- Calliope Puppets

Karen demonstrates a traditional puppet made by Yaya Coulibalye from Mali, Africa in a classroom visit with the Puppet Museum, to offer learning about the diverse and world-wide traditions in this ancient art form.

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art invited Calliope Puppets again this summer to train teen docents in creating presentations inspired by works of art in this jewel of a museum.

Moon’s Cloud Blanket, by acclaimed Louisiana storyteller Rose Anne St. Romain was brought to life by students for a classroom theater experience.

A workshop in Calliope Puppet Center is a fascinating visit to where puppet theater is created, learning from the “Puppet Museum” collection of puppets from around the world, and a hands-on experience in puppet construction and communication.

A school residency student brings a character to life. Calliope Puppets school residencies engage students in learning across the curriculum.

The amazing true story from The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, by William Kamkwamba was the inspiration for this show, toured in 20010 and 2011, featuring brief scenes from the book, as well as wind themed tales, to focus on wind power as an alternative to fossil fuels.

Calliope Puppets joined with students from the International School of Louisiana directed by KIDsmART  Circus Arts Specialist, Meret Ryhiner, along with puppeteer Julia Yerkov Kline, and actor Donald Lewis to create a presentation for the opening session of the Association for Childhood Education International Conference 2011 in New Orleans, illustrating the theme “The Right to Education: Reaching Every Child” with an original story, giant parade puppets, student jugglers, and more!

Calliope Puppets just finished an exciting 2 week residency at Langston Hughes Academy, funded by KIDsmART. The puppetry curriculum centered on language arts and the Louisiana wetlands, featuring several great tricksters, such as the rascal, Compere Lapin, and (pictured) the tricky Monsieur Tortie.

The Puppets are packing for the summer touring season! Check the calendar for an appearance in a library or festival near you!

Puppetry for Reading Comprehension Strategies

St. Mary’s Academy Students had fun learning through puppetry and focusing on reading skills in a ten week residency with grades Pre-Kindergarten through Three.