Defeating arm fatique

[Professor Q.]

I am a puppeteer on a weekly live interactive call-in show helping students with their math homework. The show is an hour long, during which time I am holding my puppet above my head. After a while my arm starts to ache and my fingers often become numb. I do manage to find occasional times where I can be off camera for a half minute or so , but those incidents are few and far between, and can be awkward if not timed perfectly.

Is there any kind of a brace or aid made for puppeteers who have to hold their arms up for a long period of time? I work out daily and have strong musculature, so I know it isn't a problem with arm or back stregnth. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Professor Q.

[Montgomery Puppets]

I could not imagine holding one puppet for an hour. I believe my arm would fall off - as I am pretty tall. I found for me that kneeling with my back totally straight where I can have my arm totally straight I do better. If I have to bend or scrunch up any - then here come the arm cramps. I did try sitting one time, but that was not a good expereince. Of course with our programs, we switch out a lot and never hold a puppet for longer than 10 minutes at a whack. Most of the time it is a shorter period.