N.B.  Registration deadlines are one week before each class.  Winter/Spring classes TBA

Fall 2023 classes included: Marionette Basics, Shadow Puppetry, Toy Theatre, & Teach Your Puppet to Act

WINTER AND SPRING CLASSES 2024

001 LOW TECH VIDEO & SHADOW – with Tim Gosley in association with Theatre Inconnu.  Two Sessions – February 4th and 11th, from 1 to 2:30 EST. 

In person in BC – Enrollment $200

Or on-line – Enrollment $100

In the first of these two sessions, Tim demonstrates numerous simple and inexpensive techniques to create engaging live video and LED shadow imagery with your cell phone and other easily accessible equipment.  Over the week between the sessions, you create an exploration that you present for the other participants either live or pre-recorded in the second session.  Since 1980, Tim Gosley has enjoyed a career in television including with the Muppets and worked in live theatre exploring live video, LED shadows and other techniques. He lives in Victoria, BC and is currently waiting to hear if a Toronto TV pilot is going to air.

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002 PUPPETEERING FOR TV – with Frank Meschkuleit.  In person at Puppetmonger’s Studio, on February – 18th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enrollment $125

This one-day intensive will help the budding puppeteer or experienced manipulator elevate their craft. Viewed through the lens of the camera, puppetry takes on an exciting, personal dynamic- as well as presenting many challenges!  Join 40 year veteran Frank Meschkuleit, with credits including “Fraggle Rock”, for an intensive day of Fun!  For over 40 years, Frank has been one of Canada’s most sought-after puppeteers. Experienced in film, tv, stage, and commercial puppet manipulation, Frank welcomes the opportunity to share the lessons and insights learned from working with Jim Henson’s Muppets, to his live adult puppet shows which have sold out runs across Canada.

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003 MASK MAKING – with David Powell.  In person at Puppetmonger’s Studio, March 3rd, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enrollment $125

Learn how to create light-weight, flexible, long-lasting masks from Bristol board, masking tape and acrylic paint.  This unusual technique, devised by David, turns a flat surface into a three-dimensional object – a skill that can be adapted to make many other things… including puppet heads.  David Powell is a founding member of Puppetmongers Theatre and the Toronto School of Puppetry.  He has led workshops on many-many puppetry techniques and made masks for quite a few theatre and dance companies, and for several Puppetmonger Theatre productions.  www.puppetmongers.com

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004 SIMPLE WOODEN PUPPETS – with John and Kathy Nolan of Rag & Bone Theatre.  On-line, April 14th, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. EST. Enrollment $60.

From kid’s workshops to professional collaborations, we love to make puppets out of wood. This workshop will take participants through some of our favorite processes, including ways to find faces in random shapes that are then glued together, using appliquéd fabric and paper for features and costumes, and adding handles.

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005 LISTEN UP- On-line with John Nolan of Rag & Bone Theatre.  April 21st, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. EST. Enrollment $60.

Good sound is essential but often overlooked. We’ll talk about ways to arrange your space for less echo, fewer extraneous noises, and more clarity; options for mic placement; choosing mics and recording equipment; processing and editing techniques; and places to find sound effects and music.  With John Nolan of Rag & Bone Theatre.

Ottawa based John Nolan and Kathy MacLellan, of UNIMA award winning Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre, have created, produced, and toured over 20 shows and collaborated with other companies on many more. We’ve also taught many workshops for all ages on making puppets out of wood.  https://ragandbone.ca

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006 PUPPET FILM MAKING!  – with Robin Pulfuss of RoRo Arts.  Three sessions: May 5th 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in-person at Puppetmonger’s Studio, and then May 12th online, with a.m. and p.m. sessions. Enrollment $220

Planning, Shooting and Editing; How to Make Movies with Puppets. Learn the ins and outs of making movies with puppetry, from story boarding to editing – by DOING IT!  The first Sunday is in-person, there will be some homework during the week, the second Sunday will be online, and you’ll make a short puppet film!

Robin is a whimsical storyteller, puppet builder and performer at festivals and events.  She makes short films, organizes online and in-person Puppet Slams, and teaches puppet building & performing workshops.  RoRo Art is her toy-making business, and Puppet What What is the irrepressible sock puppet who bosses her around.  www.youtube.com@sockpuppety

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N.B. If there is enough interest, we will also offer a BEYOND BASIC MARIONETTE course in winter/spring 2024 – please email us at <school@puppetmongers.com> if you want this.

