We are currently accepting proposals for articles for an upcoming issue of Puppet Notebook, projected for publication in 2026, with the broad theme of “Big and Little.”
Puppet work has always taken many forms and dimensions: from Punch and Judy and other small-scale hand, rod and marionette work within the confines of a booth, to large-scale festival, pageant and street performance.
In recent years, this spectrum has expanded: an explosion of large-scale work has captured the public imagination – from Royal de Luxe’s The Sultan’s Elephant to the 2022 Commonwealth Games Bull, saved from destruction after a public outcry, to the evocative walk made by Walk with Amal. At the same time, there has been a surge of interest in very small-scale work: Gavin Glover’s micro cinema theatre, Puppet Soup’s Teatro Lambe Lambe course, and the renaissance of tiny puppets.
Articles might explore:
The particular inspirational quality of very large-scale work and its contribution to the public perception of puppets and puppetry
The reasons behind the increase in extremely large- and small-scale work
The role of the puppeteer in large- and small-scale work – what differs, what connects
How audiences experience micro-puppets compared with macro-puppets
Who should apply?
Articles could take the form of a personal insight or experience, an interview with a practitioner, or a critical exploration of historical or contemporary practice and reception. We aim for a balance of practitioner and viewer perspectives, and also invite reviews of recent productions and books.
Submission guidelines:
Articles and essays: approx. 2,000 words (negotiable)
Production and book reviews: 500–1,000 words
Please contact editor-in-chief Tim Butler Garrett at tbutlergarrett@hotmail.com to discuss proposals.
Publication details
Puppet Notebook contains news, features, reviews and interviews on puppets and animation in theatre, film and art worldwide. Each issue includes specially commissioned photographs, drawings, and contributions from international correspondents, as well as a diary of forthcoming performances and workshops.
It is published twice a year, available from selected bookshops and theatres, and sent free to members of British UNIMA.
📅 Deadline for proposals: 30 November 2025
