The Capy Corner!

Moira Macdonald: Capy Studios’ puppet designer

Moira Lael MacDonald’s creativity is myriadic. Her puppetry work is a super-integral part of Capy Studios’ animation production. 

Moira was Ian’s teacher at Moorpark College, introducing him- and other fortunate students including Barbara- to the magic of creating puppets (masks and more).  She shared the craft of puppet making in particular, and the intricate manipulation of this ancient art form, which actually pre-dates actors in theater! 

String Puppets, glove puppets and shadow puppets are also universal in origin and impact.

“I’m really excited and honored to be working on ‘Marty’s Place.’ I was asked to be the puppet builder for the Marty puppet - and may be creating another version where he is able to be on all fours.” 

Moira’s creativity and craftsmanship in the art of puppet making is matched only by her imagination, incredible eye and meticulous attention to detail. Storytelling and craftmaking are reflected in Moira’s work, where she paints vivid portraits- fanciful characters, like Marty, with a realism that is beguiling. And always enchanting.

Also a filmmaker, Moira was the recipient of a pair of Jim Henson Foundation grants.  She has developed and produced special shows at Automata Arts, an artist-run experimental puppet theater workshop in Los Angeles, such as “Blue Waves.”  Her other credits include such shadow puppetry shows as “The Story of Minka and Misha” and “Selkie” at the Getty Museum and the Skirball Center, in the City of Angels.

As an independent film and performing artist, Moira’s 16 mm hand-processed films have been screened at the Eagle Rock Center for the Arts and Concord Space, an independent avant-garde art and project space.

Moira holds an MFA in Puppetry and Integrated Media from CalArts and also a BFA in Acting from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. 

Her original work, lovingly created, is extraordinary in its scope.

You can witness Moira’s puppet and mask design, short films and more at her website www.moiralael.com. 

Ending on fun note, here’s a Puppet Theater Joke: 

 “Why did the puppet quit acting?” 

He was too wooden!