In-Class workshops and residencies

Available all school year / Grades 1-8 / Start at $300 for a half day / $550 for a full day / Fees for longer workshops are negotiable

Puppetmongers assist students in the creation of their own rod puppet, shadow puppet or toy theatre productions, using readily available materials and tools, and introduce techniques of playmaking. These workshops can be tailored to support curriculum. A series of half-day visits allows for greater depth and exploration.

Curriculum links: Knowledge of Drama & Visual Arts Elements; Creative Work; Critical Thinking; Introduce Puppetry & Theatre Arts; Oral & Visual Communication; Science & Technology –Ingenuity with Simple Materials.  Character Education: Teamwork

For further information or to make a booking, please contact Ann at ann@puppetmongers.com 416-538-6210

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FREE HOW-TO-DO-IT PUPPET MAKING VIDEOS 

For Junior, Senior and Intermediate students / available all school year / add an online follow-up session at $100/hour, contact ann@puppetmongers.com 416-538-6210

FOR JUNIOR GRADES

How to make Shadow puppets

How to make Colourful Shadow Puppets

How to make a Shadow Puppet box screen

Rod puppets for Younger Children

Toy theatres for Younger Children

How to make 2D paper puppets

FOR SENIOR AND INTERMEDIATE GRADES

How to make Shadow puppets

How to make Colourful Shadow Puppets

How to make a Shadow Puppet box screen

Rod puppets for Older Children

Toy theatres for Older Children

Curriculum links: Knowledge of Drama & Visual Arts Elements; Creative Work; Critical Thinking; Oral & Visual Communication; Introduce Puppetry & Theatre Arts; Science & Technology –Ingenuity with Simple Materials

WE ALSO OFFER ALSO OFFER WORKSHOPS IN HIGH SCHOOLS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS

For further information or to make a booking, please contact Ann at ann@puppetmongers.com 416-538-6210

Available all school year / Grades 1 to 3; 4 to 6; 7 & 8 / Audience maximum 100 / $500 in the GTA / 1 hour; includes Q & A?

Both an introduction to the intriguing diversity of puppetry traditions around the world, and a demonstration of simple classroom-friendly puppet making techniques, this presentation appeals to students’ imaginations and sense of wonder. It also gives teachers a solid technical basis with which to inspire creativity in follow-up classroom activities in this interdisciplinary art form.  Please note that this is not a hands-on workshop for the students – For in class workshops Please visit this page.

Each presentation is tailored to be audience-age appropriate Curriculum Connections: Science & technology–Ingenuity with Simple Materials; Knowledge of Drama & Visual Arts Elements; Critical Thinking; Introduce Puppetry & Theatre Arts; Heritage & Citizenship; Oral & Visual communication.

“Very informative – historical background provided… great selection of puppets… an excellent demonstration… a great art lesson!!  

“Great ideas on how children can make their own puppets and theatres! I love that!”   St James Catholic School

For further information or to make a booking, contact Ann at ann@puppetmongers.com 416-538-6210

An end-of-fall-term Excursion for school groups

At the Tarragon Extraspace, 30 Bridgman Avenue, Toronto / December 21, 22, & 23, 10:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. / Grades 1 to 8 / Approximately 50 minutes, plus optional post-show Q&A.

Until November 15^th, tickets are $10 each* Or book the Whole Theatre (80 seats) for $750.  After November 15th, tickets are $12 each* Or book the Whole Theatre (80 seats) for $900.  *N.B. Each 20 seat booking includes 1 free Teacher Ticket (i.e. book 20, pay for 19)

Laced with Puppetmongers’ inimitable humour and delightful storytelling, Bed & Breakfast is a charming feminist adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Princess and the Pea, set in a magnificent miniature mansion of the Edwardian era, peopled with tiny puppet Royalty and servants. Students are intrigued by the captivating detail, while entranced by the story and transfixed by the power of make-believe.

Outstanding! …. We were able to follow-up the performance by discussing Ann’s clever problem-solving skills, creativity and script writing. We were also able to hinge an art activity which appropriately reinforces both our units of study and the play.  St Francis de Sales Catholic School

Directed by Sue Miner, and laced with Puppetmongers’ inimitable humour and delightful storytelling, Bed & Breakfast brings history to life, challenges gender and social class stereotypes, and celebrates patience, perseverance and problem solving, both of the characters in the story and in the seven years it took to create the splendidly detailed set, puppets and props.

