I was thinking about teaching puppetry in public schools. Does anyone have any good ideas for me that might help?

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I do workshops in schools teaching puppetry as well. I would be happy to share what I do! Just let me know what your specific questions are. Na's resources are GREAT for teaching puppetry in schools!

LJ, I was wondering about how receptive the public schools are to a Christian perspective of puppetry.  I don't want to do something that would make them decide that I should never return and make it impossible for others to do the same.
I know of one thing that would help, would be to talk to the teacher first and ask him what he wants me to do for his class.  I would tell him up front that I normally do Christian puppetry but would be willling to do it his way.  I am planning on going to a senior high, so I won't be showing how to make puppets from brown paper bags, I was thinking more of going into a theatrical class.  Is there any good advice you can give knowing this?

Whether secular or sacred, it seems to me that puppetry is at its best when it is telling a story. I think that too much church puppetry consists of a couple of talking heads trying to make a sermon seem like its not a sermon. If you're telling a story, values that are important to you can still be presented without being openly "religious."

In a drama type class I could see puppetry as something very useful for emphasizing things like voice and body language. If the actor/puppeteer is forced to not rely on their own looks, but put personality and emotion into an inanimate object and make it believable, that is something that they can then translate into their own acting.

Assuming limited time is available, coming in with a set of situations that you would ask the puppeteers to act out as improvisation would be an interesting workshop. Since puppets are usually experienced in a humorous vein, I think I would start with a few very lighthearted situations. Then you could move into somewhat more dramatic directions. The students would probably be surprised to find out how well they can portray emotion other than laughter with puppets.

Just a few random thoughts from someone who hasn't actually done this, but has been thinking about how to move my puppetry into some new directions.

If you are going to teach puppetry in a public school then I am pretty sure you are going to have to stay away from any religious themes. Heck even music teachers have a hard time getting permission to use classic music because much of it was written for the church at the time.

Also remember that the object of this is to teach puppetry not minister.  Ok I realize that many feel that they should minister in every part of their lives, but you don't expect the cashier at the grocery store to engage you in a religious conversation, you expect them to check you out so you can get home and cook dinner.

I think just in general that people often try to do too much instead of focusing on one thing. This even relates to what types of puppetry you are going to teach when you go into the class room or what aspect of puppetry. You might be able to introduce the types of puppetry but then focus down on one style.  You might mention methods of building a puppet but only to get an understanding of how to manipulate the puppet correctly.

I agree with Chris. As a Christian puppeteer, my favorite way of using puppetry is to tell a story and it draws the audience in. Who doesn't love stories? Why are the movies so popular?
Drama, staging, voice, and many aspects theatre tie in well with puppetry considering that the puppet is an actor. Also, since you are going into a secular setting, I can understand your concern about being received as a Christian puppeteer. The question is though, are you going into the schools to try to teach them about the Christian perspective on puppetry or the art and technique of puppetry? Focus on artistry and technique.

LJ, I was wondering about how receptive the public schools are to a Christian perspective of puppetry.  I don't want to do something that would make them decide that I should never return and make it impossible for others to do the same.

If you are going to teach the art of puppetry there is no need to "preach". That will only cause problems. I simply talk about the history of puppetry in different cultures and I do mention that puppetry has been used in a variety of ways in different cultures from telling stories, passing on cultural folk tales, in celebrations and in religious ceremonies and services. That would not get you in trouble - if I am in a Christian school I may go into a bit more detail.
If I am hired in a public school for anything I never bring in a gospel message. I know some "Christian performers" disagree and simply use any stage as a way to "slip in a sermon". I don't think that is right.(like Shawn said

Ok I realize that many feel that they should minister in every part of their lives, but you don't expect the cashier at the grocery store to engage you in a religious conversation, you expect them to check you out so you can get home and cook dinner. 

It only says that Christians cannot be trusted. My website clearly shows I do gospel shows but it also describes the other things I do. I have had schools double check with me that I will not preach a gospel message when they have hired me for either my character building, reading or other show. I assure them I can be trusted. That is one way I feel I can "minister!"
Puppetry is an art form that deserves recognition for what it is whether you are a "Christian puppeteer" or a "puppeteer who is a Christian" or a "puppeteer who simply loves the art form and wants others to enjoy it as well. That is important no matter what your cultural or religious belief system!

Couldn't have said it better than Lisa (:

I think that you can minister the Chistian way of living througt words but more in deeds and the way you are showing to the students. Let them know that they are beautiful, be loved, special
I know a saying: always testify of God sometimes use words