Services
Puppet Design & Fabrication
Brandon has built more than a thousand puppets professionally, academically, and for fun. His experience spans a wide variety of styles; from fifteen-foot walk-arounds to miniature paper puppets, and everything in between.
Puppet mechanics - blinking eyes, flapping wings, specialized controls - are some of Brandon's favorite projects, but he also draws inspiration from the movement and elegance of more simplistic puppet forms.
If you're interested in commissioning a custom puppet (sorry, no trademarked characters), please check out the Puppet Gallery and submit your inquiry on the Contact page. Please note that the pricing of puppets varies greatly depending on the design, timeline, complexity, and materials, but Brandon will work with you to answer any questions and develop a project budget.
Specialty Props & Crafts
Giant pop-up storybooks. Articulated raven wings. Dancing plates of cheese. Furniture. Hats. Masks. Armor. Weaponry...
These are just a few examples of specialty props and crafts Brandon has built over the years. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience working in costume and prop shops across the country (including Santa Fe Opera, First Stage, Milwaukee Rep, Pioneer Theatre Company, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and Hope Summer Repertory Theatre), Brandon works with clients to bring their creations to life.
Whether the design is fully fleshed-out or just the seed of an idea, submit an inquiry on the Contact page to discuss pricing and logistics.
Theatre Design
Brandon has worked extensively as a costume and scenic designer for theatres across the country, including First Stage, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre, Florentine Opera Company, Milwaukee Rep, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, Anderson University, Illinois Wesleyan University, and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Areas of expertise include theatre for young audiences, productions that incorporate puppetry, and productions that require cohesive scenographic solutions across multiple design areas. He holds an MFA in Theater Design from Ohio University and a BS in Theatre Design & Production from the University of Evansville.
Custom Stuffed Animals
Looking for a distinctive gift or your own bespoke family heirloom? A custom stuffed animal is a perfect option. No matter the creature (sorry, no trademarked characters), Brandon will work with you to design and build a stuffed animal that will bring joy for generations.
If you're looking for something truly unique, "portrait" stuffed animals are also available. Brandon will work with clients to add personal traits - facial hair, eyes, clothing, glasses, props - to their stuffed animal creations.
Have an existing well-loved stuffed animal that needs some TLC? Cleaning, repair, and restoration services are also available. Please include a description of all wear and tear via the inquiry form on the Contact page.
Education
In-person and virtual master classes and workshops are offered for theatres, schools, individuals, and organizations. Topics for all experience levels are available, including (but not limited to):
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Puppets 101 (What is a puppet?, puppet styles, history, etc.)
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Specific building techniques and materials
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In-depth discussions on specific puppet types
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Q&A sessions on working in theatre or puppetry
Brandon is excited to develop a program that meets your group's specific needs. Please use the form on the Contact page to discuss options, logistics, and pricing.
Consulting
Are you interested in incorporating puppets into an upcoming production, but not sure where to start? Are you looking for advice about building a particular production element?
Consultation services are available for theatres, organizations, and individuals. Submit an inquiry on the Contact page, and Brandon will work with you to find the best solutions for your project.