Curriculum Connections: Knowledge of Drama & Visual Arts Elements; Creative Work; Critical Thinking; Oral & Visual Communication; Problem Solving; Self & Society; Social and Class Relationships; Equity Studies

Character education: Perseverance; Self-esteem; the Value of Teamwork; Empathy

The students were mesmerized for one hour! Superb …. The students thought it was excellent! “Oohs” and “Aahs” circulated through the audience. Fabulous! I’d love to see it again! Bravo!      Parkdale PS

A fascinating and truly delightful performance.    Bruce PS

For further information or to make a booking, please contact Ann at ann@puppetmongers.com 416-538-6210

Available in schools Winter & Spring terms 2024 / Grades K to 3, Audience maximum 200: Grades K to 6, Audience maximum 250 / $650 in the GTA / 45 minutes plus optional post-show Q&A.

Four classic tales of misadventure are combined to take the audience on a journey of venerable folk wisdom, in a celebration of our shared humanity. Presented in a deceptively simple, low-tech style, the play highlights how we humans can overlook the obvious when we worry needlessly about the impossible, take advice without thinking, or use yesterday’s solutions to solve today’s problems; these traditional tales have it all!

Watch a short excerpt video.

This richly imaginative production, with each story playfully told using a different style of puppetry – from human-sized to hand puppet, table-top to kitchenware – kindles creativity, inspires role play and encourages thinking outside the box. 

Excellent presentation: fun was had by the students and teachers. We would have them back again and recommend to other schools.  Children’s Garden School

A Study Guide is available on request

Curriculum Connections: Knowledge of Drama & Visual Arts Elements; Creative Work; Critical Thinking; Introduce Puppetry and Theatre Arts; Oral & Visual Communication; Problem Solving

Character Education: Humility; Self-esteem; Co-operation; Learning from Mistakes

I wish they could come to our school every day!    A Student, Lockview PS

For further information or to make a booking, please contact Ann at ann@puppetmongers.com 416-538-6210

Available fall 2023 / Grades K to 8 / Audience maximum 250 / $650 in the GTA / 45 minutes plus optional post-show Q&A.

Guaranteed to stimulate imaginations and spark creative thinking, the Brick Bros. Circus is a complete miniature one-ring circus, performed by highly trained building bricks in itty bitty costumes. Be amazed by the acrobatic Bildovitch Family, awestruck by the breathtaking Madame Brikaskova on her High Trapeze, astounded by the unbelievable Brick Contortionist… and much much more!

See a short clip from the show

Challenging preconceived perceptions of objects and materials and employing simple mechanical ingenuity, this inventive production brings the world of play, creativity and performance to life, brick by brick by brick.

The students really enjoyed this quirky and creative puppet theatre, as did the teachers! I have never seen a more creative and unique show! Our students are not frequently exposed to theatre and having this opportunity… really changed the way they view theatre. They now know that theatre is not exclusive or prejudiced, but an open-minded, exciting and accessible art form!                          Centennial PS

A Study Guide is available on request

Curriculum Connections: Knowledge of Drama & Visual Arts Elements; Creative Work; Critical Thinking; Introduce Puppetry and Theatre Arts; Oral & Visual Communication; Problem Solving; Simple Machines – ingenuity with simple materials.

The students loved it. It was the topic of conversation for quite a few days after. The show was thought provoking and exposed our students to a different type of humour… Many of the teachers used this performance as an opportunity to inspire many forms of writing by the students… I listened in on a few follow up discussions in classrooms and was amazed at thoughts and opinions students had.                                                       W.E. Gowling P.S.

For further information or to make a booking, please contact Ann at ann@puppetmongers.com 416-538-6210

Click here for the digital program

Click here for tickets

DAYTIME PROGRAM – Sunday June 5th – STARTING AT 2:00 p.m. ET

2:00 P.M.  There and Back Again, From Live Shows to Virtual Shows to ?!  Three companies discuss their transitions from live shows to pre-recorded work, online streaming, and hybrid presentations. Has the pandemic profoundly changed our companies, our industry, and our audiences’ expectations? Panelists: John Nolan and Kathy MacLellan of Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre and Robin Polfuss of RoRoArt.

2:30 p.m.  Channels: Creating a Puppet Show from Found Audio.  How I turned an audio collage into a celebration of bad television, starring an unlucky channel-surfing puppet. Follow me through workshopping a script, building a stage, and creating special effects. Presenter: Grant Harding (The Abstractions) studied puppetry at Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia. He has created short puppet films, live concert visuals, and puppet templates for children.

