Systems are not always spreadsheets and SOPs. Sometimes they are latex, foam, fishing line, breath, timing, and a performer learning how to bring an inanimate object to life. In this episode, I sat down with director, performer, and designer James Ortiz to talk about the systems behind puppetry, the creative discipline required to build emotional experiences, and why practical artistry still moves audiences in a world obsessed with CGI.

James has created unforgettable puppetry for productions including Into the Woods, The Skin of Our Teeth, El Niño, Hercules, and many more. In our conversation, we went from college memories in Texas to Broadway cows, movie monsters, Ryan Gosling, and the surprisingly rigorous structure behind making a puppet feel real.

In This Episode:

• How James moved from acting into puppetry and found the sweet spot between fine art and performance
• What it really looks like to design a creature from script to sketch to rehearsal room
• Why audiences emotionally invest in puppets in a way that still surprises even seasoned artists

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02:36 - System Reboot

05:13 - Meet James

08:20 - From Actor to Puppeteer

13:36 - Puppet Design Process

18:16 - Why Puppets Beat CGI

20:05 - Why Puppets Feel Real

20:48 - Milky White Audience Magic

21:38 - Puppets as Pure Characters

22:41 - Reading Faces in The Woodsman

23:55 - Staying Inspired Offstage

27:16 - Art History Meets Design

27:59 - What Audiences Should Feel

29:20 - Advice for Creative Ruts

34:14 - Systems Shutdown

Connect with James

Website: jamesortiz.co

Instagram: instagram.com/jortface

TikTok: tiktok.com/@jortface