31 Garden Lane
Durham, NH 03824
603-868-7949
Fax: 603-868-9654
E-Mail: lsmithnh@aol.com
Website: www.sammysnail.com
For over ten years, puppeteer/singer/ventriloquist Lesley Smith’s Theatre of
Life Puppets and Band has educated while entertaining students in Preschool
through eighth grade. Scripts carefully reflect the concepts of Wellesley
College's Open Circle, Second Step and William J. Kreidler's conflict resolution
material from ESR. As a ventriloquist, Lesley's sidekick TV star Sam Snail
creates an intimate relationship with the audience, modeling skills and behaviors
that students can then identify with. Lesley and her musicians are dynamic
entertainers presenting fast paced performing arts program that are interactive,
educational and upbeat. They integrate each school's currriculum, moto and
language into the live shows. The Boston Globe states "Her smile and presence is
as warm and welcoming as her voice! ..And the emotion and life her puppets
exude is something even adults can relish!"
“Bully Prevention” (for grades Preschool-6) uses giant dragon and lion
puppets to promote literacy bringing Elizabeth Winthrop’s “Castle in the Attic”
to life. Interactive original music, intrigue and humor encourages reading,
positive self talk, three steps of problem solving, and the difference between
teasing and bullying. Our most requested, repeated performance sanctioned by
Open Circle.
“Conflict Resolution” (for grades K-8th). Six students perform with giant
masks powerfully demonstrating how anger and fear escalate conflict.
Theatrical puppet finale reinforces anger management, win-win problem solving and the
use of “I” statements and active listening skills. Loads of audience
participation, a school favorite for family nights and assemblies.
“Empathy and Decision Making” (for grades preschool-4) combines audience
participation in a magical tale of intuition and self knowledge. Promotes
diversity, empathy, and the three steps of problem solving through enchanting giant
puppets and hilarious situations.
“Tobacco Prevention” (for grades k-5) covers peer pressure, tobacco abuse
and understanding addictions. Interactive music, giant size and shadow puppets
tell the tale of Nicky the Dragon who starts smoking because that’s what
dragons do! Schools, health fairs and general audiences.
“Environmental Education and Recycling” (for grades preschool-5) promotes
outside exploration, preserving habitats and encourages recycling through an
upbeat musical opener, an on stage recycling game and a full length puppet show.
“Coping with Grief and Loss” (for grades preschool-4) is a family therapist
and school counselor tested program of music and puppetry that tenderly
explores death as a natural part of living. Sam Snail finds comfort through a
difficult yet humorous adoption of a puppy after his Grandpa’s passing.
“Reading and Literacy” (for grades preschool-5) is a dynamic and hilarious
music and ventriloquist show that promotes the joys of reading, humor and
puppetry. Art projects and reading ideas inspire audiences of all ages.
"Nutrition: Monsters Under The Bed!" - Nutrition and Exercise (for Preschool-2nd, 3rd-5th and family nights) that
emphasizes consuming 5 fruits and vegetables/day, F.I.T.: fitness, intensity and time of exercise to raise heart rate, and
the importance of Calcium intake. High energy interactive music has the audience singing and signing along on "Five Alive", "Calcium: Do You Get It? " and "Keep it Up"!
Humor is the vehicle for learning important nutrition and fitness concepts in a crazy tale with Sammy Snail and friends! Support in service program and
activities may be available with the University of New Hampshire for selected schools.
Program Titles: Bully Prevention; Conflict Resolution; Environmental Education and Recycling; Empathy and Decision Making; Tobacco Prevention;
Literacy; Nutrition: Monsters Under the Bed!
Fee: contact artist
Possible Funding Sources: New Hampshire and New England Commission on the Arts, Safe and Drug Free Grants
