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NEW
ENGLAND
SCHOOL
PERFORMING
ARTIST
DIRECTORY
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LANGUAGE ARTS
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FAIRY TALES
PUPPETRY || STORYTELLING
PUPPETRY
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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.
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Jacek Zuzanski
c/o Falmouth Academy
7 Highfield Drive
Falmouth, MA 02540
(508) 495-1251
FAX: (508) 457-4112
E-Mail: jacezuz@hotmail.com
Website: www.dreamtalepuppets.org
Dream Tale Puppets offers high quality performances featuring a variety of puppetry styles and masterful manipulation. Jacek Zuzanski, the theatre founder
and leading performer, was professionally educated in Poland and has 30 years of experience as a stage director, designer, teacher and performer.
Rumpelstilskin follows the well known and enchanting Brothers Grimm fairy tale starring: the bragging Miller and his daughter; a King with empty treasury
coffers; an odd and mysterious gnome who spins straw into gold; and a bumbling watchman. The show features five beautifully crafted table-top puppets brought to life by two masterful puppeteers.
Jack and the Beanstalk is a joyous and original adaptation of the classic tale about poor Jack who sold his cow for three magic beans and outwitted a boy-eating giant. The
show is created in a Story and Puppet Time format, where one performer provides narration and gives voices to the characters and a second performer operates a variety of puppets and
performs in mask.
Also:
'The Seriously Fun Theatre and Puppetry Production Workshop' invites children to participate in a production of the play The Joseph's Boat--an original adaptation of a Cape Cod
folktale from Elizabeth Reynard's book: The Narrow Land: Folk Chronicles of Old Cape Cod.
Dream Tale Puppets is available for other residencies.
Program Titles: Rumpelstilskin; Jack and the Beanstalk; Joseph's Boat
Audience Limit: Rumpelstilskin (200); Jack and the Beanstalk (75)
Fee: Shows: $250-$350; Workshop: $600-$1200
Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council
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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 $700, 2 performances $1,000 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.
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MICHAEL GRAHAM'S SPRING VALLEY PUPPETS |
26 Howard Ave.
New Haven, CT 06519-2809
(203) 777-4601
E-Mail: svpuppet@aol.com
Website: www.springvalley.com
Michael Graham, Director of the Spring Valley Puppet Theater, has been performing professionally
since 1966 for schools and libraries throughout New England. His theatrical productions are drawn
from fairy tales, folktales and fables, and feature beautifully crafted hand and rod puppets.
A bilingual (English/Spanish) program is also available.
Most school assembly programs can be followed by a curtain down question and answer period.
Public performances are followed by a demonstration of some of the puppets.
Curriculum materials available for each program.
Jack and the Beanstalk
Can beans make wishes come true? They can and do in "Jack and the Beanstalk," the award-winning puppet production of Michael Graham's Spring Valley Puppet Theater. This popular classic features beautifully crafted hand and rod puppets, colorful scenic design, special effects and an original script in which Jack, with the help of a clever Chicken, saves the day! The Spring Valley Puppet Theater production of "Jack and the Beanstalk" holds many surprises in this new approach to this old favorite.
Jack and the Beanstalk received the 1994 UNIMA "Citation of Excellence" in the Art of Puppetry.
The Three Wishes
What would you do if a magical Elf gave YOU three wishes? That's just what happens to Henry and Gretchen in this puppet production of “The Three Wishes.” This folktale favorite is flavored with a dash of dialogue, a generous helping of humor and the twists of plot for which the Spring Valley Puppet Theater is known. This folktale favorite is flavored with a dash of dialogue, a generous helping of humor and the twists of plot for which the Spring Valley Puppet Theater is known.
The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
A hungry Wolf tries to outwit the savvy Shepherd and make a meal of the helpless, little Lamb.
Helpless? Maybe not! Adapted from the Aesop Fable, this popular story is enlivened with a colorful Mexican setting, a humorous communication gap and a surprise ending!
The Lazy Fox (El Zorro Perezoso)
Can a very lazy Fox trick an Armadillo? Perhaps, But in this production of the Argentine folktale, the Armadillo has a few tricks up HIS sleeve! This program features enchanting hand puppet animals and a large rod puppet Sun. This production is also available in a bilingual version: "El Zorro Perezoso."
A Holiday Fantasy
Enchanted toys, fairy magic and a clever mouse are just some of the surprises in "A Holiday Fantasy," an original puppet production by Michael Graham's Spring Valley Puppet Theater. The story unfolds to the music of Massenet, Glazunov, Lecocq and others!
Puss in Boots
A walking, talking cat? Impossible! Unless he's wearing the magic boots! This classic fairy tale features beautifully crafted hand puppets, a life-sized Ogre and clever scenic design. In an original adaptation, Puss (in boots) rushes headlong into a series of misadventures, only to discover he is happiest being himself! The Spring Valley Puppet Theater production of “Puss in Boots” mixes merriment and message in a new approach to this feline favorite.
Program Titles: Jack and the Beanstalk; The Three Wishes (combines with The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing or A Holiday Fantasy); The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing (combines with The Three Wishes or The Lazy Fox); Puss
in Boots; The Lazy Fox/El Zorro Perezoso (bilingual available) (combines with The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing); A Holiday Fantasy (all music, non-verbal program) (combines with The Three Wishes)
Audience Limit: 350/Assembly (Floor seating) 250 Theater seating)
Fee: Libraries: $335 to $355. Reduction for additional shows available. Travel fee: 25 cents per mile, round trip/
Special Requirements: An indoor area 12' to 20' wide X 6' deep, near electricity, with a 10' ceiling height (a 8' 11" ceiling height can be accomodated, sometimes lower);
A darkened or dimmed room is preferable. Set up - 2 hours. Take down - 1 hour, 15 minutes. (A difficult load in or load out extends those times.)
