Body Puppets

The term body puppet is used for figures with a large physical presence whose structure is directly related to the performer's body. It does not describe a single, universally standardized technique. Instead, it covers a family of approaches that may include wearable puppets, carried figures, full-body characters, and large puppets operated by one or more performers.

The puppeteer may be inside the figure, wear part of it, carry it on the body, or remain visible beside it. The performer's visibility alone does not define this category: direct-manipulation puppets, tabletop figures, and forms inspired by Bunraku may also have visible operators without necessarily being body puppets.

In a wearable figure, the performer's body may control the overall movement while internal or auxiliary mechanisms operate the mouth, eyes, ears, or hands. Large-scale figures often distribute their weight through harnesses, structural backpacks, poles, or support points. When several puppeteers work together, they need to agree on the centre of gravity, rhythm, and intention of every movement.

This family of puppets is common in street theatre, parades, immersive performances, events, and productions where the character's scale is central to the staging. It can combine physical acting, masks, costume, rod manipulation, and mechanical elements.

In summary: a body puppet integrates the figure with the performer's body or makes that physical presence a principal part of the manipulation system.

Background source: World Encyclopedia of Puppetry Arts: Manipulation