Mousetale Puppets - "Stage a Production" Worshop Project

Suitable for:
Duration:

Up to 30 children, P4-7
2-5 weeks recommended, with a minimum of 2 whole days input from myself

An ambitious workshop package in which I help a class not only make their own puppets but design, make and stage a production in groups. The workshop is essentially a class project, which should run over a period of several weeks, and schools can decide how much input they want me to provide. This is a minimum of 2 whole days - the first and the last day of the project - but I can provide any number of days or half-days in between depending on your individual needs.

Some of the areas covered are:

3D or 2D design, making & technology *
Character development - visual arts
Features and controls
Writing a play
Themes & morals
Character development - drama
Use of music & sound effects
Scenery - made quickly & cheaply!
Performance skills - puppetry & voice
Marketing - knowing your audience
Teamwork & problem-solving!

* Schools can choose between 3D paper mache and 2D Shadow Puppetry as alternative media for the project.

The project culminates in a performance of the children’s shows before a live audience! This can be the infants, parents or an end of term concert, and can take place in the afternoon, evening, or both. I provide lighting and sound equipment on the day, operate it, and direct the plays during rehearsals. Evaluation can take the form of a class discussion after the show. The workshop functions well as a technology or enterprise project with additional possibilities of designing posters and selling tickets through the use of a marketing team.

“My Primary 6 class were well motivated and focussed throughout the project. They learned many new skills in design, technology, play-writing and performing. They found out how important it was to co-operate in a group situation and above all they enjoyed every stage of the process.”

P6 Class Teacher,
Sighthill Primary School, Edinburgh

“A creative, highly challenging experience for all involved.”

P7 Class Teacher,
Merrylee Primary School, Glasgow

“Performing on stage was a fantastic experience” - Kieran P6

“We had the chance to do something really different” - Donna P5

“The lead up to the show was very exciting” - Amy P6

“It taught us a new skill” - Amy P5

“The experience helped us to work together” - Allan P6

“It gave us the chance to express ourselves” - Rebekah P6

Pupils in South Lanarkshire

Detailed Programme:

FIRST DAY:
I introduce the project and demonstrate the making techniques to be used. I then work with the class all day as they make their puppets. I encourage them to think ahead as they plan and design their puppets with a final outcome in mind. At the end of the day the children are ready to begin group work. I can give a 30 minute talk on writing a play - either at the end of day one, or on a separate day if I am returning to work with the class on stories and scripts.

DURING THE PROJECT:
Puppets are finished and each group writes a script. Some thought is given to music and sound effects. I can be brought in for whole or half days during the project according to your needs and budget. Extra days can be used for any of the following: focus on story and script, practical help with puppet-making, record the plays to create a soundtrack, thorough rehearsals & work on performance/drama aspect. While at the school I will resource each of these areas with any necessary equipment.

LAST DAY:
I return to the school early on the final day of the project and set up a curtain with sound and lighting equipment in the hall/GP room. Each group is allocated rehearsal time with me in the hall. I work with the children on performance skills, voice, puppeteering and back-stage work. I also take any chosen music and operate the sound and lighting for them. (I carry a range of music and sound effects too.) Other groups may have final preparations to make in the classroom such as the finding/making of simple scenery/props. In the afternoon, the groups are ready to perform their shows in the hall in front of an audience!

Benefits and features:

Ambitious, yet adaptable and scalable
Uniquely cross-curricular
Dovetails perfectly with Curriculum for Excellence
Work as a team. Then evaluate and appreciate other groups' work and your own
Explore or convey other themes, topics or issues in a dramatic context - eg bullying, the environment, healthy living etc
The perfect enterprise project

Contact me if you’re interested. I will gladly discuss your individual needs.
For workshop prices see Prices page or call me. (Generally I charge by the day or half day - tailored to your needs and budget.)