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"Mosquito is out, it's the end of the day; she's humming and hunting her evening away. Who knows why such hunger arrives on such wings at sundown? I guess it's the nature of things."
--
N. M. Boedecker, Midsummer Night Itch
Poem:
www.egreenway.com/... June 2009
Image & Story:
www.cbc.ca/news/... June 2009
W.P. Puppet Theatre Society
Review 2008-09
Things have changed again at W.P. Puppet Theatre Society. As of April 30th 2009, Wendy resigned from the Creative Kids Museum at TELUS World of Science -Calgary.
After opening and running this exciting new space for three years she felt it was time to get back to full time Artistic and Managing Director 'puppet' work and her visual artist work.
As we go forward WPTS has a number of very exciting initiatives:
First we have launched our Puppets on the Go - crate based outreach program with our first crate "Introducing Shadow Puppets" already receiving rave reviews from over fourteen bookings.
"There were endless ideas and so simple you could adapt to any part of the curriculum" Grade 2/3 teacher
"You've done a great job at putting it together - so well organized. We had an amazing time!" Grade 4 teacher
"My grade 7/8 students used "My Many Coloured Days" as a presentation for the Grade Ones. We had a fantastic time exploring the world of shadows" Grade 7/8 teacher
Our second crate "Rod Puppets for grades 3-4 has just been tested and we will develop two more crates over the summer. We are now taking bookings for the 2009-10 year. (more info at www.wppuppet.com/...)
Secondly work on our new show “Finding My Song: By Bird" has completed the first phase. We are now going forward with building and rehearsal. We're thrilled that Duval Lang, recently of Quest Theatre is the director.
Third we have a strong and enthusiastic board of directors who are coming together as we review our operating statements and develop up to date strategic and communication plans.
For 2009-10 Wendy will be offering school residencies, teachers PD and conventions and other selected work. She is also launching the Puppet Exploration course as described below.
Puppet Exploration Course Outline
Lead by Wendy Passmore-Godfrey, BFA
Artistic Director W.P. Puppet Theatre
Venue:
- WPTS home workshop NW Calgary.
Fee:
- $85.00 + GST per double session includes materials and coffee break.
- Free for volunteers with seven or more banked hours.
- $200.00 +GST for all six sessions. OR free for volunteers with 21 or more banked hours.
Pre registration for sessions is required. Please call 402 228 3373 or email wppuppet@telus.net
Duration:
- three - four hours
The proposed sessions balance academic and philosophical conversation on the art of puppetry with hands on puppet creation and presentation. Participants are welcome to suggest topics and themes of interest. Initially six sessions are planned, but can be continued if there is interest. Guest artists are a possibility as are group field trips to puppet related events. Handouts and back ground information is supplied.
Shadow Puppets
| Session One: | Wed, Sept 23 |
| Introduction: | Shadow puppet overview – around the world and back in time |
| Wendy present: | Shadow puppets tricks, techniques, ideas and more |
| Creative Time: | Participants plan, create shadow puppets and plays to present at next session |
| Book Club: | Introduce concept. Review and choose a puppetry book form WPTS library to |
| Session Two: | Wed, Oct 7 |
| Book Club: | Present your book, discussion. Hand out essay for next session talking |
| Present: | Shadow plays and discuss. |
| View: | Shadow puppet films as time permits. |
Making Heads
| Session Three: | Wed, Oct 21 |
| Book Club: | Discuss Power of Puppetry essay. Pick country for puppet research for next session. |
| Wendy present: | Paper mache methods and methods to make puppet, intro to character development |
| Creative Time: | Participants begin a puppet character |
| Session Four: | Wed, Nov 4 |
| Book Club: | Present your book, discussion. Hand out essay for next session talking |
| Present: | Shadow plays and discuss. |
| View: | Shadow puppet films as time permits. |
Characterization/Object Puppetry
| Session Five: | Wed, Nov 18 |
| Book Club: | Present puppet characters, Puppet quotes to ponder |
| Wendy present: | Wide world of puppetry - Around the world and back in time. What is puppetry? |
| Creative Time: | Play with object puppets, present improvisational skits |
| Session Six: | Wed, Dec 6 |
| Book Club: | Present quotes to ponder, discuss |
| Present: | Solo presentation and video of a developed piece from one of the earlier sessions. Discuss. |
| Discuss: | Next steps. |
Calgary Puppet Club
Companion sessions
Participants in the Puppet Exploration Course are invited to come to the CPC sessions for further fascinating puppet experiences.
Free, as the CPC has granted membership to all those in the course.
Fall 2009 CPC activities plan to feature a movie, animated film, documentary etc. a guest artist and mini hands-on component.
Check back for the confirmed program at: http://members.shaw.ca/puppetclub/ or contact puppetclub@shaw.ca
Dates:
Wednesday, September 9th,
Wednesday, October 14th,
Wednesday, December 16th (tentative)
Puppets for Peace Employment Opportunity
Job Title:
Program Director, Part-time contract
Salary:
$25.00/hr, starting with a minimum 20 hours per month for eight months’ work. (Approximately $500.00 monthly; $9,000.00 yearly minimum)
Deadline:
Position open until July 15th or until suitable candidate is found Preferred start date is August 4th, 2009
Location:
Calgary, Alberta
More Information:
Click here for PDF
Thank you to our Supporters
Special thanks to our 2008-09 volunteer board members Erin, Russell, Carly, Alejandra, Teresa, Janelle, Claudia and Zoe.
And to others we work with:
Iron Lava Corp for our web site and Epost development and maintenance
And Amy – our bookkeeper
And Sarah – our casino chairperson
And Thalia – graphic designer
And Kate – fund development
And Dynamex Couriers
We welcome new volunteers - please contact wppuppet@telus.net for current opportunities.
Thank you to Alberta Foundation for the Arts for their continuing financial support.
Thank you also to Calgary Arts Development.
Other news bits
ANIMOTION 2009 - Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, one of Canada's most respected puppetry arts producers, will once again offer a unique training program. Under the auspices of Mermaid's Institute of Puppetry Arts, the four-week puppetry intensive for performers will run from August 3rd - 28th, 2009. A limited number of participants will explore a range of puppetry styles, broadening their frame of reference and skill set. Faculty will include an outstanding roster of Atlantic Canada's leading professionals. ANIMOTION 2009 will take place at Mermaid's headquarters in Windsor, NS, which is a 35-minute trip from Halifax. Cost is $1130 (HST included). For more information or a brochure please contact Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia's Institute of Puppetry Arts - 902-798-5841 ext. 7, animotion@mermaidtheatre.ns.ca, or visit our website www.mermaidtheatre.ns.ca
Check out: Canada Puppet Zone E-list
This is a great resource for what’s going on in the Canadian puppet world - WP
Hello, we are committed to revealing Canada's diverse and thriving puppetry scene. This list is by now means complete.
Send puppet listings and comments, or to receive email bulletins: Dawn Schell & Tim Gosley at canadapuppetzone@gmail.com