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PROJECTED SCRIM PROSCENEUM <br /> This novel new technique utilizes Czech black theater with the addition of a thin scrim <br /> or screen in between the puppets and the audience. Images are projected onto this <br /> screen which can include slides, video and animation. <br /> BUNRAKU STYLE PUPPETRY <br /> This style of puppetry is adapted from traditional Japanese form of bunraku, borrow- <br /> ing the technique of working a puppet in close proximity through rods which control the <br /> head arms and legs of the figure. In bunraku style puppetry the puppeteer works in full <br /> view of the audience, usually dressed in black. <br /> BIOGRAPHY <br /> Winner of puppetry's highest honor, the UNIMA Citation of Excellence, and recipient of <br /> three Jim Henson Foundation grants, Hobey Ford is known for excellence in puppetry <br /> performance and craft. <br /> Hobey's intricate shadow puppetry work and creation of the original rod puppets, the <br /> "Foamies", have earned him a place on stages across the world. Hobey's performanc- <br /> es incorporate a variety of puppetry styles including Bunraku, rod, marionettes, "Foam- <br /> ies", and shadow puppetry. Hobey adapts folk tales from various cultures for many of <br /> his performances, always adding a special "Golden Rod" twist. He uses his own voice <br /> to create characters and sound effects, tell stories, and sing. <br /> Hobey is considered both an innovator in puppetry craft and a master storyteller. He <br /> has created both the "Foamies" and the clever hand puppet known as "Peepers". The <br /> "Foamies" are large animal puppets carved from blocks of foam. After studying each <br /> animal's characteristic movements, Hobey designs various control mechanisms to <br /> make the puppets themselves move in a life-like manner. The "Foamies" are present- <br /> ed using both stage and house performance space. <br /> Hobey Ford's Golden Rod Puppets maintain a busy schedule performing and teaching <br /> in schools, performing arts centers, museums, libraries, and festivals. Hobey presents <br /> shadow puppet workshops for students and teachers. His teacher workshops include <br /> "Telling Folktales with Shadow Puppetry" and "From Larvae to Butterfly: Metamorpho- <br /> sis Through Puppetry". He lives in the North Carolina mountains with his wife, musi- <br /> cian Sue Ford and they have three daughters, all talented as well. <br />