Discover the fascinating beginnings of animation! In this creative workshop, participants bring their own drawings and small three-dimensional figures to life using a historical device – the zoetrope. This “magic drum” is not only fascinating but also educational, playful and creatively enriching. Whether working with lines, colours, shapes or sculpted objects, experimenting with movement opens up surprising possibilities for artistic expression.
Zoetrope Workshop
Paper strips with animation as film
animated by the participants of the Caricatura Summer Academy – in Kassel 2024
Content
- What is a Zoetrope?
- Frame by Frame: You Make It Move
- Learning with Head, Heart, and Hands
- The Results Can Be Presented …
- Turning Topics into Motion – by Creative Learning
- Flexible and Modular – Four Building Blocks
- Three-Dimensional Object Animation
- Workshop Requirements
- Trusted by Many – Selected References
- Which Animation Workshop Is Right for Your Event?
- Curious? Here are Some Useful Links
- Enquire about a Workshop
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, like the one shown above, spins inside a zoetrope and is viewed through the slits, the drawings magically come to life. Watch the videos to discover how a zoetrope works and how animation is created on paper.
How does a zoetrope work?
(switch on the English subtitle)
Frame by Frame: You Make It Move
In the basic workshop (Module 1), participants create a short animation – a little story told in just one second, drawn on a strip of paper.
They begin by developing an idea for a movement and capturing it in initial sketches. Next, they plan the movement frame by frame on a small animation strip with 15 frames. We discuss the planned animation together. At this stage, I can already assess from the sketches whether the movement will work or needs adjusting. Participants also learn what to look for when creating smooth and convincing movement.
They then transfer their drawings onto the full-size animation strip. After just a few frames, they can test the first movements in a praxinoscope or zoetrope and make corrections if needed. In this way, the animation develops step by step until the movement appears smooth and the loop repeats seamlessly.
Participants usually develop their own animations independently. However, individual animations can also be created collaboratively. For example, one person might draw the movements while another colours the characters or adds further animated elements.
The creative process is playful and hands-on. Watching the animations together in the zoetrope or praxinoscope encourages lively discussion. The enthusiasm and curiosity of others inspire participants to explore new ideas.
How does a paper strip become an animation?
(switch on the English subtitle)
How does a zoetrope work?
(switch on the English subtitle)
How does a paper strip become an animation?
(switch on the English subtitle)
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. At the same time, they develop communication skills and build confidence in their own creativity. By viewing and discussing the animations together, participants learn to present their ideas, receive feedback, and learn from one another.
The participants of the workshop gain:
- a sense of rhythm, movement and emotion
- an understanding of sequential visual thinking,
- fine motor and craft skills,
- an understanding of maths and physics as a tool
- a confidence gained through visible results.
It’s not just the mind that learns – the heart celebrates, along with others, what the hands have created.
How do I teach animation? (in German)
Excerpt from a documentation by students of the FOSBOS Straubing, 2018
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.
The zoetrope was invented in 1834.
… as an extraordinary audiovisual live performance or
In addition, the individual animations can be presented as a Spinning Animation Show – a live event combining projection, sound, and performance – presented with various optical devices such as zoetrope, praxinoscope or on a turntable with strobe light.
The Spinning Animation Show 2015
… as a film.
The animations on the paper strips can be turned into a short film with music, allowing the workshop results to be presented both on screen and online.
View examples of how the animations can be presented online:
Results of a workshop at the 2nd Kassel Forum for Talented Students 2025
Turning Topics into Motion - by Creative Learning
In The Spinning History, for example, students of FOSBOS – a specialised secondary school for design in Straubing – brought the history of the city to life with 80 short animations, which they presented in a fascinating audiovisual Spinning Animation Show featuring eight different optical devices.
The zoetrope workshop is adaptable to various themes. Whether exploring democracy, the environment or history – participants transform their thoughts into animated ‘mini films’, or more precisely, initially on strips of paper. This approach makes complex topics tangible and engaging.
