Mech Out with a Master Artist!

Mastering Mechanisms

Instructor: Hobey Ford

Thursday, November 6 at 6:30-8:30pm

Puppet Showplace is so excited to offer a unique opportunity to interact and learn from a master artist! This class is perfect for a variety of people including builders, sculptors, designers, or anyone interested in appreciating the engineering behind professional puppet design.

About the Workshop: Explore the intricate world of puppet mechanisms with a master puppeteer as your guide! This class will focus on the principles of understanding and designing rod puppet mechanisms of varying scale and complexity. Participants will learn how controls, linkage, returns, stops, joints, and actions work together as a system to make puppet characters move and come to life. Through step-by-step demonstrations, the class will learn how mechanisms are built and how to troubleshoot problems that arise during construction. We will also learn about the best materials to use when making your own mechanisms. Recommended for ages 16 and up.

About the Artist: obey Ford (Asheville, NC) knew early on that he wanted to be a puppeteer. He first created the Golden Rod Puppets in 1980 and since then has toured his productions all over the world. His work draws on his own early experiences growing up in coastal Connecticut and living in a Nevada Native American Community. He often adapts folk tales and global cultural traditions for his performances.

Ford designs and constructs all of his Golden Rod Puppets, as well as the beautiful sets that surround them. His performances incorporate a variety of puppetry styles: Bunraku, rod, marionettes, and shadow puppetry. Ford is considered by his peers to be both an innovator in puppetry craft and a master storyteller. He is known for creating the “Foamies,” large-scale puppets that he designs, carves, and paints from blocks of foam. Ingenious rod control mechanisms make these puppets move in an incredibly life-like manner. Ford is also the inventor of the clever hand puppet known as “Peepers,” an imaginative set of plastic eyes for hands of any size that turn the bare hand into an instant puppet!

Ford has received the highest awards for his many contributions to the world of puppetry. He is a two-time winner of puppetry’s highest honor, the UNIMA Citation of Excellence, and is a recipient of both The Hermitage Fellowship and three Jim Henson Foundation grants. He was chosen as a Kennedy Center Partner to teach teachers (and other artists) how to use the performing arts in the classroom curriculum. Ford not only performs his original works all over the world, but shares his lifetime of experience and knowledge by offering puppetry workshops to students of all ages and abilities.

Register online or call the Box Office at: 617-731-6400 x101

If you're interested in this class, be sure to check out Hobey Ford's performance at Puppet Showplace, Migration!

Migration

by Hobey Ford and Golden Rod Puppets

Thursday November 6 - Sunday November 9
Thurs-Fri: 10:30am   Sat-Sun: 1pm & 3pm

“Migration” is an inspiring original story about a young Mexican girl, Beatriz, who draws on the incredible experiences of monarch butterflies, polar bears, and other migratory animals to help make sense of her own migration to the United States. Nationally acclaimed puppeteer Hobey Ford brings this story to life with beautifully realistic carved foam rod puppets and colorful video projections. Animated scenes take the audience along on Beatriz’s journey, uncovering the trials and triumphs of animals who move across the planet in search of food, shelter, and a better way of life. "Migration" is recommended for elementary school aged children.

We can't wait to see you at the theater!!!

Learn to Tell A Scrolling Story!

The Artful Cranky!

Instructor: Lindsay McCaw, The Dolly Wagglers

All Ages Workshop!
Sunday November 2, 10:30am-12pm

All Registrants receive two Free Tickets to "The Hard Times of Woody Guthrie" by The Dolly Wagglers.

Puppet Showplace Theater is Boston's favorite  place to learn about the exciting art of puppetry! We have a brand new workshop lead by The Dolly Wagglers. This brand new workshop is recommended for all ages, 7 & up. 

About the workshop:

Crankies are a beautiful and time-honored form of storytelling using crank mechanisms to create a scrolling roll of pictures. In this workshop, Participants will learn about the myriad uses of crankies, from ancient story scrolls to contemporary street performances. We'll cover the different types of artwork, story content, performance styles, and crank mechanisms used to creating scrolling pictures. See three different cranky shows performed by internationally-touring crankie artist Lindsay McCaw, then create your own simple cranky using materials provided. Everyone will have the opportunity to perform for each other and share ideas. 

Register online or call the Box Office at: 617-731-6400 x101. We look forward to seeing you there!

