Puppetry
As a performer, I have over 15-years worth of experience as a self-taught puppeteer, skilled in hand-based lip-sync, voices, and bunraku-style puppetry.
As a puppeturg (puppetry dramaturg), I can provide any productions seeking to incorporate puppets into their process on best practice of using puppets, as well as help draft language for designers. I can also assist in the direction of puppetry sequences.
CRASH: A Parable
A new short play (and a conceptual pitch for a longer piece) about an intergalactic space courier who unexpectedly finds himself trapped on an alien planet. Self-scripted and directed, puppet design by Alex Church-Gonzales and Chance Kester (@monsteroftheweakpuppetry on Instagram)
Crash will be performed at The Rat NYC on February 13, as part of the Unpolished play festival. Tickets available here.
Recykoi
Assisted in the construction and performance of this large-scale environmental puppet, constructed from recycled materials, as part of bkONE’S Total Theatrical Takeover of Industry City in Brooklyn. Projected helmed by Alex Church-Gonzales and Chance Kester (@monsteroftheweakpuppetry on Instagram - more photographs available at link)
A self-written irreverent adaptation of a classic Japanese folk tale, combining the Western puppetry techniques (crankie and paper cutouts), with Japanese kamishibai storytelling. Developed at University of Chicago 2017-2018, revived in 2024 for Pan Asian Rep’s NuWorks festival. Additional information linked above.
Soft-Shell Puppets is my ensemble of puppets, largely store-bought ones I have acquired over the years. The Soft-Shell Puppets star in comedic skits posted on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.