Maritime Marionettes, founded by puppeteers Heather and Darryll Taylor, have entertained audiences in Canada and abroad, performing in English or French, since 1986. They have travelled in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America with their stringed creations, giving their audiences an opportunity to see a unique and ancient art brought to life at the hands of two gifted puppeteers.The company creates its productions from concept to finished product. This includes making and fashioning the marionette figures that feature in the shows, to the sets, props and costuming of the productions.
Heather and Darryll began working together in 1984 with the Kids’ Express Puppet Troupe, Halifax NS. Then, after a full season of apprenticeship and touring with David Syrotiak’s National Marionette Theatre (Pennsylvania) the Taylors began their company, Maritime Marionettes, based in Truro, Nova Scotia.
Workshop Offerings:
Introduction to Puppetry
Time: 35-50 minutes
Space Requirements:
-a large room with open floor space
– blinds on windows.
– one long table, or gym bench or counter space
– approx. 6 chairs.
Description
For a class of students this is an engaging, hands on experience with simple to complex professional puppets. Short scenarios provide inspiration for young people to explore movement with the puppets.
‣ building confidence
‣ working together
‣ making puppets look alive
Heather presents the first half of the workshop on Shadow Puppetry. She instructs the students on the basic concepts and manipulation of shadow puppets and leads them through several scenes. The students are able to try a variety of puppets.
Darryll has a long row of hanging racks for up to 30 marionettes from simple to more complex. After the students have finished with shadow puppetry, he gives the students a demonstration and instruction on the marionettes, followed by free time for them to try the marionettes themselves. They continue to receive individual instruction on the marionettes upon request during the free time.
Teachers and staff are welcome to participate in the activities.
Rod Puppetry Making Workshop
Time: 75 minutes
Grades P to 8
Space Requirements
-Work Tables and chairs for participants.
-Extra Work tables for materials
-Accessible electrical outlets
In this workshop students create their own puppet to take home. They learn the basic operation of the puppet in a fun play by rod puppets, Penelope and Fred the clown.
All supplies are prepared and brought to the workshop by Maritime Marionettes. The students receive basic step by step directions, and are provided ample opportunity to create their own unique character.
Max 25 students per workshop.