About the Instructor:

Lindsay McCaw is a puppeteer, musician, and co-founder of the Dolly Wagglers. She has toured internationally, performing her own crankies and exploring the traditional art of scrolling pictures across the globe. She has been a featured artist in the "Banners and Cranks" festival and has taught workshops to students of all ages, including recently at the National Puppetry Festival. In addition to her work with the Dolly Wagglers, she has also worked with Bread and Puppet Theater (VT) and In the Heart of the Beast (MN).

Make Your Own Fairy tale Puppets

DIY Puppet Crafts!

Join us for the last week of our 40th Anniversary: Fall Fairy Tale Festival with these awesome fairy tale characters designed by Puppet Showplace Resident Artist, Brad Shur. Now you can create your own fairy tale adventures!

ON STAGE NOW: "Little Red Rosie and the Dragon of Dümm" by Sea Beast Puppet Company. Sat & Sun, October 18 & 19 at 1pm & 3pm.

MATERIALS:

• Fairytale template (available at Puppet Showplace) or white card stock to design your own Fairytale puppets.

• Coloring utensils (markers, crayons, etc.)

• Scissors/ craft knife

STEPS:

     1. Obtain the Fairytale template or draw your own creative Fairytale finger puppets!

    2. Color in each puppet.

    3. Cut along the dotted lines on the template in order to cut out the puppets. If you are not               using the template, cut out your finger puppets. 

    4. Cut out the two holes on the template for your fingers. If you are not using the template, cut         two finger-sized holes at the bottom of your finger puppets. 

    5. Put on your own puppet show and reenact classic fairytales with your new characters! 

Play On!

Puppet Playtime for Toddlers and Tiny Tots

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
September 17 Through November 26

Wednesdays at 10:30am
October 15, 22, & 29, November 5, 12, 19, & 26

Thursdays at 10:30am
October 16, 23, & 30

Saturdays at 9:00am
October 18, & 25

Brenda Huggins and Phil Berman with  Bella Monster  in Puppet Playtime.

Hi there! My name is Ryan Howland, and I have recently joined the Puppet Showplace family as the Education Outreach Intern. It's been a delight to immerse myself in such a warm, fun, and welcoming place and to have the chance to work with amazing artists who absolutely love the work that they do. I've been able to do a lot of different things in the short time I've been here, but definitely my favorite has been ushering for "Puppet Playtime," Puppet Showplace's weekly interactive performance experience designed for very young children. 

Our toys for Puppet Playtime were generously donated by Henry Bear's Park in Brookline

As teaching artists, one of the main things we're concerned with is creating a genuine, welcoming environment for children to explore and learn. Puppet Playtime begins with free play for everyone to meet all our new friends and get used to being in the Puppet Showplace space. When it's time to get started, we clean up together and get into a circle where we all sing a song to welcome all of our friends and we are introduced to the sassy and entertaining Bella Monster. She tells us we're going on an adventure. Where? To the garden, of course, or maybe outer space! Each week is a new adventure.

Bella Monster tells us where we're going on our adventure today.

Imaginations soar as we march to the garden like ants, plant our flowers, and hear a story about a hard-working ant and his friend the grasshopper. It's amazing to see these kids fully immerse themselves in the world we're creating together, and have a super fun time!

After the dramatic play portion of the show, Bella Monster helps us get ready for our closing puppet show. Here the toddlers get a chance to practice being an audience and engage with a familiar story, like "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", or "Goldilocks and the Three bears"  but with a twist. Puppet Playtime allows both kids and grown-ups alike to transport themselves into a world where anything is possible and any story can be told if you use your imagination. 

Join us each week for a new adventure at Puppet Playtime. I will see you at the theater!

Best,

Ryan, Ed Outreach Intern

Make Your Own Frog Puppet

DIY Puppet Crafts!

Get ready for "The Frog Prince and Other Frogs" by Perry Alley Theatre with this simple, Do It Yourself puppet making activity. 

"The Frog Prince and Other Frogs" by Perry Alley Theatre

Saturday August 4 - Sunday August 5, 1pm & 3pm

Make your own Frog puppet in under 45 minutes! Recommended for children ages 4 and up, with adult supervision. Once you finish, you and your new frog can go catch some bugs!

MATERIALS:

• Paper plate
• Construction paper
• Glue/tape
• Scissors
• Popsicle stick
• Coloring utensils (markers, crayons, etc.)

STEPS:

      1.  Color both sides of the plate green or cover it with green construction paper.

     2. Fold the plate in half.

     3. Make a small slit in the center of the fold for the tongue. 

     4. Cut a small strip of green construction paper and tape it to the botttom of the plate as a                handle. 

     5. Cut out two green construction paper rectangles, round off one end, and then glue the                other to the top of the plate for the eyes. 