3:00 p.m.  Light & Shadow: from Shadow Puppetry to 2D Platformer.  Light & Shadow is a free-to-play, 2D platform video game being developed by Shadowland Theatre and Flawed Designs. The game explores anxiety and depression through the artistic style of shadow puppetry. Presenters: Sequoia Erickson of Shadowland Theatre, and Robin Careless of Flawed Designs. Shadowland Theatre creates theatre that is expressive in style, highly imaginative in concept, and spectacular in execution.  Flawed Designs is a media production company that specializes in films and video games.

3:30 p.m.  OCEAN SWING & GARDEN GROOVE –the search for original sound in FRAKTAL THEATRE.  Musical instruments from old, recycled objects. Puppets and set design as musical instruments. Sounds of the changing seasons. Sounds of the ocean, sounds of the mystery. Garden as an orchestra.  Presenter: Ewa Maria Wolska of Teatr FRACTAL (Poland).  Ewa Maria is a director, puppeteer, stop-motion animator. Founder of Teatr FRAKTAL (FRACTAL Theatre), creating original, intímate, poetic performances known for rich visuality, experimental sound, and original instruments.

4:00 p.m.  The White Plague by Karel Čapek: A Cardboard Puppet Production.  Alex and Gabe discuss the puppetry production elements from their winter show about a mysterious, contagious, and lethal disease ravaging the population with doctors around the world racing to find a cure.  Presenters: Alexandra Montagnese and Gabriel Levine. As curators, Gabe and Alex have collaborated (along with three other puppet enthusiasts) on Toronto’s Seasonal Experimental Puppetry Cabaret: Concrete Cabaret since 2018. The White Plague is their first directorial collaboration.

EVENING CABARET OF VIDEOS – (not in scheduled order yet) Sunday June 5th – STARTING AT 7:00 p.m. EDT

Jovita Idár: A Maiden of Justice.  Created for the 2020 Women’s Suffrage Pageant at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, this toy theatre piece honours Jovita Idár’s courageous work as a journalist, teacher, political activist, and civil rights worker.  Performer: Genna Beth Davidson is a puppeteer, actress, musician, and graduate student in the UConn Puppet arts program.

Ottawa Valley Stories.  A 6-minute film of mini-object performances expressing stories of social goodness, with local artists/residents of Killaloe, Ontario in August 2020 – part of Jumblies’ Grounds for Goodness project. groundsforgoodness.ca  Performers: Jumblies and Ruth Howard make art with, for and about people and places. This video was produced in partnership with Ottawa Valley Creative Arts, filmed and edited by Studio Dreamshare.

Jack be Limber.  These Laughing-Limberjacks and Limberjackys are musical instruments and Irish/British folk-like dancing, paddle puppets. Each is manipulated by an elastic string attached to its head and a vibrating paddle at its feet.  Performers: Linda Fitz is a retired 3D animator, now video editing and making and animating limberjacks. Steve Paul Simms is a singer-songwriter, actor, guitarist, seniors’ entertainer who regularly performs his original music.

The Awkward Date.  You can’t always tell everything about your date from their picture, but it still might work out! Or… maybe not?  A short video on the perils of dating.  Performer: Robin Polfuss is a storyteller, puppet builder and puppeteer at live festivals and events, and has been making short films for Slams and YouTube.  She teaches puppet building & performing workshops.

It Only Takes the Smallest Light… The Journey to LuminUS.  During the darkest days of the pandemic, the Lumins come to life for Clay and Paper Theatre, artful expressions of sculpture, light, music, large scale puppetry and spectacle.  Performers:  Since 1994, Clay & Paper Theatre has been producing plays, pageants and parades with and for the community, grounded in the idea that performance in public space is an act of cultural transformation.

An Elderly Lady Is Up To No Good – Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre.  An excerpt from a work in progress hybrid (film/live) show for adult audiences, about an 88-year-old Maud, who pretends to be vague and helpless but is really a cold-hearted killer.  Performers: Rag & Bone has created shows, toured, and worked in TV since 1978, earning an ACTRA award and a Citation of Excellence in the Art of Puppetry from UNIMA.

Short Attention Spa is Tall Attention Spa.  Small town comedians Short Attention Spa takes their act to new heights in this improvised giant puppet documentary.  Performers: Short Attention Spa is the duo of Lenny Epstein and Gavin North. They practice the art of making people laugh. Mostly they do that through comedy.

And an afterparty chatroom Zoom for everyone 

Click here for tickets!