Prior to 2020, the puppets and I performed live and taught in person so we were travelling all the time. Now, it’s like we have a superpower we didn’t know we had and I know a lot of you reading this have discovered the same superpower too.
Over the past 18 months, we have done virtual field trips, puppet making workshops, performances and instruction all online. Filmed shows have gone out to Northern BC, Fraser Valley, Powell River and locally in the Lower Mainland and it has been an adventure in virtual space. I’ve also provided ventriloquism and puppetry lessons to students all over including India, the United States and England. Just this past week my puppets and I did a virtual field trip into the world of puppetry for blind and partially sighted students and they were incredible. It’s summer camp time and we are having a blast making puppets and learning how to help puppets talk and sing.
I have a confession to make and you mustn’t tell anyone but the truth is I haven’t always been a computer wiz, if you know what I mean. I’ve improved my computer skills with lots of help and now with the click of a mouse I can be half way around the world. I feel fortunate to have access to the technology that allows me to work from my home and I’m also excited to get back on stage and in schools and theatres live in person.
I continue to teach one on one and have a diverse group of amazing students from children to youth to adults. Teaching keeps all of us on our toes. Remember, I don’t just have students, I have students who have puppets and they can be a handful. The truth is, puppets are for any age and make every encounter fun and unpredictable. Often my students are surprised by some of the things their puppets come up with. One of my younger students now has a puppet who puppeteers another smaller puppet quite well actually.
Puppetry is about more than just having fun even though having fun is one of the most important things in the world. Learning puppetry skills and bringing a puppet to life helps us develop empathy, creativity and confidence. I am so pleased that we have been able to keep the wheels turning through this pandemic and we are looking forward to someday when the time is right, getting back out on the road. Until then, take care everyone and please do connect if you would like to visit virtually with the puppets and me.
Contact Kellie at kelliehaines@shaw.ca to set up your introductory lesson or book a virtual field trip today!
Shawn and I would like to say thank you so much for an incredible day yesterday! Our kids clearly responded so well and loved the workshop! And I think our kids learned a lot and it was an excellent introduction to ventriloquism and puppets! Shawn and I as well found it so fun. It was perfectly adapted and accessible to our kids. Thank you from all of us at Blind Beginnings, we are so grateful to have connected with you.
Emily, Blind Beginnings