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STORYTELLING
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
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| ANGELA
CAY KLINGLER - THE STORYTELLER |
PO Box 530
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 898-0537
E Mail: TheStoryteller@AngelaKlingler.com
Website: www.AngelaKlingler.com
“I've worked with hundreds of artists. It is rare to find one who is as skilled at her craft and also as professional. I would recommend Angela without reservation.” (Jeannie Connoly, Arts Enrichment Coordinator, Con Val School District, NH))
“Angela's artist-in-residency filled our school with a new sense of adventure and wonder about the world.” (Denise Buckman, Grantham Village School, NH).
Nationally recognized and telling professionally since 1989, from museums and arts festivals to educators' conferences, schools and libraries in NH, MA, ME, VT, NY, TX and CA, NAPPA award winning storyteller and education consultant
Angela Klingler's animated retellings of traditional world folktales, fable, myths and legends bridges time, culture and curriculum K-8.
(NOTE: An operating room R.N. before beginning her "second career," Angela's programming fosters an increased narrative understanding: engagement, attention, processing, sequencing, memory; the value of and personal investment in curriculum by students and fostering conflict resolution and character development through storytelling.)
Program Titles: World Folktales, Fables, Fairytales, Myth, Legend and Geomythology; Story, Stone, Water, Fire; Fairy, Beasts & Lore; Tricksters, Tall Tales, Traditions, Legends & Lore; The Middle Ages; Colonial America; The Moon & Stars;
Stories Around the Camp Fire; Bold Girls, Wise Women. (NOTE: Developing custom designed interdisciplinary and curriculum specific programming since 1989, visit website for sample programming for: Science, Geomythology; Environment, History; Literacy; Seasonal & Storycraft sessions available.)
Audience Grade Level Suitability: K - 8
Audience Size: No limit, however, a distraction-free room/space large enough to accommodate audience is required.
Special Requirements: If telling outside, electricity for portable sound system.
Fee: $400 for a half day of one to three sessions or evening PTA/PTO Book Fair or Family Night performances, $600 for a full day-up to six
sessions; $800 for full day with post performance Teacher Inservice. Additional travel fee calculated at federal rate may apply.
Residencies, Teacher’s Inservices and Conferences vary and are negotiable. Block scheduling available.
Funding Sources: New England States Touring (NEST) program of the New England Foundation for the Arts
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| MARY
JO MAICHACK MINSTREL/STORYTELLER |
Maichack Arts
93 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 532-3667
Fax (413) 538-6023
E Mail: EmJay7@aol.com
Website: www.maryjomaichack.com/
Winner of two national awards (NAPPA Gold & Honors) for her CDs of storytelling & music, veteran singer and storyteller Mary Jo Maichack
has "got it down to a science," says Pat Pierce of Newington's Lucy Robbins-Welles Library. Mary Jo offers a huge variety of themes for
your library, school (prek-8), museum, festival or other venue, from summer reading club shows to school residencies and professional
development workshops for teachers and parents in using storytelling as oral literacy skill-building. Fun. Fun. Fun.
Aligned with learning standards. Easy, fun and businesslike in making arrangements. Free posters and press releases save you time.
Performer, creative teaching artist, cabaret singer and dynamic teller of folktales, Mary Jo's shows work because they are unusually
interactive. In family and children's programs, your audiences sing, (MJ plays guitar) chant, play instruments, make sound effects,
dance, act in costumes and have a ball. Vastly experienced (22 years) in any age-group or mix of ages. Using multicultural folktales at
the heart of each program, Mary Jo weaves in music, dance & audience play. Please visit Web site for show descriptions from summer
reading to preschools to Halloween and beyond. Winner, Julie Andrews Artist-in-Residence Award, Mass. Cultural Council Stars residency,
NEFA touring artist can help fund your program. B.A. cum laude, English lit., Middlebury College. Extensive foreign language study.
"Clever and engaging," says School Library Journal, "A perfect choice for the literacy path," says L.A. Parent Magazine
As a cabaret singer interpreting the Great American Songbook, Mary Jo brings top notch professional pianists to accompany her and
wow your audience--background or shows. Performed at Pittsfield Mass.'s Colonial Theatre, Cranwell Resort, Berkshire Forum.
Program Titles: Books Are Celebrations—the funniest reading show ever; Everybody Says Hello—Multilingual Fun in Story & Song; The People Could Fly/African-American Folktales and Music; Clever Maidens: Women's History in Folklore and Myth; Greek Myths—ALIVE!, Native American Tales; Skunk Grease & Turpentine (Hilarious Tall Tales & Tunes of American Pioneers); The Minstrel's Revels: A Medieval Romp; Or Would You Rather Be A Fish? Folklore & Songs of the Sea); Howlarious Halloween/Ghost Stories & Songs; Sun, Moon, Stars!; All Together Now/Stories & Songs to Celebrate Diversity; Round the World in Tales & Tunes multicultural show; The Lake of the Croaking Frogs and Other Tales & Tunes of Nature; Preschoolers’ Palooza!; Stinkbug Bugaloo: Stories & Songs of Insects; Meowls & Growls: Animal Tales; After-school programs incorporating performance with teaching kids storytelling skills; Workshops, in-service programs and residencies in storytelling for adults and children; “Oh, Behave! Family Audience Management Essentials for Event Hosts.”
Audience Limit: prefer audiences of 200 and under but will discuss any
Fee: $395 and up
Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils, CT Humanities Council, other
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