To intentionally misquote the Bard, “Every stage is a world!”

At least in my book.   

Backstory:  For the past couple of years, I’ve been writing the occasional Punch & Judy script and coming up with various show ideas all based on glove puppets.  In that time, I’ve become well acquainted with P&J-style booths (I built one) and performing (practicing, really) with my hands “in front” and looking through a scrim.

As I’m experimenting with “Muppet” style puppets (mainly Project Puppet's Simple series), I’m wondering if my P&J booth design is appropriate.  I know I’ll have to build a bigger stage, but I wonder about what kind of stages that puppeteers using mouth puppets use. 

Do mouth puppets work just as well while the puppeteer looks through a scrim (standing)?  Or do most of you work with your hands over your head (a la Henson and company or traditional P&J)?  I know there are advantages and disadvantages to both methods. 

My personal preference is to perform with my hands in front of a see-through scrim.  I know that it limits my character's range of movement, but the ability to see the audience overrides the movement limitations.  I also like the "look" of a booth-style stage. 

Now, this is for a solo show, but there's a chance that in the future I'll be working with other puppetteers on stage in a kids' show at my workplace (large chain bookstore).  In that case, I'll be thinking more about working with the hands overhead and sitting on a rolling stool.  That project will be dealt with later.

I'm sure that there's no "correct" answer to this, but I am curious.

Regards,
Rob

I think you should go with what works for you.  I've used your method of booth and scrim on a one man show before for hand in mouth puppets and I agree with you that I like the idea that I can see the audience. At one time one of the theme parks, I think Six Flags, had such a one man puppet show.  It really allows you to interact with your audience.  Granted I guess you could rig up a camera system to see them but why complicate something that can be simple.

I do think that if you work with more then one puppeteer that the over the head setup is easier to deal with.  A booth is just too confining and as you said it limits the puppet range of movement.

Have you considered a stage that you wear?  Puppet productions used to sell them.  I have seen online instructions for one with a backpack frame.  I've also seen one that someone put wheels on, so the puppeteer pushed it around.

These might help.

An article on the things to consider when designing sets for puppetry:
http://www.puppetsinmelbourne.com.au/faq.php/2008/08/01/basic-set-design-for-puppet-shows

And a collection of free patterns/instructions for stages:
http://www.puppetsinmelbourne.com.au/faq.php/2009/09/14/free-set-designs-for-puppetry

I agree with Shawn, it totally depends on your comfortability. Some people prefer working within the confines of a booth, others find it limiting. And it depends also on what the actions are like. If the blocking involves small movements, then it works easier in a smaller space. But large actions require more space to move around in. (Personally, I can see it very easy to get tired holding your puppet above your head all the time. Why not make things easier and use the scrim or a booth as in my list above? - Not a glove puppet booth, but simply a screened off space behind which you work)

Something like this for example:
http://tcpuppet.org/pjc/09summerpjc/sum09slideshows/coad/pages/COAD09.htm
http://tcpuppet.org/pjc/09summerpjc/sum09slideshows/coad/pages/COAD20.htm
(Coad Canada Puppets, he does glove puppetry, but it's the same basic set-up. Most who do puppet ministry seem to use the same/similar booth design)

This kind of stage would work just as well for your later show, and the good thing about these types of stages is that you can also modify them or extend them as necessary (many use PVC piping).

MsPuppet's idea is interesting, but again, it comes down to comfort. You might find it restricting to wear a stage