Virtual Programs
Below are examples of some of the workshops and residencies I offer. All programs can be adapted as needed to different age groups, abilities, or time constraints. Please reach out if you are interested in any of these programs or would like to learn more.
Adults
Artist Gym
Artist Gym is a creation and creativity workshop offering participants the opportunity to explore a theme through collaborative theater-based exercises. Each workshop is unique and built around the theme, and exercises often incorporate movement, writing and storytelling. This workshop is highly adaptable and has been offered in educational, community and corporate settings in the past. The theme is often chosen by the host community and the workshop can be tailored to meet specific learning or training goals outside of an expressly artistic setting. (Offered as one-off workshop or workshop series)
Storytelling
This workshop leads participants through a variety of storytelling techniques to create and share a true story with the group. We begin in breakout groups with story circles - an exercise designed to allow participants to share a story verbally in a low-stakes situation. Participants then write out their story based on guidelines provided, revise and practice it with a partner, and then share it for the rest of the group. In addition to developing as storytellers, this workshop provides participants with tools for public speaking and writing personal narratives. (Offered as a one-off workshop or 2-6 session workshop series)
9th-12th Grade
Neighborhood Observation and Imagining Accessibility
In this course participants are guided in an exploration of their own neighborhoods to better understand what parts of their neighborhoods locals appreciate, and what parts could be made more accessible, comfortable or joyous. Inspired by what they’ve observed, they then design and create a public art project to address something that feels like it's missing or needed in their neighborhoods. From a series of lawn signs to a mural to a neighborhood poem, participants will be supported in building community and creating change through art. (Offered as 6-12 session course)
6th-8th Grade
Trash Puppets
Ever wanted to write and star in your own original puppet show? Well here’s your chance! Using items found in your recycling bin and around the house we’ll explore different kinds of puppetry, including hand puppets, marionettes and shadow puppets. At the end of the course each student will have the opportunity to present their own short puppet show via Zoom to show off one of their amazing puppets. (Offered as one-off workshop or 4-12 session course)
Virtual Improvisation
In this class we’ll explore improvisation through fun activities that work even better on Zoom than in real life! This intro to improvisation allows students to explore creating characters, making big choices, and physical comedy in a safe and supportive virtual context. (Offered as one-off workshop or 4-6 session course)
Object Puppetry
This workshop begins with an exploration of the student’s room, engaging smell, touch, sound, and sight to ground and become aware of one’s surroundings. Students are then prompted to find an object that they enjoy and begin to explore how it would move if it came to life, where in the room it would go, and which other objects it would interact with. Finally, students create and share a short puppet piece in which their chosen object gives a tour of their room from its perspective. (Offered as one-off workshop or workshop series exploring different items in room)
3rd-5th Grade:
Fantastic Fairy Tales
Do you enjoy moving? Do you enjoy fairytales? Then this class is perfect for you! Together we’ll use dance, yoga, gymnastics, and theater to create an original, virtual fairy tale performance. Each class will involve stretching, a warm-up, practicing some new movement skills, and then incorporating those skills into our fairy tale, which we’ll perform virtually at the end of the course! (Offered as one-off workshop or 4-12 session course)
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
You’ve probably heard about the Three Little Pigs and the wolf who blew their houses down, but have you heard the true story? Based on the hilarious retelling by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, this course allows students to explore creating characters, practice their comedy and improv skills, and do some monologue writing of their own. The residency will culminate in an original Zoom performance! (Offered as 6-18 session course)
K-2nd Grade:
Yoga Adventures
Join instructor Sarah for a weekly yoga adventure! Using our imaginations we’ll go camping in the woods, take a trip to the bottom of the ocean, and explore the arctic. This is a fun and active class that combines yoga, theater, and song for magical adventures that work out your mind and body without ever having to leave your house. (Offered as one-off workshop or workshop series)
Garden Puppets
Watch a bird, a butterfly, or a caterpillar come to life right before your eyes as we learn about and explore the critters that live in gardens through puppetry, singing, and storytelling. Puppets will be made from easily accessible materials that you can find around the house or from templates that you can print out at home. (Offered as one-off workshop or 3-12 session course)
