Meet the Team: Cariad Astles – Chair of BrUNIMA
Welcome to BrUNIMA! We’re thrilled to introduce you to our fantastic Chair, Cariad Astles – a powerhouse of puppetry, a champion of creativity, and a true inspiration in the world of animated theatre.
Meet Cariad Astles – Chair of BrUNIMA
🌟 Welcome to BrUNIMA! Let us introduce Cariad Astles, a passionate puppeteer, educator, and advocate for puppetry worldwide.
🎭 Background & Professional Journey
I trained in theatre at Exeter University, which laid the foundation for my journey into puppetry. Over the years, I've worked with numerous companies, exploring the magic of puppets in various performances. Now, I’m honored to be a puppetry tutor at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and Exeter University, alongside continuing my freelance puppetry work.
🌍 International Impact
I am also Vice President of UNIMA International and President of its Research Commission, bringing the art of puppetry to the global stage. As one of the two Chairs of British UNIMA, I’m dedicated to fostering connections and growth in the puppetry community.
❤️ The Heart of BrUNIMA
The best part of the BrUNIMA team is the love for puppets and international puppetry that we all share! Some of my most memorable BrUNIMA moments include:
Hosting an online Lambe Lambe workshop during the pandemic for our members.
Connecting British puppeteers with international festivals looking for performances.
Welcoming Belgian puppeteers to the UK many years ago.
🤝 Getting Involved
More volunteers = more activity! Join us and help make the world of international puppetry even more connected.
🎨 Tips of the Trade
Puppets live in their own worlds, with their own logic and way of being. Understanding that difference from the human world is key to bringing them to life.
🔑 Key Resource
I personally love the 4D Model Shop in London – it's an invaluable resource for puppetry materials and inspiration.
Stay connected and join us on our journey to celebrate the magic of puppetry!
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