     6. Cut out two white circles and then glue them on to the eyes. Draw black circles for pupils. 

     7. Using green construction paper, cut out two short front legs and cut out 2 long back legs. 

     8. Glue the four legs to the bottom of the plate.

     9. Color a Popsicle stick red, then slide it through the slit in the mouth to make the tongue.

   10.  Now you can put on your own show with your new froggie friend!

Deer Stole My Long-Johns!

40th Anniversary Season: Fall Fairy Tale Festival

"Robin Hood" by Brad Shur, Resident Artist
Saturday & Sunday, September 27 & 28 at 1 & 3pm

Join us this weekend for an amazing adventure in Sherwood Forest created by Puppet Showplace Resident Artist, Brad Shur. This exciting re-telling of "Robin Hood" is Brad's newest production, featuring exquisite hand-crafted glove puppets, scenery, plus plenty of stage-craft surprises. Meet your favorite characters from the story: Robin, Little John, Maid Marion, and the Sheriff of Nottingham, plus a clothes-stealing deer durring our 3rd Annual Fall Fairy Tale Festival!

VIEW FESTIVAL CALENDAR

About the show: Explore the wilds of Sherwood Forest in this rollicking retelling of the classic Robin Hood tale. When the Sheriff of Nottingham begins demolishing woodland homes as part of a grand castle-expansion scheme, the starry-eyed Robin sees his chance to fight back and fulfill his dream of becoming a hero. Of course, he'll need a little help from his friends. Join Maid Marion, Little John, and a mischievous deer with excellent taste in clothes on a medieval mission to save the forest. Featuring original music by composer Paul Watkins and beautifully-crafted costumes and scenery..

About the Performer: Brad Shur is a versatile puppeteer who has created and performed characters made of everything from pixels to papier mache. As the Artist in Residence at Puppet Showplace Theatre he performs regularly and teaches puppetry classes to students of all ages, Pre-K to adult. As protégé of master puppeteer Paul Vincent Davis, Shur trained extensively in glove puppetry and currently performs two of Davis’ classic shows at venues across New England. 'Robin Hood' is Shur's first original glove puppet show. Shur’s other original works include 'The Carrot Salesman,' 'Dr. Doohickey and the Monster Machine,' 'The Yankee Peddler: Stories and Songs from Old New England' and 'The Magic Soup and Other Stories,' featured at the Puppeteers of America National Festival 2013. Prior to becoming the Artist in Residence at Puppet Showplace, Shur toured the country as a performer with Big Nazo (Rhode Island), Wood & Strings Theatre (Tennessee) and The PuppeTree (Vermont). As a builder Shur has designed and fabricated puppets for American Idol, Dollywood, Avenue Q, and the U.S.S. Constitution Museum. He is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design.

Puppet 101: Learn the Basics!

Introduction to Puppetry Arts

Instructor: Brad Shur, Resident Artist 

FOUR TUESDAY EVENINGS
September 23rd, 30th, October 7th, 14th

Cost: $125

Puppets at Night Members save 15% on registration!

REGISTER ONLINE or call the Box Office at 617-731-6400 x 101

What makes a great puppet show? How many different kinds of puppetry exist in the world?Just how, exactly, do all of the great puppeteers create their fantastic works? If you've ever found yourself asking yourself these questions, or ones like them, Intro to Puppetry Arts is for you!

About this class: If you have ever wanted to lean about puppets, this class is the best way to start! In this hand on class, participants will study the materials and performance methods used by professional puppeteers, as well as construct their own puppets and learn basic performance techniques. This is an introductory-level class: participants of all interests, backgrounds, and abilities are welcome. Participants have gone on to take advanced classes, create their own works, or simply have a greater appreciation for this timeless art form.

About the Instructor: Brad Shur is a versatile puppeteer who has created and performed characters made of everything from pixels to paper mache. As the Artist in Residence at Puppet Showplace Theater he performs regularly and teaches puppetry classes to students of all ages, Pre-K to adult. As protégé of master puppeteer Paul Vincent Davis, Shur trained extensively in glove puppetry and currently performs two of Davis’ classic shows at venues across New England. "Dr. Doohickey" was Shur's first full-length puppet show. His other original works include "The Carrot Salesman," "Robin Hood," "The Yankee Peddler: Stories and Songs from Old New England" and "The Magic Soup and Other Stories," featured at the Puppeteers of America National Festival 2013. Prior to becoming the Artist in Residence at Puppet Showplace, Shur toured the country as a performer with Big Nazo (Rhode Island), Wood & Strings Theatre (Tennessee) and The PuppeTree (Vermont). As a builder Shur has designed and fabricated puppets for American Idol, Dollywood, Avenue Q, and the U.S.S. Constitution Museum. He is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design.