Adults
Artist Gym
Artist Gym is a creation and creativity workshop offering participants the opportunity to explore a theme through collaborative theater-based exercises. Each workshop is unique and built around the theme, and exercises often incorporate movement, writing and storytelling. This workshop is highly adaptable and has been offered in educational, community and corporate settings in the past. The theme is often chosen by the host community and the workshop can be tailored to meet specific learning or training goals outside of an expressly artistic setting. (Offered as one-off workshop or workshop series)
Storytelling
This workshop leads participants through a variety of storytelling techniques to create and share a true story with the group. We begin in breakout groups with story circles - an exercise designed to allow participants to share a story verbally in a low-stakes situation. Participants then write out their story based on guidelines provided, revise and practice it with a partner, and then share it for the rest of the group. In addition to developing as storytellers, this workshop provides participants with tools for public speaking and writing personal narratives. (Offered as a one-off workshop or 2-6 session workshop series)
9th-12th Grade
Neighborhood Observation and Imagining Accessibility
In this course participants are guided in an exploration of their own neighborhoods to better understand what parts of their neighborhoods locals appreciate, and what parts could be made more accessible, comfortable or joyous. Inspired by what they’ve observed, they then design and create a public art project to address something that feels like it's missing or needed in their neighborhoods. From a series of lawn signs to a mural to a neighborhood poem, participants will be supported in building community and creating change through art. (Offered as 6-12 session course)
6th-8th Grade
Trash Puppets
Ever wanted to write and star in your own original puppet show? Well here’s your chance! Using items found in your recycling bin and around the house we’ll explore different kinds of puppetry, including hand puppets, marionettes and shadow puppets. At the end of the course each student will have the opportunity to present their own short puppet show via Zoom to show off one of their amazing puppets. (Offered as one-off workshop or 4-12 session course)
Virtual Improvisation
In this class we’ll explore improvisation through fun activities that work even better on Zoom than in real life! This intro to improvisation allows students to explore creating characters, making big choices, and physical comedy in a safe and supportive virtual context. (Offered as one-off workshop or 4-6 session course)
Object Puppetry
This workshop begins with an exploration of the student’s room, engaging smell, touch, sound, and sight to ground and become aware of one’s surroundings. Students are then prompted to find an object that they enjoy and begin to explore how it would move if it came to life, where in the room it would go, and which other objects it would interact with. Finally, students create and share a short puppet piece in which their chosen object gives a tour of their room from its perspective. (Offered as one-off workshop or workshop series exploring different items in room)
3rd-5th Grade:
Fantastic Fairy Tales
Do you enjoy moving? Do you enjoy fairytales? Then this class is perfect for you! Together we’ll use dance, yoga, gymnastics, and theater to create an original, virtual fairy tale performance. Each class will involve stretching, a warm-up, practicing some new movement skills, and then incorporating those skills into our fairy tale, which we’ll perform virtually at the end of the course! (Offered as one-off workshop or 4-12 session course)
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
You’ve probably heard about the Three Little Pigs and the wolf who blew their houses down, but have you heard the true story? Based on the hilarious retelling by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, this course allows students to explore creating characters, practice their comedy and improv skills, and do some monologue writing of their own. The residency will culminate in an original Zoom performance! (Offered as 6-18 session course)
K-2nd Grade:
Yoga Adventures
Join instructor Sarah for a weekly yoga adventure! Using our imaginations we’ll go camping in the woods, take a trip to the bottom of the ocean, and explore the arctic. This is a fun and active class that combines yoga, theater, and song for magical adventures that work out your mind and body without ever having to leave your house. (Offered as one-off workshop or workshop series)
Garden Puppets
Watch a bird, a butterfly, or a caterpillar come to life right before your eyes as we learn about and explore the critters that live in gardens through puppetry, singing, and storytelling. Puppets will be made from easily accessible materials that you can find around the house or from templates that you can print out at home. (Offered as one-off workshop or 3-12 session course)