Rise of the Puppets is a four day workshop designed by Mardi Gras artist Henry Lipkis to instruct attendees how to build giant wearable puppets, creatures, caricatures, and spirits specifically for use in parades and protests. This iteration of the workshop will be hosted at the Farce Factory in Downtown LA, and will be followed by a parade on June 27th around the Brewery Artist Lofts.

We will introduce attendees to a revelatory cardboard construction method commonly used to build the sculptural elements of classical Mardi Gras floats. This process has been adapted to build large scale wearable puppets, costumes, and head pieces with very simple construction techniques that even the most inexperienced of craftsperson will be able to use to great affect.

Giant puppets have always been used in troubled times as a boon for the spirit of a movement, as standard bearers in the street, as a way to reshape the appearance of a crowd and capture the narrative of a moment. This workshop aims to continue on that tradition and encourage the proliferation of giant puppetry in the greater Los Angeles area as a method of political engagement.

Rise of the Puppets will run from 5-9 pm four consecutive nights and is open to people of all backgrounds, suggested age of 15 and older. The admission fee is on a sliding scale from $100-$300. For those who wish to attend but cannot afford the admission fee, please reach out
as we will reserve a limited number of scholarship spots.