is really working.
My enjoyment of my work really happens when you see your 3 dimensional creation enhanced by the audiences reactions to watching the show. Theatre is very much a collaborative process as you work with a team to develop and pull together a production. You meet a whole world of talented people from actors, directors, musicians, lighting designers, etc. All working together to create a fabulous experience.
I think it’s also the emotional reactions of an audience that gives the most magical element for my creations. This gives me great pride and joy and that arm tingling moment when you see people of all ages react to the show. It could be a grandad laughing at a joke my puppet has said or a child getting totally immersed in the show and shouting out where the wolf is on the stage.”
Image credit: Holly Miller