I'm revisiting this idea after a year. Something in me tells me to go for it. Since I started this thread more than a year ago, I've been researching how to start a business, including business plans, applying for loans, taxes, and setting up a structure. I have yet to write a plan, but its been a while for me to come back to this idea. I've also been interested in theme park design, and I kept bouncing back and forth with this in my head.
I'm not a professional puppeteer, but I have a passion to create them. I'm thinking that even if I get this moving, there will likely be too much on my plate to preform anyway.
I've tweaked my idea to become a puppet lounge. Think upscale lounge meets variety show. Rather than going with the zany antics of the Muppets, I'm going to attempt to do something more subtle, quiet, and high brow. Will it work? I have no idea. I think of the Henson films that were not sold to Disney, and I realize that puppetry can be more than comedy. When I tell my friends this, I explicitly state that I'm not trying to create a raunchy Sesame Street. I'm also not trying to create a Bjork music video. It needs to have visual brilliance mixed with good stories.
I have taken Andrew's (Buck-Beaver) advice and looked into the Famous People Players. I found some great videos
here and
here. I can see how their show would be expensive to run. Its a theater in the classic sense...with certain showtimes and a full cast. It looks like they have many players and really pull out all the stops. I'm impressed.
I've been reading some history books on puppetry and can't help but think of much smaller acts. Here are some videos of performances that intrigue me for their simplicity:
Burlesque Dancer (NSFW, but funny!)
Shadow Puppets "Its a Wonderful World"
Dancing Skeleton
Puppet Punk Band
Elvis Sings
Skin Deep Circus
Now if you've checked out even a few of these videos, you'll realize they're all done by one performer (excluding the last one). They may seem like simple street acts, but something about mixing this simple show with a comfortable environment seems like it could be a good match. I'm liking the idea of combining shadow puppets, rod puppets, marionettes, and whatever else suits me into one show. With several mini-stages in the place, it could allow for people to mingle and wander in the space. In this sense, I'm breaking from the traditional arrangement of having one central point to look at. There can be several smaller stages (I'm thinking less than 10 feet in size) placed at certain points throughout the establishment.
Rather than a scheduled performance, just have random ones (several per hour). Mini-stages, small performances, and a free flow of booze could make this a surreal and fun experience. I'm not sure if it should be adults-only or family-oriented (or both...with adult shows being late nights).
I'd love to get everyone's input on this. I'm still developing and studying this idea for long-term potential.