Length of Scripts

[Macie]

As I've been writing my own scripts for a future online puppet project, I've come across the issue of the length of the script.  Since my project is exclusively online, I've been basing my episode lengths off the tried and true Muppet Show skits, which have the shorter, setup-punchline skits peppered in amongst the longer ones (like the songs they would do).  I've also tried to find as many online puppet shows as I could to judge their lengths, with varying results.  But I know there are LOTS of online puppet shows I haven't seen yet, so I don't feel like I have a good grasp for what people want to see and how long they'll dedicate to watching it.

I guess my question is, what has been your experience in the success or failure of your puppet presentation (whether live or recorded) in regards to the length of your script?  I'd love to hear opinions about live presentations as well, because I used to work in the children's dept of a library, and I would occasionally do a storytime or puppet show, and the length of the script really depended on the age of the kids.  (Boy, you can really tell when you've chosen a story that's just a little too long! lol)  Also, just a general overall question:  What kinds of scripts do YOU prefer to write (and eventually watch)?  Shorter ones?  Longer story-driven ones?  Episodic cliffhangers? 

Ok, I've packed enough questions in this one post for now!    Thanks for reading!

[StiqPuppet Productions]

For most people it is between 15 to 40 minutes.  If you have great effects and great puppetry skills then you can stretch it longer.  Try to avoid the "talking" head puppets with lots of dialogue and little action.  You will know by a few performances if it is to long or to short....the audience is the best gauge on giving you feedback on the spot. 

All the best with the script writing.....

Daryl H

[Macie]

Thanks stiqman!

[Jon]

Check out doctor puppets videos. Jay has a large number of very well received videos using his 99 acre woods characters. They are both single and multi episode projects. I think having a variety is best

[Pyrostix]

I usialy find a page of hand written foolscap equals around a minit.

About performing... If you enjoy yourself then they enjoy themselves. Ive done a lot live (puppets and self penned work) and I find this to be the case. Have an audiance in mind when writing and pitch it to them. Keep this demographic constant for the series and have fun with it...

Your audience is there to see puppets.. Present it and let them be their own judge as long as you are happy they will be too.

the best advice I was told about writing was to just get on my ass and do it... Not off your ass ... on your ass because concepts are good but the printed version is gold.

Set yourself a challenge and write for all styles.. there are no boundaries inherent in either with subject matter or puppet theatre.

I hope this has helped. Sorry its so long... Check out my blog ... type in footlice on you tube and let me know what you think 

Till then get to writing! lol

Best wishes
David

[MsPuppet]

What is the age of your target audience? Attention span is about one minute per year (9 minutes for 9 year olds).
I agree, talking heads are BORING. Voices must have inflection - no monotones. Add lots of action, props, etc.
When writing we say "think of how you can say this using the least amount of words and still get the message across."

[ClippoPuppet]

Most of my scripts are interactive (the audience actually participates in the show in some way by handing the puppets a prop or even playing "roles" in the show) and somewhat episodic. I either do a short story with "bumpers" of songs, poems, or rhymes with "act along" movements (like "Itsy Bitsy Spider") or several short stories with a break in between for a song. I usually work with a live actor/assistant, which gives me an opportunity to switch puppets too since my assistant can work with the audience while puppets are off stage. We usually do around 30 minutes or so depending on the audience and the event. Since I perform now mostly for charity organizations and events, I'm flexible with my timing to fit into whatever is needed. I've even done a whole day of 10 minute shows repeated every 30 minutes or so in a fair or festival type setting.