The art of puppetry includes the making and manipulation of puppets for use in some kind of theatrical performance, for stage, television, or film. A puppet is a figure—human, animal, or abstract in form—that is moved by human effort, not mechanical aid. Based in tradition, the study may include shadow theatre, mask theatre, hand puppetry, rod puppetry, and marionettes, in reference to historical precedents and contemporary usage. There is a constant creative interest in future applications of puppetry as well.

The nature of the work depends entirely on the artistic area that is chosen. But all of the work in the dramatic arts requires long hours for menial pay before having a breakthrough employment opportunity. The work is always creative and requires constant energy and determination. Employers of Puppetry majors will be puppetry production companies, both in theatre and film. These companies are national and international. An interest in puppetry could also be applied to events such as festivals and teaching the artistic tradition.