Meet the Artists of "What the Moon Saw"

40th Anniversary Season:

Fall Fairy Tale Festival!

UP NEXT: "What the Moon Saw" by Sarah Frechette and Jason Thibodeaux. Original concept by Sarah Frechette and Ceili Clemens. September 12-21.

PROMOTION: Grandparents are FREE for all Fall Fairy Tale Festival performances! Use CODE: GrandFreeFest

By Guest Blogger: Sarah Frechette of Puppetkabob

I was invited by Roxie Myhrum, Artistic Director of the Puppet Showplace Theater, to revamp my ensemble puppet production of “What The Moon Saw” to be a featured part of the 40th Anniversary Season.  I first created this production, along with puppeteer Ceili Clemens, as my Senior Honors Thesis at the University of Connecticut. As part of the revamp, I decided to redesign and rebuild the puppets, costumes and ad props to expand the storytelling options on stage. The primary goal of remounting this show is getting kids excited about reading books and entering the magical world of storytelling. 

Performers Veronica Barron, Faye Dupras and Sarah Frechette

What to expect!

This show is an artful adaptation of H.C. Andersen's “The Ugly Duckling” and “Thumbelina”. The story of "What The Moon Saw" follows two misfit characters who are in search of friendship.  And along the way they are distracted by some meddlesome animals. 3 puppeteers, 1 musician, bring the beautiful rod puppet characters to life on a crescent moon shaped multi-layered stage. Stumps and branches transform to reveal Ms Mousie’s tree trunk hovel, Mr. Mole’s dark lair, and the bouncy lily pads of Mr. Frog's pond.

“What the Moon Saw” on tour!

This Fall "What The Moon Saw" stops included Goat on a Boat Puppet Theater in Sag Harbor, NY; Long Island Children's Museum in Garden City, NY; Puppeteers of America Regional Puppet Homecoming Festival in Rhinebeck, NY; and the final stop is the Puppet Showplace Theater! 

Meet the Artists!

I am the founder of PUPPETKABOB, a puppet company that has toured nationally to schools, libraries, theaters, museums and festivals.  I am a graduate of the University of Connecticut's Puppetry Arts Program, have mentored with German Master Puppeteer Albrecht Roser, and created costumes for the stop-motion film ParaNorman.  My solo production of “The Snowflake Man” which highlights photographer Snowflake Bentley, was awarded an UNIMA-USA Citation of Excellence ~ and has been seen many times on the Puppet Showplace Theater stage!

On the Puppet Showplace Theater stage you will see Boston-based performers Faye Dupras and Veronica Barron, along with the music of Anthony Leva.  Sommerville-based musician Phil Berman (and Puppet Playtime performer) joined us on the first leg of the tour! 

New York-based Co-Director & Dramaturg Joshua Holden jumped on board and conducted some incredible rehearsals!  New York based friends & artists include: Painter Michael Carolan, Puppet fabricator Ceili Clemens.

Jason Thibodeaux

Puppetkabob studio- Vermont

Sarah Frechette- Mole Character

Ceili Clemens

Michael Carolan

Heidi Sowa

Ceili Clemens and Sarah Frechette

Brett Carville

It takes a village to make a puppet show!

The biggest thing I have learned from the remixing and remounting of this production is that I have some of the most incredible friends!  The long list of people who shared their time & talents to make this productions possible continues to grow and during this tour their creative energies have brought special powers to the show!  I am very blessed and over joyed to be friends with some of the most wonderful people and phenomenal artists in the world!

“What The Moon Saw” remained dormant for over a decade.  I am excited about the opportunity to reimagine this wonderful story with a fresh(ette) perspective! Some of my dearest friends and amazing artists located in Vermont, Boston, New York, and Portland, Oregon have added their creative energies and special powers to the remount of this show.

Portland, Oregon friends & artists include: Playwright & Puppet fabricator/painter Jason Thibodeaux, Puppet character designer & painter Brett Carville, Original theme and ballad composer Oviedo Senator Menendez, Mushroom and prop-maker Daniel Miller, Mouse Victorian-style dress-maker Heidi Sowa, Puppet & Costume painter Chris Rabilwongse, Book cover designer Melissa Larsen, Researcher Amy Wulfing, Mouse hair mistress Heidi Armour, Flower developer Danielle Bedick, and Costume hat maker Barbara Casement.

