"The grade four class at St. Peter’s Academy had the pleasure of viewing the production “Lady of the Falls” and taking part in the follow up workshop with Tara Manuel and Michael Rigler. The students were enthralled with the production itself and had many questions about how the creators made the various puppets and were able to incorporate the actors and voices. The workshop was very carefully designed to interest students at this grade level. It included an explanation of all the types of puppets used in the production and answered all the student questions. It also showcased various puppets from different cultures from around the world. The key to the success of the workshop for our school was the providing of a Shadow Puppet Stage like the one showcased in the production. The stage was made by Mr. Rigler from simple materials such as a pizza box, shower curtain, with puppets made from paper, acetate sheets and sticks. The creators showed the students how they made several simple puppets in a very clear, easy to understand way that made the students feel they could make them themselves. In fact, the creators encouraged students to model what they had done and even offered to act as mentors if any assistance was needed following the workshop. The students were so excited to try the techniques they were shown that they wanted to get started immediately to make their own puppets and use the stage the class had been given. I knew the opportunity could not be missed to engage the students in something they were so clearly interested in so we set about to design an activity for the class. We decided to take inspiration from our graffiti board and give each student a change to illustrate a memory they had of their year in grade four. During our design session, I did reach out for advice on the proper paper to use and received a prompt and helpful response from Tara which was much appreciated. The class designed many puppets using techniques shown in the workshop and incorporated some changes of their own that felt worked better for them to get color. They worked together, wrote scripts and rehearsed their presentations. Due to Covid restrictions we could not assemble a large audience but we did invite our principal to view the performances. She, as well as myself, was very impressed with the work the students were able to create and the enthusiasm they showed for this artform. I would readily take part in future performances and workshops of this type if available from Ms. Manuel and Mr. Rigler. They created a well-balanced workshop that was delivered at a level easily understood by grade four students. The delivery of the puppet stage was a key element in taking the workshop from the hands of the creators and putting it into the hands of the students. The students were encouraged to try a new artform with which they had great success and they enjoyed greatly. The students took their puppets home and left school that day talking about going home to make some on their own. A worthwhile endeavor indeed.
Mrs. Nancy O’Quinn
St. Peter’s Academy
Benoit’s Cove, NL.
St. Peter's Academy, Benoit's Cove
"Thanks again for the wonderful presentation. The children were excited and engaged the whole time. The ideas and skills presented are so useful to use with other areas of the curriculum, especially Language Arts. Also, the children learned that it is okay to make mistakes and that they can learn and improve from them. This was definitely one of the best presentations I have had the pleasure of attending. I am so glad that my students got to experience it. We will be using the skills we learned today in the LLC to write plays and perform them. I would recommend this presentation to all schools. Tara and Michael are phenomenal at what they do! "
Warna Harris-Savoury
Grade 4/ Teacher-Librarian
Green Bay South Academy
"Hi Tara and Michael,
I just wanted to email to thank you for all of your efforts during the past three sessions. My
students have enjoyed the opportunity to learn from you and to create their own Shadow Box Puppet Plays and I certainly appreciate your positive, constructive feedback for each group. My Grade 6 class will definitely use your suggestions as they prepare to present
their plays to other classes in the school.
Once again, thank you so very much for the opportunity to participate in these valuable
workshops. Please feel free to contact me again in the future should any similar opportunities arise. All the best!"
Penny Pinsent
St. Mary’s Elementary
St. John’s NL.
"Thank You both SO MUCH for reaching out to our school and putting off an incredible
workshop yesterday! Our students couldn't stop talking about it! I certainly hope you enjoy the rest of your stay here!
The Lady of the Falls puppetry play is an absolute must see! Our Grade four students
participated in a workshop with Tara and Michael would just blew us away with their incredible talent! I would strongly encourage everyone and anyone to avail of any upcoming workshops as you will be so pleased, educated and amused! Our students engaged in hands-on learning and were treated with such kindness and respect while participating in puppet making! This amazing experience will be talked about for years to come in our students' homes and amongst their peers! Thank You for providing a little piece of an "Arts and Culture" experience to us on the Burin Peninsula when we have nothing in our surrounding area that even compares! We look forward to the possibility of future events! "
Stephanie Breon
B.Ed., M.Ed.
Sacred Heart Academy, Marystown
"Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with our students. Everyone, including staff, took away a joy and fulfillment from the day you created. On behalf of Grey River, thank you!"
Jonathan Morry
Principal, All Saints All-Grade
Grey River, NL
"Awesome! Our teachers and kiddos loved it! Thanks again for fitting us in!" Joshua Whittle
Assistant Principal, Sacred Heart Academy
Marystown, NL
"
Lady of the Falls is a lovely, meaningful show that incorporates so much artistry -- from set creation, to puppetry, to music, to acting, and videography. The show is engaging to all ages through storytelling. Students learn about environmental conservation -- taking what we need from our environment to ensure there is more for another time, another year, and another generation. There is a theme of bravery -- such a great connection to social emotional learning that so many students need to hear about. The show was truly fantastic and enjoyed by our younger and older viewers. Our two grade 4 classes had the privilege of attending a puppetry workshop with Tara Manuel and Michael Rigler. This session was informative and creative. The shadow puppet kit that was delivered to the school became a favourite class activity, even during recess and lunch times! My favourite part of the workshop was when Michael called himself a make-believe professional. Students truly saw that using your imagination is a great skill to develop and carry on in life, maybe even build a career out of it! With such a focus in education right now on deep learning -- citizenship, character, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication -- the Lady of the Falls show and workshop can engage students in all elements of this philosophy. The arts, including the world of puppetry, is a great avenue to explore the core learning outcomes. -- Jennifer Stratton-Renouf Teacher, J.J. Curling Elementary School (K-6)"
Jennifer Stratton-Renouf
Teacher, J.J. Curling Elementary School
Corner Brook, NL
Inquiries welcome
Do you have any questions about our workshops or shows? Please feel free to reach out and ask away!