Beyond the Sock

A lot of heroes wear or have worn a mask. Be a hero!

Not ashamed to admit the love we have for bread. If it's freshly made at home - so much the better. But we all know there's more than sourdough, right?

A lot of questions get sent asking why our workshop doesn't simply move online. Especially now. Considerable time and effort was spent looking at how that could happen. Sharing ideas and education while making new friends in person is our thing.

Muppets Now starts next month! And Joe from Legal seems like he would be great to have on our workshop team. Maybe our instructors might know a guy! 😁

Wwe're really excited to add this to our watchlist! Eagerly awaiting the start! youtu.be/YHtkKWtQy9w

@TBF_PR currently has two episodic seasons and two "movies". Originally hard to believe there could be more carnage in a movie version. Wrong. More blood. More decapitations. Deadly use of bamboo. Sometimes while singing! Should look away! But just can't!

@TBF_PR Thunderbolt Fantasy is crazy fun! Please know it's definitely not a kids show. It's not a cheap parody series. We think it's very well made. But it's a Japanese action fantasy show. The puppet characters sometimes bleed. A lot. Or lose an appendage.

Hand built sets? Check. Explosions? Check. Brutal sword fights? Check. Over the top anime style special effects? Yep. Characters with fabulous hair that flows due to a constant phantom wind? Oh yeah. And they're ALL puppets! We're binging Thunderbolt Fantasy.

(re)Discovered a show that might not seem like it should work as a concept but has become a bit of a current binge. Went down a puppet-centric tv series rabbit hole.

Next observation from the same conversation: "...guess the workshop doesn't really fit into one specific category." Our reply: "We're good with that."

In a conversation about plans for bringing the workshop back next year: "Why don't you consider *not* building full size studio sets for the workshop?" After he stopped laughing the workshop director said "Wait. Are you serious?" It went downhill from there.

It's summer. In Texas. It's only getting hotter. We're staying safe by distancing from others too. Because pandemics don't discriminate. Neither do we. Take a stand. Just be careful.

Today the workshop we didn't have this year would be over. We're taking it one day at a time but already getting things together for 2021.

Things are still... let's just say in a state of uncertainty right now. The head chef/owner of Boca 31 runs a local treasure (one in Denton, one in Keller) that provides fabulous food to any and all. Show some love. Visit @boca31.denton on Instagram & boca31.com

By Thursday new attendees generally make new friends. Everyone is busy working on new puppet characters and discovering new techniques for building and performance. Though keep in mind the workshop was never really what you would call normal. But we're okay with that.

At the risk of repeating the obvious... nothing is normal right now. But if the normal workshop was "movin' right along" this year- what would things be like on a Thursday? Glad you asked!

We also know there is lot going on in the world now. We love putting on the workshop each year. But we're content to delay it while we stand united with others for unity and justice.

We also try to introduce everyone to ebay.com/usr/freaksandg… that has tons of vintage toys, games and comics. The store is closing. So catch the local favorite while you can. Show them support as they face a new future.

It's Wednesday. This is the day of the workshop when attendees discover the amount of fun you have is also a whole lot of work. Especially the first time you learn how to build your own puppet. And perform while you look in a different direction as the puppet you're using.

For reference - the photo is from the first year show that was hastily assembled as a "finale" meant to celebrate everyone's hard work. It stuck around every year.

7 years ago this week a small workshop was started to help people learn more about puppetry and connect with like minded artists and performers. It's on hold for many different reasons this year. Some which are bigger than our workshop. Look for us in 2021.