|
NEW
ENGLAND
SCHOOL
PERFORMING
ARTIST
DIRECTORY
|
LANGUAGE ARTS
|
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
THEATER || STORYTELLING || PUPPETRY || MUSIC
THEATER
18 Pinewood Avenue
Johnston, RI 02919
(401) 946-3183
E Mail: magicguy@cox.net
Website: loncerel.com/magicofreading.html
"The Magic of Reading" is a curriculum-based program incorporating popular children's books.
Lon Cerel has been entertaining children and their families for over 20 years and has twice been voted "RI's Best
Family Entertainment" by the RI Parents' Paper.
Lon's goal is to aid in your efforts to motivate your children, by promoting the Fun of recreational reading, and the use of the library. Instead of turning on the TV, children learn to turn on their minds and their imaginations. The program is a perfect companion to the Books & Beyond and Feinstein Good Deeds programs. In addition, by utilizing the techniques of stage magic, each illusion reinforces moral values such as sharing, cooperation, giving respect to get respect, "paying it forward", and consequences (cause and effect).
The program is specirfically geared to grades K-5.
Program Title: The Magic of Reading
Audience Limit: 250/assembly
Fee: $450-$550; second show, same day: $200 additional
|
|
DEBORAH COSTINE, PUPPETEER! |
6 Wood Street
Southborough, MA 01772
508-481-6837
E Mail: deborahcostine@verizon.net
Longtime puppeteer Deborah Costine is the recipient of the 2009 "UNIMA Citation of Excellence" - the highest award for puppetry in the
U. S. After many years with the well-known Gerwick Puppets she has also created "Small Shows for Small Groups of Small Children," for
children ages 3 and up. Audience size is limited!
The Twig Family in The Oak Tree
This happy gentle, original story by Debbie is about a family of imaginary “twig” people who live in harmony with nature. There are Leaf and Fern and their daughter Mossy. Their Oak Tree home provides them with everything they need to be happy.
What a surprise when they receive a visit from “cousin Lawn” who tells them they should leave their home! Audience size limited to 35 people!
The Three Pigs and other Classics
Using mesmerizing and unique Shadow Puppetry, Deborah presents “The Three Billy Goats Gruff”, “The Three Pigs”, “Stone Soup” and “The Shoemaker and The Elves”.
The Woodland Cinderella
This new version of Cinderella takes place in the land of the Woodland Fairies. There are many kinds of fairies: moss, fern, and rock fairies to name a few. The King of all Woodland fairies wants his son to marry a fairy princess, but can’t find one. So he hosts a great ball and invites every fairy maiden in the land. He is hoping that a princess will come! And there is a secret to identifying a true fairy princess.
Special Requirements: Audience size is limited to 75 people, except “The Twig Family in the Oak Tree” must not exceed 35 people. The “Shadow Puppet” show needs a darkened room.
Fees: $275 plus a travel fee. Additional performances are $150.
Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts and N.E.S.T.
Encore Performing Arts, Inc
Roberta Wolinsky
PO Box 630
Melville, NY 11747
(800) 669-9850
Fax: (631) 423-1795
Email: puppets@encoreperforming.com
Website: http://www.crabgrasspuppets.com/
Crabgrass Puppet Theatre presents quality puppet theatre featuring a variety of intricate and unusual
puppets, colorful scenery, music, and expert manipulation. Programs available include:
"Anansi, Spiderman of Africa" is a side-splitting selection of famous folktales from Africa starring Anansi
the spider, whose appetite always overrules his intellect. The show is a dynamic blend of traditional
African design, infectious music and fabulous puppetry.
“The Bremen Town Musicians” is an enchanting Brothers Grimm folktale. Thrown off their farms because they are too old to work, a donkey, a cat
and a rooster form a singing group and set off for the big city to make it in show biz. Along the way they meet a nasty bunch of robbers, and it’s
up to the animals to get rid of them. In doing so, they discover that everyone has a special talent and that only by working together can they achieve their dreams.
"Mr. Punch's Christmas Carol" is a lighthearted adaptation of Dickens' holiday classic, starring Mr. Punch as Scrooge.
