Hey guys,
 I'm rather new here and I haven't posted anything before but something bothers me. I live in dublin, Ireland and I am a semi-professional puppet maker and puppeteer. Unfortunately, there is absolutely nothing and I mean nothing in Ireland on puppetry. There are a few places that dabble in it but I want more. I was thinking of setting up a puppet festival or puppet society here in dublin. Do you think this is a good idea? If so, how do I go about doing this?
             Kind regards,
                                 Lorcan McIvor, creator of Forbidden Zone Puppets.

First, welcome to puppets and stuff! It's so cool to have you join us. Second, no it's not a good idea, it's a GREAT idea! Third, hmmmm. I would make contact with those that do the dabbling, and sound them out regarding interest. If you're a semi-pro puppet maker, have you made puppets for other people? If so, talk to them. Put a notice on craigslist: http://dublin.craigslist.org/. Find other outlets to get the word out, and see what comes of it. Sharing a passion so increases the joy of the passion, it's always worth it to find some like-minded folk.

Actually, there's some info here:
http://www.unima.org.uk/
http://puppeteersuk.com/

There actually is a UNIMA Ireland - UNIMA being the international organisation for puppeteers - but the info I've found on them is out of date. Contacting UNIMA USA is your best bet to try to find that info, as they are the ones who usually have the most up-to-date info on international counterparts (http://www.unima-usa.org/international/index.html#44), oddly because the UNIMA HQ in France never seems to be up-to-date.
You may also want to check out the info for this puppetry festival:
http://puppetfest.ie
Oh, and there's this guy on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/PuppetryIreland/

There would be heaps hiding under the surface, but as usual with puppeteers, you've got to know where to look. You're not as alone as you think!

Welcome to PandS! I agree I think it is a great idea! UNIMA is a good start and may lead you to some other locals you don't know about yet.  I like Julie's suggestion of craigslist also if it is as popular over there as it is here you should get some feedback. If not then think of alternatives that could get the word out.

Hey Guys,
  Thanks a million for all your help and suggestions. I will defiantly be checking out Craigslist and hopefully get something done by the end of the year.
       Kind regards,
                            Lorcan McIvor.

You're welcome! The other thing that you might want to do is get yourself on twitter on a regular basis. I've seen a lot of UK based puppeteers there, although I'm not sure how many are in your area. A lot of them are more England/Wales than Ireland probably.

Welcome to PandS! I agree I think it is a great idea! UNIMA is a good start and may lead you to some other locals you don't know about yet.  I like Julie's suggestion of craigslist also if it is as popular over there as it is here you should get some feedback. If not then think of alternatives that could get the word out.

. Lol I can't credit Shawn, it was Chris' suggestion for craigslist.


Welcome. Glad you've joined us.

Julie

Now why in the world did I think that post was by you Julie!? Oh dear me I believe I've finally lost it. Sorry about that Chris.

No prob! I reckon it's because brilliance does not often flash through me, lol.