Wizard of Oz Puppet Project
question
For this project, my class and I were tasked with creating the Oz puppet for the Broken Box 'Wizard of Oz' play.
brainstorm
We focused on determining how the Oz puppet would be supported and function mechanically. After cutting the wood for the face, we began planning a mechanism that would allow the mouth to open and close while also making the puppet easy for the Broken Box kids to carry. We decided to create a small prototype before building the full-scale puppet so we could test and refine our ideas before moving forward.
plan & Design
We used scrap wood from the Oz face to create our prototype for the Oz mechanism.
Build & create
We moved on from the prototype to assembling the full Oz puppet, attaching the six pieces that controlled the mouth. We incorporated rubber bands to make the mouth easier to open and close. Throughout this process, we continually tested and refined the mechanism, improving both the functionality and structural support of the puppet as we worked.
test & analyze
During the test and analyze phase, we focused on refining the Oz puppet’s mechanism and structural support while responding to the needs of Broken Box. We adjusted the placement of PVC pipes and drilled poles on the back of the puppet, testing for stability and experimenting with ways to hold them at set angles. When the wood cracked while screwing in the PVC, we had to redesign parts of the structure to prevent damage, creating a new method to attach the PVC securely without compromising the wood. We also replaced thinner PVC with thicker pipes for better support, removed and reattached components, and continually tested and adjusted based on feedback from Broken Box. Through this process, we addressed the structural challenges and changed the puppet to meet the requirements of Broken Box, ultimately finishing with a fully functional puppet ready for them to paint and use.
final product
This is the final product seen in the actual Broken Box show! It was amazing to see it in the theater and listen to everyone beam at the puppet. Even though we had some setbacks with the PVC and the screws, I had a great time working on this project and I feel very impactful with the finished product!