Little Shop of Horrors Puppets and Props
I designed and made a full set of 'Pod' Puppets for a High School Production of 'Little Shop of Horrors' Each Pod can be animated in different ways and had unique onstage requirments. Read more about each one below.
Pod 1
The 'shell' of Pod 1 is made from vaccuum-formed HIPs. The two halves are connected around a large diameter dowl that it hinges arround when strings are pulled from underneath. Each of the four stuffed and sowed leaves is on a string connected to a single ring, the leaves can be operated indivuually or in tandem by moving the ring in different ways. Everything is housed inside a large tin, to represent the classic coffee tin.
Pod 2
Pod 2 is also vaccuum-formed, along with the pod shape I added a model tree branch to indicate veins. The plastic is painted to complete the look. Sewn lips make the puppet more textured and soften the noise of clowing the mouth during performances. Inside a tounge is attached so it moves as the jaw is operated. Also inside are plaster cast teeth. Each one is hand-painted, with increasing amounts of blood towarsd the front. Each tooth is individually bolted on, allowing for quick repairs mid rehersal or show. The puppeteers hand is obscured by an inner linning of fabric. The Pod can be operated on the arm of the actor onstage or by a puppeteer under a table.
Pod 3
The third Pod had be easily moved on and off stage but be large enough to house an entire puppeteer. They sit on a chair enclosed by the wicker-looking plant pot. The 'shell' is made from formed rattan and covered with wadding and fabric. Vac-formed warts poke through hols in the outer skin of fabric. The teeth are made from old carbboard cotten reels with plaster mouding to complete the pointed ends. Vines extend from the pot also.
Pod 4
The constriction of Pod 4 is very similae to Pod 3. Chair in pot and rattan and fabric shell. This one alos has a rigid wooden frame inside. The play calls for the Pod to eat 4 humans so the lowwer jaw of the pod sits on a sturdy length of wood, the actors who fall in to the open mouth can then crawl down the plant and out of the back of the Pod while the puppeteer inside is animating a chewing motion with the upper half of the shell. External puppeteers operate the vines that could reach out into the audience and help to 'consume' characters on stage.