Vermont artists include: Costume Designer Kathy Wieland and mouse silhouette artist Carol Bell.

I even made a few new friends along the way too! Special Thanks to puppetry artists Penny Novack Benson and Sarah Goone.

Have You Seen My Underpants?

40th Anniversary Season: Summer Puppet Adventures!

UP NEXT: "Squirrel Stole My Underpants" by Bonnie Duncan
LABOR DAY WEEKEND!
Sat & Sun, August 30 & 31 at 10:30am & 1pm
Mon, September 1 at 10:30am & 1pm

Wow, what a epic summer 2014 has been! We kicked-off our 40th Anniversary Season with an exciting series of adventure tales in July, and now our Fall Fairy Tale Festival is just around the corner. Join us for our last Summer Puppet Adventures performance this Labor Day weekend featuring the world's sneakiest squirrel. Hold on to your underpants, because this show by local artist Bonnie Duncan is sure to knock your socks off!

About the show: Sylvie is sent to the backyard to hang up the laundry. The moment her back is turned, a mischievous squirrel steals her favorite piece of clothing and runs off. When Sylvie gives chase, an entire world emerges from her laundry basket, and curious characters show her the way through mysterious lands. Will our lonely heroine rescue her underpants and discover the magic within herself? Join us on this adventure to find out!

About the performer: For the last 15 years, Bonnie Duncan has blended puppetry, dance, and physical theatre in surprising and delightful ways. She grew up in the South where she danced and swam competitively. She studied education and theatre in college and grad school where she developed a knack for costume on the cheap and acting in original theatre pieces. She performed around the world for 8 years with Snappy Dance Theater and in 2007, formed They Gotta Be Secret Agents with Tim Gallagher to create work mixing dance, theater, puppetry and circus arts.

Her work has received numerous accolades and standing ovations in theaters across the US and abroad. Bonnie also has a masters degree in arts integration and teaches drama & movement in elementary and middle schools. She is mom to Jack Ozro (five) and Rex and Adelaide (three and three). And finally, she loves cupcakes.

Make Your Own Dragon Puppet

DIY Puppet Crafts!

Get ready for our upcoming show "Sir George and the Dragon" by Pumpernickel Puppets with this awesome dragon puppet!

"Sir George and the Dragon " by Pumpernickel Puppets

Saturday Aug 23, 10:30am & 1pm

Make your own dragon puppet in 30 minutes! Recommended for children ages 4 and up, with adult supervision. Once finished, you can go on great adventures with your dragon friend.

MATERIALS:

• Dragon templates 1, 2, and 3.
• Coloring utensils (crayons, markers, etc.)
• Glue
• Scissors
• Straws/Popsicle sticks/Skewers

STEPS:

1. Using the templates, print out the dragon head, the dragon body, and the dragon tail.

     2.  Color both sides of the head, both sides of the body, and both sides of the tail. Choose               whatever colors you wants!

     3.  Cut out the heads, cut out the bodies, and cut out the tails.

     4.  Fold body in half, glue shut, and then fold along the lines.

     5. Glue the body to the back side of the head and the tail. 

     6. Glue popsicle sticks/straws/skewers to the back of the head and tail.

     7. Glue the back side of the head to the head, and the back side of the tail to the tail.

     8. Now it's time to go on an adventure with your new dragon!

Here Be Dragons...in Brookline!

40th Anniversary Season: Puppet Puppet Adventures

UP NEXT: "Sir George and the Dragon" by Pumpernickel Puppets
Saturday, August 23 at 10:30am & 1pm

Are you ready for a Fairy Tale adventure? Strap-on your knight-in-shining-armor...well, armor, and jaunt up the mountain with Sir George and the Princess.  You may just find the friendliest dragon you have ever met!

About the show: Join an adventurous princess as she journeys to Mystery Mountain to visit the Great Green Dragon. Along the way you'll meet Zelda the babysitter, a silly bat, Sir George and his clumsy dog, and of course the lovable dragon. Will Sir George slay the dragon? Not to worry, everything ends happily in this fun show.

