The Joys of Rod Puppets & Mechanisms with Art Grueneberger
Explore rod puppet construction, mechanisms, and manipulation techniques for character movement and emotion, beginner to expert.
program overview
Come play with Art and explore the versatility of the simple Rod Puppet. Discover the advantages of rod puppets over other styles.
Learn how their lightweight simple construction makes them ideal for both intricate performances and larger-scale productions.
Dive into the realm of simple mechanisms that can enhance rod puppets. From basic lever systems to more advanced mechanisms, uncover how these additions can elevate the storytelling potential of your creations.
Explore the basics to become a master at manipulating rod puppets. Gain a solid understanding of the fundamental techniques, including rod manipulation for specific character movement and conveying emotions through gesture and posture.
Whether you’re a seasoned puppeteer or a curious beginner, join us for an immersive experience that will ignite your creativity and leave you inspired to bring your rod puppet characters to life!
instructor Overview
Art Grueneberger
Art Grueneberger, Director, Producer, Puppeteer with a keen sense of humor and a flair for drama, Art has become a master at developing marvelous puppet shows that delight audiences of all ages. His company, Puppet Art Theater Co., has eighteen family productions that tour across California and beyond completing more than 500 live performances every year. For over 30 years, Art has hand-crafted his own puppets for Puppet Art Theater, and will show great examples of rod puppets, mechanisms, materials and how he uses them.
https://puppetarts.com/
Membership Has Its Benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Membership helps support our programs, events, and financial aid programs.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Experience Level
All-Levels, Beginning, Intermediate and AdvancedAge(s)
13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18-overRegistration Cost:
$20
