Time flies, doesn’t it?  A whole year ago we were preparing for the debut of our second puppetry adaptation, Prince Dung Beetle, and since then we have added collaborators to the project and completed a second creation period to improve the show.  That first version feels far in the past now!

The image above is a snapshot of the new version of Prince Dungbeetle, with an updated script and expanded toy theatre sections (toy theatre is a two dimensional puppetry tradition).

The best part about this re-working of the show was realizing the value of collaborators.  When only our core company of three is working in the studio, we have no one to act as an outside eye.  We can record video of ourselves rehearsing, but nothing can replace the eye of a good director.

Last fall we were lucky enough to bring Anne Lalancette on board as a rehearsal director and puppetry coach for Prince Dung Beetle.  She worked wonders!  Developing any number of aspects from acting to choreography and puppet mechanics, our sessions with her brought the show to a new level.

Along side the creation of this puppet show we’ve been developing and testing workshops for kids and parents that can connect to the performance.  Our favorite version so far involves leading our young audience members to make musical maracas which they later play during the show.  It’s very rewarding to guide children to learn hands-on skills and then see them expressing themselves and having fun during our shows.

Stay tuned for updates –  Prince Dung Beetle and a hands-on maracas workshop will take place this June!