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I didn’t know what to expect when I set up the puppet theater two weeks ago—whether it would be popular or sit unattended. I have always been interested in children’s storytelling and have incorporated some form of story-making into my curriculum year after year. But this has become more than storytelling--it is an evolving experience complete with intermission, theater coaches, light handlers, and ticket makers/takers. I have not directed any of this—it has completely evolved from the children. Several times each day someone says, “I have a puppet show.” If Jack is around, his ears perk up and he jumps into action as our “coach.” I’m not sure how it came to be that he would be the theater coach—I think it was self-proclaimed. But what is interesting to me is that it is accepted and has not once been disputed that indeed, Jack is our coach. Coaching involves making sure the puppeteers are ready and have what they need, swiping tickets, telling everyone when the show is starting, and having a special seat in the loft where he can oversee the production. If Jack is not around or is busy, the show goes on without him, albeit a little less organized. Tickets are quickly cut and “swiped,” the classroom lights are turned off and the theater lights are turned on. There is usually an audience of about 5-7. The curtains are opened, and the show begins. When it is over, we repeat the process. Here is the interesting part—so far, the stories have not been extremely captivating, yet the storytellers hold the attention of their peers as if they were showing a Disney movie. I have been “invited” into this world not as a teacher, but as a participant, and I too am mesmerized by the mundane stories. I am grateful to have been brought into this world. The storytelling is often very simple 5 liners, or so completely complicated that it’s hard to keep track of the characters and plot. But they almost always start with “Once upon a time” and end with “They lived happily ever after,” and something magical happens during the middle. During these shows, time is suspended. We are a group, a community of tellers and watchers linked together by the fuzzy little creatures on the end of our hands.
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Tricia Windschitl
5 day teacher |