"The Last Dragon on Earth" is a modern fairytale about learning to live together in peace. It tells the story of
a Princess that does not need to be rescued from a misunderstood dragon who happens to be the very last one on earth.
"The Last Dragon on Earth" is a modern fairytale about learning to live together in peace. It tells the story of
a Princess that does not need to be rescued from a misunderstood dragon who happens to be the very last one on earth.
“Haiku Hiphop and Hotdogs”: Puppets Do Poetry
Imagine a symphony composed entirely
by goldfish! Thrill to the adventures of
“Fearless Flying Hotdogs!” Dance with
the “Funky Snowman!” This exciting new
fusion of poetry and puppetry includes
Jack Prelutsky’s “The Goblin” (these
goblins just want to have fun!) as well as
poems by Nikki Giovanni, David McCord,
Calef Brown and others. Remember to
“Keep a Poem in Your Pocket,” and –
above all – “Do Not Approach an Emu!”
“Jabberwocky”
One of the best-known poems in children’s
literature springs to life with wit and whimsy,
stunning puppets, and fantastical scenery.
Explore the magical world of Lewis Carroll’s
Through the Looking Glass, where you’ll
meet wondrous creatures like the mimsy
borogrove and the frumious bandersnatch.
This fabulous and funny adventure is a true
celebration of the imagination!
“The Day It Snowed Tortillas”
Creative thinking is the key ingredient that
helps a poor couple outwit a gang of bullies
in this delightful folktale from Mexico
about luck, love and lunch. A woodcutter
and his wife have the chance to become
rich. All they have to do is make it snow –
in July – in Mexico! Perfect for Hispanic
Heritage Month and Cinco de Mayo!
Program Titles: Anansi, Spiderman of Africa; The Bremen Town Musicians; Mr. Punch's Christmas Carol; The Last Dragon on Earth; Haiku Hiphop and Hotdogs; Jabberwocky; The Day It Snowed Tortillas
Special Requirements: 9 ft. ceiling clearance
Fee: $875-1000 for 1; $1150-1300 for 2 back-to-back
Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, VT Council on the Arts
|
Lenny Gerwick and Deborah Costine
6 Wood Street
Southborough, MA 01772
(508) 481-6260
E Mail: info@gerwickpuppets.com
Website: gerwickpuppets.com
"Classic Quality Puppetry at its Best," The Gerwick Puppets are one of New England's longest running puppet troupes. Founded in 1974 by artist/educators Deborah Costine and Len Gerwick, this company performs in elementary schools around New England and regularly at such venues as Boston's First Night, the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, The Mark Twain Museum in Hartford CT and The Puppet Showplace Theater in Brookline MA. Eight Productions are available and performed "live" with elaborate theater lighting and artist-painted scenery and high quality sound. Most include some interaction with the audience.
Their DVD "The World of The Gerwick Puppets" documents much of what this company does as well as showing puppet making methods and how children can create their own puppet shows!
Curriculum materials are available for each production.
Productions:
Adventures From Thornton W. Burgess:
This much-loved production is adapted from stories by Massachusetts author Thornton Burgess. Children learn about New England animals including skunks, opossums, and woodchucks and their habits and habitats.
Inside the Haunted House:
In this original story written by the puppeteers, a boy and girl decide to explore an old mansion that is said to be haunted! Many funny and slightly scary surprises await them in this very exciting production.
Pilgrim Adventure to America:
This is an elaborate telling of the Pilgrim story through the eyes of the Brewster family. For maximum dramatic effect, this productions uses masks as well as hand puppets, a miniature Mayflower, a map of Cape Cod, and many interesting visual and audio effects.
Midwinter Magic:
This elaborate, winter fantasy takes place as puppet children "Mary Lou" and "Bruce" fall asleep on the longest night of the year. They are guided through a dream of enchanting music and puppets by "Katrinka" the midwinter sprite! Classical music enhances the experience!
Aladdin and the Magic Lamp:
This ancient story from "The Arabian Nights" shows the struggle between good and evil. The evil magician, the ominous secret cave, the magic flying carpet and the all-powerful genie of the magic lamp are part of this enchanting classic story!
