Hey Everyone.  I received this email from one of our clients and thought I'd pass it on. 

So you have seen Skrappbox and are thinking  "How do I learn to do that?"   Or  you have always wanted to learn how to be a puppeteer but werent sure where to begin.      Well now is your chance...


David Fino of SkrappBox is offering a new class!


Puppetry 101 for Improv Performers

Wednesdays  7-10 PM starting March 30, 2011

Perquisite: Completion of at least one Level 1 long-form improv class from such schools as The UCB Training Center, Improv Olympic or Magnet Theater  - or - 1 semester of college level long-form improv study.

Cost $225.00

Class Size: 10 students.

Class dates: March 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 25

To sign up contact David Fino at


Students will learn the fundamentals of "Mouth and Rod" style puppetry. Core concepts covered will include eye focus, mouth synchronization, character development, rod manipulation, vocal characterization, overall puppet movement technique .....and how incorporate these with the basic long-form improvisation skills they have previously learned.


The course meets for 8 three hour classes. Students will be provided with "practice eyes" and a hand made, professional style practice puppet ..All of which is theirs to keep!


There will be a graduation show on a date TBD.


Here is some feedback from past students:


"Taking David's class was one of the best things I've ever decided to do. He's a supportive teacher and really drives home the fundamentals of puppet performance by utilizing the skills of an improviser." -Sam


"David's a pro and knows all the easy techniques to take you from wacko convulsing a sock to puppetMASTER" -Kathy


"David's class is insanely fun. His skill and attitude make for an inspiring, professional experience in class, and his puppets never fail to make me smile. Unbeatable value for an amazing experience! Go play!" -Russ


A little about he instructor...


David Fino has been involved with puppetry since 1993 when he began studying with master puppeteer Paul Vincent Davis of the Puppet Showplace Theatre in Brookline, MA. David has been through numerous training workshops with The Jim Henson Company and Sesame Workshop.  David has performed on WABU TV-68 in Boston, Comedy Central, and MTV, and has been in a number of independent TV pilots. One of which was written and directed by former Muppet designer Kermit Love. On stage David played the title character in "Bear in the Big Blue House, Live!,” a national tour based on the hit program by Mitchell Kriegman and the Jim Henson Co. Other credits include Edgar Allan Poe's “The Raven" by Trilobite Pictures, and Seemore's Playhouse by King Features/S4K Entertainment. Most recently he starred with Molly Lloyd, Eric Edelstein and Adam Pally in a new production by Waverly Films/Loose World and Comedy Central that is scheduled to premere on Atom.com this March! . David's puppet building credits include "At The Movies with Statler and Waldorf," Comedy Central, and Avenue Q. His Improv training comes from UCB Teachers Bobby Moynihan, Charlie Sanders, Gavin Spelier, Zack Woods and Will Hines...

I fear this might be a bit out of the way for me... pity.