Hey everyone! I just posted my review of the puppet school over on my blog.

http://lorisprojects.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-puppet-school-los-angeles.html

So sorry for the fiasco that that turned  out to be.  What a waste of time and money.  When I teach classes we provide everything except the machine, and charge $60-75.  Basically we cover all the stuff you discussed.  And... we use fabric without flaws.    I would still ask for a refund, at least partial.  You certainly did not get $750 worth of instruction. I've taken classes from some of the best, and never paid anywhere near that. 

You were very kind, still recommending the course.

Nice review. I agree with Rikka that I am not sure I could even give your limited recommendation for the courses, which is a shame. Then again perhaps the biggest problem really was that they where trying to do the workshops in one week.

I can see somewhat the use of scrapes or bottles with "boogers" on them but not having things like new razor blades, disposable gloves, sharp shears and scissors etc... and on top of that only one sewing machine is just not right for a professional workshop. The fact that they had you using contact cement inside without ventilation is a health concern and should have never happened.

You know they should really hire you to organize and help with the workshops. Sounds like they need a shop manager to make sure all the right supplies and equipment is in place and it sure sounds to me like you are the person for the job.

Great review! sorry you didn't get your monies worth. Lesson learned I'm sure.

Thanks everyone for the comments. I tried to be as fair and unbiased as I could.

Rikka -  There were a couple of people who were completely new to puppet making (and sewing, and pretty much any kind of construction) and they seemed to be happy with their money to learning ratio. Then again, this is LA, and everything is more expensive here. (LOL)

Shawn - If I was going to put in that kind of work , I would do it on my own (once I felt I had enough knowledge to pass on that couldn't easily be found online).

Ms. Puppet - Wow, I wish you were here! I thought it was a fair price for who our instructor was supposed to be (and thought he would have years of tips and tricks to share with us.)

Billy - Good summation! I hope it makes others strongly reconsider the cost before they turn over their money.

Wow that is crazy workshop but a great write up...thanks for sharing your experience...the sad thing is this would turn anyone off of puppetry in a way...very disappointing...you should have requested a small refund for a dramatic change in the workshop and lack of tools provided...that price you paid would have helped with flight and accommodations of the original instructor it seems that Derek was a local so they really scored financially on this workshop!!  

StiqPuppets

Lola - I fly into the L.A. area often. Our son and family live in North San Diego County, and my parents live 10 minutes from the Ontario airport.  Flights are usually better into LAX. 

I have been asked several times to teach some workshops in CA, but we have never finalized anything. Might be time to think about it again.

Wow that is crazy workshop but a great write up...thanks for sharing your experience...the sad thing is this would turn anyone off of puppetry in a way...very disappointing...you should have requested a small refund for a dramatic change in the workshop and lack of tools provided...that price you paid would have helped with flight and accommodations of the original instructor it seems that Derek was a local so they really scored financially on this workshop!!  

StiqPuppets

I had thought the same thing but looking at the normal rates for their workshops I don't think they charged that much extra for these.

If I was going to put in that kind of work , I would do it on my own (once I felt I had enough knowledge to pass on that couldn't easily be found online).

It is not so much the knowledge as the hands on guidance that most people want out of something like this I think.  I think you might be like me and can figure out just about anything from some pictures and text.   I am coming to realize that the majority of folks out there seem to want more. They want the personal attention that comes with a workshop.  This site is full of information yet folks still ask the same questions over and over. All the basics are here yet they well ask how to make _______ puppet not realizing it is just a variation on the basics.   I guess what I am trying to say is don't undersell yourself. Your guidance is and can be very useful to others.

Thanks Shawn for the clarification on the prices...I never took making a puppet course so I have not really looked into it...but still a very disappointing workshop overall.

And your second part Shawn is also very true...I learned a lot on the internet and through asking questions when I was stuck...I have come a long ways in the making of my puppets as well as performing.  So learning off the internet is possible...may take a bit of digging at times but you can always find it.

StiqPuppets