Rip Van Winkle:
This early work of American literature by Washington Irving tells the story of the happy-go-lucky man who slept through the Revolutionary War. The show closely follows the original story and includes historical concepts and ideas from the late 1700's. (appropriate for grades 3 and up)
Aesop’s Fables:
In this solo production, puppeteer, Len Gerwick, uses a different performing style, he is visible to the audience. The show's focus is on the morals of the fables: appreciating what you have, learning from the mistakes of others, and falling victim to one's own weaknesses.
The Case of the Missing Woodpile:
In this musical mystery performed solo by Len Gerwick, Mary Lou and Bruce are on summer vacation, planting a garden and building a tree house. Suddenly the wood for the tree house disappears and the audience gets to help solve the mystery! Original jazz score written by musician Jonathan Klein.
Other Activities:
Puppets in the Language Arts Curriculum:
Students can each make a puppet for use in a puppet show that they write and produce themselves. Instruction is available for how to create a script based on a story they have read, how to practice effective puppet movement and dialogue. This is a very valuable educational project! Creating a script through the Gerwick Puppets’ unique process helps children understand the structure of stories. Custom designed programs are available.
The Gerwick Puppets are available as Artists-in-Residence and are approved by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and are on the New England States Touring roster.
Their DVD "The World of The Gerwick Puppets" by Two Bob's Productions, documents much of what this company does as well as showing puppet making methods and how children can create their own puppet shows!
Program Titles: Adventures from Thornton W. Burgess; Inside the Haunted House; Midwinter Magic; Aladdin and the
Magic Lamp; Aesop's Fables; Rip Van Winkle; Pilgrim Adventure to America; The Case of the Missing Woodpile
Tales; Mid Winter Magic; The Puppets Teach Fire Safety
Audience Limit: 250
Fee: 1 performance $750, 2 performances $1,100 plus travel fee; Residency days are $300/day/artist
Special Requirements: The puppet theater requires a space of 15 ft. width, 10 ft. depth and 8 ft. height.
A darkened room is best.
|
|
DIANE KORDAS ROMPER RHYTHM AND PUPPETS |
Diane Kordas
P.O. Box 181
Chester, NH 03036
603-315-3083
Email: diane@romperrhythm.com
Website: http://www.romperrhythm.com
Diane Kordas brings stories to life with puppets and music, either with a staged puppet
show production or with songs and short puppet skits. Lots of humor and audience
participation are highlights of each program. Great for preschools and day care centers,
schools, libraries, birthday parties, recreation centers and more.
*NH Council on the Arts Touring Artist and New England Foundation for the Arts (link)
*Winner of Children's Music Web award for her Dinosaur Stomp CD.
Program Titles: Friendly Forest Folktales; Bremen Town Musicians; Pirates, Ahoy!; Elves and the Shoemaker with the Gingerbread Man; Sir George and
the Dragon; Outerspace Adventures!. Shadow Puppet show: Chicken Little and other Tales. Residencies, workshops,
Teacher Training workshops. See www.romperrhythm.com for new shows and updates
Grade Level Suitability: pre-K - 3 for most programs, workshops and residencies for K-12
Audience Limits: 250
Special Requirements: I supply my own puppet stage, sound, lighting_and need a grounded 3 prong outlet
to plug into.
Fee: Starts at $300, discount for block bookings
Funding Sources: New England Touring Roster, New England Foundation for the Arts; New Hampshire State Council for the Arts
|
Jim Napolitano
53 Waterbury Road
North Haven, CT 06473
(203) 824-0615
E-Mail: nappy@nappyspuppets.com
Website: www.nappyspuppets
For thousands of years, man has manipulated puppets for a variety of reasons; religion, education, therapy and entertainment.
Of all the forms of puppetry, the most magical and cinematic is shadow puppetry.
Seen on the award-winning PBS show, Between the Lions, Jim Napolitano is available to perform for your audience.
Presenting his unique one-man show
shadow puppet shows, Jim is sure to delight and amaze your group.