About the performer: The Pumpernickel Puppets are the creation of John McDonough of Worcester, Massachusetts. John was four years old when he saw his first puppet show, and he immediately knew that he wanted to be a puppeteer. By his teens, John was presenting shows all over the New England area. The Pumpernickel Puppets have had the honor of appearing at The Puppet Showplace Theatre, Boston Children’s Museum, The Institute of Professional Puppetry Arts at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, The Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., The Cultural Olympiad at The Center For Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, Georgia, and the prestigious International Festival of Puppet Theatre sponsored by the Jim Henson Foundation at the Joseph Papp Public Theatre in New York. For each production, John creates and performs all of his own puppets, which range from small hand puppets to larger-than-life figures.

Make Your Own Monster Puppets

DIY Puppet Crafts!

Get ready for our upcoming show "Dr. Doohickey's Monster Machine" by Brad Shur with this creative puppet craft!

"Dr. Doohickey's Monster Machine" by Brad Shur, Resident Artist

Wednesday August 13 - Saturday August 16, 10:30am & 1pm

Make your own Monster puppets in 30 minutes! Recommended for children ages 4 and up, with adult supervision. Once you finish, you can be like Dr. Doohickey and play with your new monster friends!

MATERIALS:

• Monster template

• Scissors

• Coloring utensils (markers, crayons, etc.)

• Tape/Glue

• Skewers/Popsicle Sticks

STEPS:

1. Print out both of the templates HERE and HERE. 

     2. Color the monsters however you like! Be creative and design your own!

     3. Cut out each of the monsters.

     4. Tape or glue each of the monsters to a skewer or popsicle stick.

     5. Put on a show with your new monster friends!

Who Needs Humans When You Have Monsters?

40th ANNIVERSARY SEASON: SUMMER PUPPET ADVENTURES

UP NEXT: "Dr. Doohickey's Monster Machine" by Brad Shur, Resident Artist

Wednesday August 13 - August 16, 10:30am & 1pm

Why be surrounded by people when you can make your own awesome creatures to have fun with? These are the kind of monsters you want to find under your bed! So come down to the laboratory at Puppet Showplace and join Dr. Doohickey as he makes some interesting new friends!

About the Show: Dr. Doohickey always thought that monsters were more interesting than people. Why have two arms when you could have seven? Join the good doctor and his rabbit assistant, Reginald, as they fire up the Monster Machine on their quest to make the world a more interesting place. Featuring a cast of oversized puppets and "monsterizied" versions of your favorite fables, audiences of all ages will love this fun and interactive show! 

Brad Shur

About the Performer: Brad Shur is a versatile puppeteer who has created and performed characters made of everything from pixels to paper mache. As the Artist in Residence at Puppet Showplace Theater he performs regularly and teaches puppetry classes to students of all ages, Pre-K to adult. As protégé of master puppeteer Paul Vincent Davis, Shur trained extensively in glove puppetry and currently performs two of Davis’ classic shows at venues across New England. "Dr. Doohickey" was Shur's first full-length puppet show. His other original works include "The Carrot Salesman," "Robin Hood," "The Yankee Peddler: Stories and Songs from Old New England" and "The Magic Soup and Other Stories," featured at the Puppeteers of America National Festival 2013. Prior to becoming the Artist in Residence at Puppet Showplace, Shur toured the country as a performer with Big Nazo (Rhode Island), Wood & Strings Theatre (Tennessee) and The PuppeTree (Vermont). As a builder Shur has designed and fabricated puppets for American Idol, Dollywood, Avenue Q, and the U.S.S. Constitution Museum. He is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design.

To purchase tickets, visit us at the theater, buy online, or call the Box Office at 617-731-6400 x101

Make Your Own Little Red Riding Hood Puppets

DIY Puppet Crafts!

Get ready for our upcoming show "Little Red Riding Hood" by WonderSpark Puppets with this fun project using recycled materials!

"Little Red Riding Hood" by WonderSpark Puppets

Wednesday August 6 - Saturday August 9, 10:30am & 1pm

Make your own Little Red Riding Hood cast in under 30 minutes! Recommended for children ages 4 and up, with adult supervision. Once completed, you can retell the classic fairy tale for your friends and family! 

MATERIALS:

• Toilet Paper Roll for each character

• Templates

• Scissors

• Glue or glue stick

• Coloring utensils (crayons, markers, etc.)

STEPS:

1. Print out each of the the templates HERE. You will need to print out the "Little Red Riding Hood" template, the "Grandma" template, and the "Wolf template." 

     2. Color each of the templates and the pieces for each of the characters.

     3. Cut out each of the templates and the pieces for each character. 

     4. Glue the colored templates onto the toilet paper roll and/or color the toilet paper rolls. 

     5. Attach the head and arms and tail to the characters.

     6. Put on your own puppet show with these new characters from the classic tale!

Nobody messes with Grandma!