Film version of The Spinning History, presented as a Spinning Animation Show in 2018
Flexible and Modular – Four Building Blocks
The zoetrope workshop can consist of up to four modules, which can be freely combined depending on your objectives and time frame. The time required for each module depends on the workshop concept and the planned activities. Some modules can be completed in a single day, while others may require several days or additional preparation and post-production. Depending on the workshop concept, the requirements for technical equipment, materials and additional services may also vary. I will work with you to determine the most suitable scope for your workshop.
I recommend starting with Module 1.
Steps of Module 1 (pdf in German).
- Module 1: Drawing animation strips and presenting them with a zoetrope and praxinoscope
- Module 2: Building a functioning zoetrope
- Module 3: Two- and Three-Dimensional Animation on Rotating Discs with Stroboscopic Light
- Module 4: Presenting the results as a performance or as a film with sound and music
Open the Flyer in German.
Three-Dimensional Object Animation
In addition to drawings, small three-dimensional figures and objects can also be animated. Participants use modelling clay or other materials to create successive phases of movement and arrange them in a circle.
The animations can be viewed either through the slits of a rotating zoetrope or on a rotating disc illuminated by stroboscopic light. Stroboscopic light creates a particularly striking visual effect when presenting three-dimensional movement.
This experimental form of animation opens up new possibilities for artistic expression, particularly for people who enjoy working with three-dimensional forms. Depending on the workshop concept, it can be included in workshops lasting two to three days.
Workshop Requirements
- Minimum duration for Module 1:
- Up to 12 participants: 5 hours
- 13 or more participants: 6 hours
- Number of participants: Up to 12 recommended; approximately 20–25 possible depending on the workshop concept and duration.
- Previous experience: None required
- Target audience: Ages 10 and up; schools, museums, festivals, families, art academies, and anyone interested in animation
Report about a workshop with 4 modules
by Simone Klar (English subtitles)
recorded at the summer academy Jugend creativ competition in 2015.
nur zur Ablage der Buttons
Füge diese zwischen Public presentation und Flexible syxstems … ein.
Take part in a zoetrope workshop
Visit our next presentation.
Trusted by Many – Selected References
Click on ‘report’ to read about the respective workshop.
- Futurespace Kassel (STEM education center)
- Kassel City Museum (report)
- Grimmwelt Museum
- Caricatura Gallery Kassel – Annual summer academy for young cartoonists
- City of Straubing for the 800th anniversary celebrations in cooperation with the FOSBOS – Secondary technical school for design in Straubing (report)
- ‘Jugend creativ’ competition organised by the Association of Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken (BVR)
- School authority Kassel – Department for the promotion of gifted children (report in German)
- Robert Bosch Foundation in cooperation with the German Film Museum Frankfurt
- Medland GmbH & Co. KG (report)
Report by the Hessian Broadcast TV about a zoetrope workshop
at the city museum of Kassel (in German)
The Spinning Animation Show
at the German Puppeteers’ Conference in Northeim in 2019
Which Animation Workshop Is Right for Your Event?
My overview page provides information about the different animation techniques, workshop duration, group size, technical equipment and costs.
Animation Workshops: Options and Practical Requirements at a Glance
Report by the Hessian Broadcast TV about a zoetrope workshop
at the city museum of Kassel (in German)
The Spinning Animation Show
at the German Puppeteers’ Conference in Northeim in 2019
Curious? Here are Some Useful Links:
- View the complete list of references.
- See experience reports in my blog about past zoetrope workshops.
Enquire About a Workshop
If you would like to organise an animation workshop, please describe your ideas, requirements and circumstances as accurately as possible in the contact form below.
Information about the participants, workshop duration, desired outcomes, and available organisational and financial resources will help me assess which workshop is suitable for your event and feasible under the given conditions.
If some details have not yet been decided, you can indicate this in the form.