Title: Jack and the Beanstalk, Father Goose's Tales, Sing-a-Long with Nappy's Puppets
Audience Limit: 350/assembly
Special Requirements: Indoors with access to electricity
Fee: Shows start at $400.00.
|
John McDonough
61 Park Ave.
Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
(508) 799-4814
E-mail: Puppets2Go@aol.com
Web site: www.pumpernickelpuppets.com
Pumpernickel Puppet shows are presented with a cast of colorful puppet characters, audience participation, live voices
and sound effects and fast paced scripts that educate as well as entertain.
A demonstration period follows every performance giving the audience some insight into what happens behind the scenes.
All programs last approximately thirty-five to forty minutes and our portable stage, lights and sound system can be set up in almost any indoor location.
The Pumpernickel Puppets are the creation of John McDonough. John has been a professional puppeteer for over thirty
years. Performance locations have included: The Puppet Showcase, Brookline, MA, The Institute of Professional
Puppetry at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Centre, Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC, The Center for Puppetry Arts Atlanta, GA and the
prestigious International Festival of Puppet Theatre sponsored by the Jim Henson Foundation.
Program Title: Peter Rabbit; The Frog Prince; Sir George and the Dragon; The Three Billy Goats Gruff and The Lion and the Mouse
Audience Limit: approx. 150
Grade Level(s): Preschool - 3rd Grade
Fee: $225 and up (depending on location)
Possible Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council
|
|
ROBBINS-ZUST FAMILY PUPPETS |
Dion Robbins-Zust
20 reservoir Rd
Richmond, MA 01254
(413) 822-0663
E Mail: dionrz@gmail.com
Web site: www.berkshireweb.com/zust
The Robbins-Zust Family has been deighting audiences since their opening on Shakespeare's birthday
anniversary, April 23, 1971. Their productions include 17 one-hour-long classic marionette plays that
feature live music and their own hand-crafted marionettes.
Program Titles: Androcles and the Lion, Beauty and the Beast, Brementown Musicians, Carnival
of the Animals, Emperor's New Clothes, Firebird, Goldilocks and Peter Rabbit, Hansel and Gretel, Jack
and the Beanstalk, Peter & the Wolf, Little Red Riding Hood, Rumplestiltskin, Punch & Judy and more.
Audience Limit: 500/assembly
Fee: $200-$500
Special Requirements: stage platform or high ceiling, electricity
|
Judith O'Hare
(781) 944-0965
E Mail: jaohare@gmail.com
Website: www.youandmepuppets.com
Judith O'Hare developed the You and Me Puppets in 1977 to provide a way for children to be
expressive through the art of puppetry. Her style of participatory puppetry is unique and her work
in puppetry in education has been recognized by the Puppeteers of America through a leadership
award in 1994, and most recently she has been named a national education consultant. She
oversees a yearly "Puppets: Education Magic" teacher training project, speaks at educational
conferences and provides on-site teacher training for schools. She also works in partnership with
teachers to develop classroom puppet plays from conception to performance. Student workshops
are also available in a variety of subject matter.
Program Titles: Memories of a Chinese Grandmother (Grades K - 8); The Selfish Giant (Grades K - 6);
Jessica's Friends (preK - 4); Hansel and Gretel (K - 6), Tales from Greek Mythology (Grades 5-8; Petite Puppet Plays (preK-4)
Audience Limit: 25/workshop/class; 200/assembly
Fee: Start at $350, reduction for same performance/same day/same location.
Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)
Special Requirements: assistance for loading and unloading, electricity, space approx. 15X20
|
STORYTELLING
1378 Boulevard
West Hartford, CT 06119
(860) 561-5905
E Mail: sdebeer@comcast.net
Since 1978, Sara deBeer has delighted audiences of all ages with her repertoire of international folktales. An experienced classroom teacher with degrees from Yale and Bank Street, Sara frequently designs programs which tie in with on-going classroom studies of science and social studies. When working with individual classes, Sara often combines performing with writing or storytelling exercises which permit students to explore the events and characters of the stories they just heard. (Sara is a fellow of the 2005 Connecticut Writing Project, Storrs, CT.) Sara also offers workshops for teachers and assembly programs for elementary, middle, and high school students.
