The Muppets (Kermit the Frog is a hybrid: mouth is hand-operated, arms are rods), traditional Czech rod puppets, Avenue Q characters.
The puppeteer’s hand is inside the puppet. Movements are direct, lively, and often comedic.
Requires three highly trained people per puppet; heavy (up to 20 kg); not for solo performers. 7. Body Puppets (Full-Figure / Costume Puppets) Construction: A large puppet worn by a performer like a costume, with the performer’s legs becoming the puppet’s legs, and arms extending into the puppet’s arms or head. Sometimes the performer’s head is inside the puppet’s chest, operating the head with a stick or cable. different types of puppets
Rods can be visible; requires coordination between two hands. 3. Marionettes (String Puppets) Construction: A fully articulated puppet made of wood, foam, or plastic, with strings or threads attached to a wooden or metal control (called the “crutch” or “controller”). Typical attachment points: head, shoulders, back, knees, hands, and sometimes elbows and hips.
Limited wrist articulation; puppeteer must stay below the stage. 2. Rod Puppets Construction: A solid head and body, with thin rods (usually wire or carbon fiber) attached to the hands and sometimes the head. The main support is a central rod or a hand inserted into the back of the neck. The Muppets (Kermit the Frog is a hybrid:
Broadway’s The Lion King giraffes and elephants, Walking with Dinosaurs arena show, parade giants (e.g., Royal de Luxe).
Real-time animation using software (e.g., Unreal Engine’s MetaHuman Animator, Adobe Character Animator). The puppeteer’s face and body movements drive the digital character. Requires three highly trained people per puppet; heavy
The puppeteer stands above (on a bridge or balcony) and tilts the controller, pulls individual strings, or releases them to produce specific movements. Advanced marionettes may have 9–12 strings.