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The storytelling begins with the sounds of the spring peepers in the wetlands in CT. A frog puppet appears with a great surprise catching everyone's attention from the start. We journey through each ... Read more

The storytelling begins with the sounds of the spring peepers in the wetlands in CT. A frog puppet appears with a great surprise catching everyone's attention from the start. We journey through each season with the use of song, dance, storytelling, puppetry and mask performance. The focus of cycles opens up discussion about what happens throughout based on the sun and how that affects plants and animals. As leaves begin to bloom the trees' branches appear to be extending towards the sun as it gradually gets higher with the tilt of the earth"s rotation. Eventually, they fall in autumn in order to warm the earth and protect burrowing ground animals and plants for the next season. Snow also becomes a way to insulate the burrows on top of the leaves as well.

Performing Artist Adelka Polak describes her experience of moving from and urban to rural environment. She suddenly realizes that she is afraid of the dark until she began noticing the various systems through observations and learning about them. The more she learned about each of the animals, plants and cycles of the seasons the less afraid of the dark she became.

Adelka Polak tells personal accounts of encounters with wild animals as well along with her observations of the seasons. This performance accompanied by live music engages audience to consider how we fit into and affect the natural world. The whole world becomes personified through various puppets born from the imagination of the artist in hopes of being a creative way to stimulate classroom discussions in both the arts and sciences.

The first workshop we can create fly puppets for "the frog to eat" during the performance. That would not take longer than 30 minutes. Then the performance is usually 45 minutes, but it could be mod... Read more

The first workshop we can create fly puppets for "the frog to eat" during the performance. That would not take longer than 30 minutes. Then the performance is usually 45 minutes, but it could be modified upon request.

We bring the performance, including puppets, masks and live music with Portable PA system. For Arts Access Workshop #1 fly puppet-making:Black Velvet Tapefabric-wrapped ... Read more

We bring the performance, including puppets, masks and live music with Portable PA system.

For Arts Access Workshop #1
fly puppet-making:
Black Velvet Tape
fabric-wrapped wire
wire cutters

Open Space at least 20' wide x 10' deep.Seating for children, teachers, parents, etc.*Puppet-making workshop requires tables for children to work at to create. They can stand. They do not need... Read more

Open Space at least 20' wide x 10' deep.Seating for children, teachers, parents, etc.
*Puppet-making workshop requires tables for children to work at to create. They can stand. They do not need chairs for this.

I CAN see how visual art can express an idea within a story (using visual language to accompany the verbal language). I CAN see how puppetry relates to dance, because it requires the move... Read more

I CAN see how visual art can express an idea within a story (using visual language to accompany the verbal language).

I CAN see how puppetry relates to dance, because it requires the movement of objects to bring life to what would otherwise be a static form when not used by a performer.

I CAN see how puppetry, dance and music depicted local animals & plants in the seasons.

I CAN understand how actions of people have a reaction on the environment and land that we live on.

I CAN observe the world around me to learn how it works just like the performer has in the stories she tells. i.e. the cycles of the seasons and how frogs live during each one; the importance of space exploration to see the world from a new perspective; how leaves dance throughout the seasons based on the height of the sun in the season.

I CAN overcome fears by learning something about what it is I am afraid of.

I CAN identify similarities, differences, and links between people, animals and the ecosystem that we inhabit.

This program is very unique and interesting for all ages. Everyone will have a story of their own to share afterwards as a follow up of interactions with local plants and wildlife. Note: This program... Read more

This program is very unique and interesting for all ages. Everyone will have a story of their own to share afterwards as a follow up of interactions with local plants and wildlife. Note: This program has been performed outdoors or indoors, so consider the fun option of an outdoor performance, if the school wants to explore this as a possibility.

With the Arts Program it would be helpful to have caregivers help with the workshop of making fly puppets beforehand, if that is chosen as a pre show activity. They can also help with our ... Read more

With the Arts Program it would be helpful to have caregivers help with the workshop of making fly puppets beforehand, if that is chosen as a pre show activity.

They can also help with our load in/out of materials, if they are available. They can aid in the transfer of items to/from the space before or after the show. Also, we may need something to be present on a light board and help us with finding outlets, etc to plug our portable PA system into, if someone is familiar with the space.