Program Titles: Tales of Deep-Rooted Magic; Folktales from the Many Cultures of Africa; Tales
of Women Wise and Wondrous; Jewish Tales for Young and Old; Legends of King Arthur; Hand-
Collected Irish Yarns
Fee: $250-$500
|
PO Box 300016
Boston, MA 02130
(617) 522-4335
E Mail: dedge@livingmyth.com
Website: www.livingmyth.com
For over twenty years, Diane has been bringing top quality storytelling assemblies to schools and educational institutions.
Her gifts as a storyteller, educator and communicator
make her as appreciated by teachers as she is by students with many repeat engagements requested.
The effortless way Diane's programs bring educational information into an entertaining format inspire the most
reluctant learners to open up their imaginations. From Nature and Science programming to performances representing
unusual cultures, including Native American Nature Myths and the Kurds of the Middle East, each performance is the
result of careful and thorough research. Visit her website or look below through the Seasonal, Cultural, and
Nature offerings for programs like Insect Comedy, Digging Dinosaurs, Tales for the Earth, Welcome in the Spring,
Rainforest Legends and more to bring an entertaining assembly to your school with Diane Edgecomb one of
New England’s favorite storytellers. Different material and stories are told depending on whether the
assembly is for K-2 or 3-6th grade. Each performance comes with an extensive curriculum package, which
includes both science-based and language-based activities.
Dear Diane: I was just putting away my files for this year's enrichment programs at Steward School and I wanted to mention that you had an overwhelmingly positive response from the teachers here. Their comments included, "She kept 5 classes mesmerized!" "She was masterful at knowing when the students needed a motor break" and "She really engaged them with her stories!" One teacher suggested that you give workshops to teachers on how to tell a story! Should you ever need a reference, please don't hesitate to have someone contact me. We hope to have you back to Steward again in the future!" Julie Sullivan, Enrichment Chair, Topsfield Elementary Schools, MA
"I would like to thank you for your terrific performance this afternoon. The students were completely captivated and thoroughly enjoyed your lively delivery, great expressions, interactive style and story content. Several of the teachers stopped me during the day to add their complements and enthusiasm about your program." Ellen Kassaraba, Wellington School PTO, Belmont, MA
Program Titles: For complete program descriptions, see http://www.livingmyth.com
Celebrate the Season
Tall Fall Tales: brings alive the autumn world of nature with original stories and songs sure to delight.
Perfect for just starting out the school year. This performance centers on the star in the apple, fall colors and a young girl who
just cannot sit still in class!
Once Upon a Wintertime: Warm your hearts and your imaginations with this performance of tales from long ago. These stories of wintertime magic and fun are drawn from many cultures ranging from the lyrical Grimms’ tale of Snow White and Rose Red to tales of folksy New England escapades.
Welcome in the Spring: Welcome in the spring with talking earthworms, nesting birds and kite flying adventures. The perfect accompaniment to this joyful season.
Summer Escapades: celebrates family fun with participatory stories chosen from Diane's best-loved family tales. Including a favorite story about a monkey who takes a wild ride on the back of a shark!
Once Upon a Halloween: This fun-filled Halloween event has a huge cauldron bubbling over with fog for the last dramatic story. All tales are appropriate for family audiences ages four to forever and contain a well-rounded blend of suspense and humor.
Explore Cultural Riches
Native American Nature Tales explores tribal myths and legends of the animals and birds of North America. Ranging from the humorous to the heart-felt, these stories celebrate native culture and its strong links to the natural world. Diane was given permission to tell these tales by many prominent Native authors.
European Tales of Enchantment: Enter the world of fairy tales where magic is only a moment away, and lessons about how to live are expressed through vivid symbols. Classic fairytales as well as unusual versions of familiar stories.
Fit for a King’s Ear: Diane Edgecomb accompanied by Margot Chamberlain on Celtic harp. This Medieval program is filled with tales of unusual princesses and Arthurian Knights.
A Fire in My Heart: Kurdish Folktales: Based on Diane's new book of Kurdish folktales, this program introduces students and families to this pivotal Middle Eastern culture. A map, anecdotes of her collecting experience and traditional dress and dance round out our exploration of this little known culture.