40th ANNIVERSARY SEASON: SUMMER PUPPET ADVENTURES

UP NEXT: "Little Red Riding Hood" by WonderSpark Puppets

Wednesday August 6 - Saturday August 9, 10:30am & 1pm 

Grandmothers are always there to help you, love you, and give you treats! What happens when a girl tries to return the favor, but is stopped by a greedy wolf who wants to steal her basket of goodies? Join Little Red on her quest to outwit the wolf in this forest adventure by WonderSpark Puppets from New York City!

About the Show: Little Red loves to play games with her stuffed animals, especially her toy wolf! When she sets off on an adventure to deliver a basket of goodies to her Grandmother, she meets a REAL wolf who wants the basket all for himself. Find out how Little Red outsmarts her opponent and saves the day in WonderSpark's hilarious, interactive adaptation of the classic tale.

Chad and Lindsey

About the Performers: Founded in New York City by husband and wife team Chad Williams and Lindsey "Z." Briggs, WonderSpark Puppets infuse fun and whimsy into all their performances Z Briggs has worked as a professional puppeteer as a performer and builder on numerous projects including Lone Wolf Tribes' "Bride" (2009 UNIMA Award), and the character Lottie Lamb on the PBS kids show Seemore's Playhouse. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut's Puppet Arts program. Chad Williams is a filmmaker turned puppeteer, having shot and edited two puppetry documentaries for the Puppeteers of America. WonderSpark Puppets joyfully volunteers at Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital and has taught puppetry at the Children's Museum for the Arts in Manhattan.

To purchase tickets, visit us at the theater, buy online, or call the Box Office at 617-731-6400 x101

Make Your Own Elephant Finger Puppet

DIY PUPPET CRAFTS!

Get ready for our upcoming show "The Junlge Book: The Story of Mowgli's Fire," with this cute elephant finger puppet project!

"The Jungle Book: The Story of Mowgli's Fire" by The Frisch Marionettes 

Wednesday July 30 - Saturday August 2, 10:30am & 1pm

Make your own elephant finger puppet in under 15 minutes. Recommended for children ages 4 and up, with adult supervision. Once finished, you and your new elephant friend can go on safari adventures through the jungle!

MATERIALS:

• Elephant Finger Puppet Template
• Coloring utensils (crayons, markers, etc.)
• Scissors and/or craft knife

STEPS:

1. Print out the Elephant Finger Puppet template HERE.

     2.  Color in the elephant.

     3. Cut out the elephant and the circle where the trunk would be.

     4.  Stick your finger through the hole to make the trunk. 

     5. Now you can be creative, make your own set pieces and put on your own shows in the jungle!

Get Involved in Our Upcoming Adult Classes

Exciting times are around the corner as we near the last weeks of summer. We are getting ready to announce our adult classes for the 2014-2015 season, but first...

We want to hear from you!

Have you taken an adult class with us? Are you interested in taking one? Fill out our quick online survey and receive $25 off your next adult class registration!

You can find the survey HERE.

Welcome To The Jungle!

40TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON: SUMMER PUPPET ADVENTURES

UP NEXT: "The Jungle Book: The Story of Mowgli's Fire" by The Frisch Marionettes 

Wednesday July 30 - Saturday August 2, 10:30am & 1pm

There's a rumble in the jungle this week at Puppet Showplace! Join Mowgli on his adventures to save his animal family and realize where his heart belongs. Answer the call of the wild this week in Brookline!

Visiting all the way from Ohio, The Frisch Marionettes company is prepared to put on a fantastic performance that is our largest show ever! This is an awesome experience that you won't want to miss.

About the Show: In the wilds of India, a young boy named Mowgli is raised by wolves to obey the laws of the jungle. After surviving close encounters with the tiger Shere Kahn, Mowgli is finally returned to his mother. He tries to learn the ways of Mankind, and is especially curious about the glowing fire, which he calls “the red flower.” When Shere Kahn threatens to defeat Akela the Wolf to become Lord of the Jungle, Mowgli must return to the wild to save his animal family. Will he make it in time? Find out in this classic adventure story featuring appearances by Baloo the Bear, Hathi the Elephant, and two outrageous monkeys!

Kevin Frisch

About the Performers: Kevin Frisch began his professional career in 1986 when he moved to New York City and joined Nicolas Coppola's The Puppetworks, Inc. of Brooklyn, New York. The next nine years were spent touring the New York Metropolitan area as well as performing in The Puppetworks permanent theatres in Brooklyn and at Macy's in Herald Square.

