Beyond the Sock

Design. Build. Perform. Laugh. Learn. Love.
We will return. We promise.

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

A lot of heroes wear or have worn a mask. Be a hero!

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

Not ashamed to admit the love we have for bread. If it's freshly made at home - so much the better. But we all know there's more than sourdough, right?

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

A lot of questions get sent asking why our workshop doesn't simply move online. Especially now. Considerable time and effort was spent looking at how that could happen. Sharing ideas and education while making new friends in person is our thing.

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

Muppets Now starts next month! And Joe from Legal seems like he would be great to have on our workshop team. Maybe our instructors might know a guy! 😁

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

Wwe're really excited to add this to our watchlist! Eagerly awaiting the start! https://t.co/qzOpUsqliH

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

@TBF_PR currently has two episodic seasons and two "movies". Originally hard to believe there could be more carnage in a movie version. Wrong. More blood. More decapitations. Deadly use of bamboo. Sometimes while singing! Should look away! But just can't!

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

@TBF_PR Thunderbolt Fantasy is crazy fun! Please know it's definitely not a kids show. It's not a cheap parody series. We think it's very well made. But it's a Japanese action fantasy show. The puppet characters sometimes bleed. A lot. Or lose an appendage.

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

Hand built sets? Check. Explosions? Check. Brutal sword fights? Check. Over the top anime style special effects? Yep. Characters with fabulous hair that flows due to a constant phantom wind? Oh yeah. And they're ALL puppets! We're binging Thunderbolt Fantasy.

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

(re)Discovered a show that might not seem like it should work as a concept but has become a bit of a current binge. Went down a puppet-centric tv series rabbit hole.

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

Next observation from the same conversation: "...guess the workshop doesn't really fit into one specific category." Our reply: "We're good with that."

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

In a conversation about plans for bringing the workshop back next year: "Why don't you consider *not* building full size studio sets for the workshop?" After he stopped laughing the workshop director said "Wait. Are you serious?" It went downhill from there.

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

It's summer. In Texas. It's only getting hotter. We're staying safe by distancing from others too. Because pandemics don't discriminate. Neither do we. Take a stand. Just be careful.

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

Today the workshop we didn't have this year would be over. We're taking it one day at a time but already getting things together for 2021.

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

Things are still... let's just say in a state of uncertainty right now. The head chef/owner of Boca 31 runs a local treasure (one in Denton, one in Keller) that provides fabulous food to any and all. Show some love. Visit @boca31.denton on Instagram & https://t.co/5XMtAEJ4Sf

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

By Thursday new attendees generally make new friends. Everyone is busy working on new puppet characters and discovering new techniques for building and performance. Though keep in mind the workshop was never really what you would call normal. But we're okay with that.

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

At the risk of repeating the obvious... nothing is normal right now. But if the normal workshop was "movin' right along" this year- what would things be like on a Thursday? Glad you asked!

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

We also know there is lot going on in the world now. We love putting on the workshop each year. But we're content to delay it while we stand united with others for unity and justice.

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

We also try to introduce everyone to https://t.co/AQy0rUcVOS that has tons of vintage toys, games and comics. The store is closing. So catch the local favorite while you can. Show them support as they face a new future.

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

It's Wednesday. This is the day of the workshop when attendees discover the amount of fun you have is also a whole lot of work. Especially the first time you learn how to build your own puppet. And perform while you look in a different direction as the puppet you're using.

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

For reference - the photo is from the first year show that was hastily assembled as a "finale" meant to celebrate everyone's hard work. It stuck around every year.

[Beyond the Sock @BeyondtheSock]

7 years ago this week a small workshop was started to help people learn more about puppetry and connect with like minded artists and performers. It's on hold for many different reasons this year. Some which are bigger than our workshop. Look for us in 2021.