The Magic of Motion: Exploring the Zoetrope
Step into the early days of animation! In this hands-on workshop, participants bring drawings to life using a historical device – the zoetrope. This “wonder drum” experience is not only fascinating but also educational, playful, and creatively rewarding.
What is a Zoetrope?
The zoetrope is an optical toy from 1834 – even older than cinema. It displays short, looping sequences such as a character walking, waving, or jumping. When a paper strip is spun and viewed through slits, the drawings magically come to life.
Frame by Frame: You Make It Move
In the first module of the zoetrope workshop, participants create a short animation – a one-second story drawn on a paper strip. This animation is then tested and refined directly inside the zoetrope.
Learning with Head, Heart, and Hands
The workshop combines artistic expression with technical understanding. Participants practice drawing and storytelling, while learning the fundamentals of animation and physics – and at the same time develope skills in communicating ideas.
The participants of the workshop gain:
- a sense for rhythm and movement,
- an understanding of sequential visual thinking,
- fine motor and craft skills,
- applied knowledge of math and physics,
- confidence through visible results.
It’s not just the mind that learns – the heart celebrates, along with others, what the hands have created.
The Results Can Be Presented …
… spontaneously in a relaxed setting
The finished animations are shown using the zoetrope and praxinoscope possibly accompanied by music. They are discussed in the group, and every result is appreciated, regardless of artistic level. Spontaneous guests are welcome to join the closing round and offer feedback to the creators.