In 1995 Kevin established The Frisch Marionettes in Cincinnati, Ohio as an exceptional entertainment and educational experience for children and adults alike. The company now tours nationally to venues ranging from Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts to schools and libraries across the Midwest.

Kevin has built puppets, masks and costumes for The Central Park Zoo, New York Aquarium, The Children’s Theater of Cincinnati and The Puppetworks Inc. of New York. His puppets have been seen in People Magazine, SHOWTIMES' "Twisted Puppet Theater", the PBS Documentary "The American Puppet," and onstage with The Cincinnati Opera as well as in the New York store windows of ‘Saks 5th Ave.’, ‘Bloomingdale’s’ and ‘Hermes New York’ and in the family film “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” featuring Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman. Kevin and his puppets have appeared in television commercials for Joseph Toyota of Cincinnati. Most recently, his puppets have appeared in the hit television shows “2 Broke Girls” on CBS and “Warehouse 13” on the Syfy channel. 

To purchase tickets, visit us at theater, buy online, or call the Box Office at 617-731-6400 x101

Make Your Own Pirate Finger Puppets

DIY Puppet Crafts!

Get ready for our upcoming show "The Pirate, The Princess, and The Pea," with this fun pirate-themed project!

"The Pirate, The Princess, and The Pea" by Crabgrass Puppet Theatre
Wednesday 23 - Saturday 26, 1030am & 1pm

BUY TICKETS 

Make your own characters in under 30 mins. Recommended for ages 5 & up, with parental supervision. Be creative and have fun! Once you've finished, you and your new mateys can go on adventures for buried treasure and sail the seven seas!

This template can be found here.

MATERIALS:

• Pirate Finger Puppet Template
• Scissors
• Exacto Knife
• Coloring utensils (markers, crayons, etc.)
• Tape

STEPS:

      1. Download and print out the Pirate Finger Puppets template PDF HERE. 

     2. Color in the pirates, the swords, and the parrot.

     3. Carefully cut out the pirates, the swords, and the parrot. 

     4. Cut along the dotted lines on the pirate's hands with the exacto knife.

     5. Stick the sword handles and parrot tail into the slits in the hands.

     6. Tape Tab A to Tab B snugly around your finger.

     7. Put on your own puppet show with your new characters!

Pirates, Princesses, and Peas... Oh my!

40th Anniversary Season: Summer Puppet Adventures! 

UP NEXT: "The Pirate, The Princess, & The Pea" by Crabgrass Puppet Theatre

Wednesday July 23 - Saturday July 26, 10:30am and 1pm

Ahoy thar from Puppet Showplace Theater! You may know the tale of the Princess and the Pea, but what happens when a Pirate becomes part of the story? On this exhilarating quest for loot, tricks are played and wits are tested. Drop your ship's anchor in Brookline and see who finds the tremendous treasure first!

About the Show: In "The Pirate, The Princess, and the Pea," Crabgrass Puppet Theatre presents a thrilling voyage chock full of sea monsters, shipwrecks, and mistaken pirate/princess identities. A pirate and a princess are on a treasure hunt, searching for the same clues. The princess stays one step ahead by tricking the pirate at every turn. But when the princess is in danger from a giant octopus, she quickly discovers the benefit of having a loyal crew! Featuring colorful scenery, multiple styles of puppetry, and original pirate songs, you won't want to miss the boat on this fun adventure tale!

Bonny Hall and Jamie Keithline of Crabgrass Puppet Theatre

About the Performer: Jamie Keithline and Bonny Hall formed Crabgrass Puppet Theatre in San Francisco in 1982 and have delighted audiences across the nation with their whimsical humor and puppetry ever since. Their performing venues have included the Detroit Institute of Art, the Smithsonian, Paper Mill Playhouse, Tribeca Performing Arts Center, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. They have been awarded two Citations of Excellence from UNIMA-USA, the highest puppetry award in the United States, and in 2009, Bonny Hall was awarded a Design Commendation from the Arlyn Award Foundation. Since 2001, Jamie and Bonny have been living in Halifax, Vermont, a tiny town in the hills near Brattleboro, where they continue to create their award-winning productions. 

To purchase tickets, visit us at the theater, buy online, or call the Box Office at 617-731-6400 x101 

This show is funded in part by the NEST program of NEFA, made possible with funding from the NEA Regional Touring Program and the 6 New England state arts agencies.