Irish Shenanigans: There is plenty of laughter and delight in this animated retelling of Ireland's best-loved gems. This performance is also available with Margot Chamberlain accompanying the program on Celtic harp.
Enter Nature’s Realm
Digging Dinosaurs: These popular dinosaur adventures complement their scientific facts with a happy dose of humor. Based on current scientific discoveries, this piece educates as it entertains.
Rainforest Legends: From the banks of the Amazon River to the heart of the West African jungle, Rainforest Legends brings to life favorite folktales and songs about the animals and plants of these lands.
Tales for the Earth: A Celebration of Nature and all the simple things we can do to help. What shines through the entire presentation is a love and respect for our place in nature; with many ideas communicated about how we can create a difference.
Insect Comedy: Insect Comedy takes a delightful look at our Six-legged friends. Diane's hilarious interpretations of Mr. Mosquito, Mr. Gnat, Old King Lampyradie Beetle keep us laughing as we take a closer look at the world of insects.
Night Lights: In Night Lights, unusual star myths take us on a multi-cultural voyage across the heavens. Listen in wonder as tales from Greece, Estonia, Native America, Kurdistan and Korea celebrate the magic of the night sky.
Audience Limit: Suggested maximum 250
Fee (including travel): $525 first show, $300 per additional show. Additional block booking rates available. Workshops $65 each when booked with a companion performance.
Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, Local Massachusetts Cultural Councils
|
|
JACKSON GILLMAN - "Stand-Up Chameleon" |
PO Box 41
Onset, MA 02558
(508) 295-0886
E-Mail: jacksong@jacksongillman.com
Web site: www.jacksongillman.com
Sparkling with energy, wit and whimsy, the "Stand-Up Chameleon" magically
transforms into a wide array of colorful characters. Through his many
talents as songsmith, comic, mime and storyteller, Jackson engages and
delights audiences of all ages with his highly visual and interactive
performances. Many different shows to choose from including several
educational nature programs. Has been a featured performer at festivals
across the country. For 6-12 grades, his two substance abuse awareness
presentations have been used annually by schools for their prevention
programming. 30+ years experience, easy-going and flexible, references
galore.
Program Titles:
Nature in Action, Story and Song - an educational romp on the wild and crazy side of natural science;
Riot in the Garden - fun-filled farm science, awarded Most Educational at the MOFGA Common Ground Fair;
BUGS! - doodlebugs, spiders, ants and other crawlies are featured in this low-life revue;
Once Upon a Tide - fun and fishy repertoire from the sandy beach to the briny deep;
On a Wing and a Song - a birds-eye view of the cycle of seasons;
Moon Crazy - captivating songs and stories to take you far away and pilot you happily home;
Autumn Wonders - a rich tapestry of the colors, sounds and smells in a heartwarming, story and song-filled celebration of the season;
Halloween Silly Willies - songs and stories to tickle your funny-bone without scaring your pants off;
Winter Wonders (or Holiday Huzzah for Christmas and/or Chanukah) - heartwarming celebrations of the seasons, holidays and the human spirit;
Spring Into Action and Song - celebrates spring and in all of its song-filled wonder;
The Man Who Planted Hope - an inspiring account of reforestation in Provence, adapted from the story by Jean Giono;
The Magic of Rudyard Kipling: Just So - the classic Just So Stories brought to life;
Levity in Motion - mime and stories for the family, airborne exploits and other childhood flights of fancy;
A Family Cabaret - an intergenerational look at daily rituals, wake-up to bedtime, from all perspectives;
The Dancing Man (with ASL) - lively, interactive songs and stories to move and groove with;
Harlequin and the Gift of Many Colors - stories of friendship performed with sign language;
Swamp Cake and Cattails - assembly program about anti-bullying and social acceptance, fancifully disguised as a prehistoric comedy with dinosaurs and dragons;
Hard Knocks - an intense one-man drama dealing with substance abuse within a family;
The Perfect High - a lighter-side look at the prevention of substance abuse;
Fee: starts at $375 + travel
Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts |
|
RETURN TO LANGUAGE ARTS
GO TO HOME PAGE
|
|