The puppeteer's voice changes rhythmically as he goes from the scholar reciting a classical poem to the chuckling clown who makes sport of him to the falsetto voice of the admiring lady. While the best performances are often accompanied by a live band with strings and other instruments responding creatively to the tempo of the action on stage, more and more groups are having to resort to taped music to meet the needs of the show. In the highly symbolic world of puppets, colors and makeup reveal the social status, age, and personality of the characters. The good guy will have a peaceful look on his face and have a big forehead. Puppet shows used to be an integral part of festivals, celebrations, and gatherings, especially in rural Taiwan.
All puppeteers are concerned with future generations.
One of the goals of the Se Den Society is the introduction of Taiwan traditional drama into the schools. Currently, Chuang trains students with an interest in puppetry in their public schools. On occasion classes are held at the Se Den Society building in a lane off Wenchou Street. When he is not occupied with this, Chuang sings in Taiwanese opera and performs in the schools. Each puppet master has a vast array of puppets to fill the many roles of the repertoire, and he treats each with reverential care.