Upcoming Classes & Camps
STARTING NOVEMBER 6, 2021 – In the Byers Studio at THT
Celebrate Solstice at THT
CLASSES FOR EVERYBODY– families crafting together, kids’ performance classes, adult puppet-making – Story, ritual, and celebration! Humankind relies on these to conjure courage for our shortest, darkest days of winter, bringing us onward into the light.
Join us in the art of creating ritual, theatrical storytelling and celebration for our times by building street-worthy puppets and luminous creations to parade in a public, outdoor Winter Solstice Celebration on December 21.
Participants will dive into storytelling, collaborative or independent puppet creation and lantern making as we come together to honor our shared experiences of winter. These workshops will celebrate the role of outdoor art and pageantry in bringing joy, connection and vibrancy to our community.
All attendees are asked to wear a mask and be vaccinated against Covid-19. Unvaccinated youth under age 12 may attend wearing masks. We appreciate your flexibility as we try to make sure all of our programs run safely and up-to-date with state protocols.
You must reserve your spot in advance. For questions or scholarship inquiry contact Education Director, Lindsay Pontius education@townhalltheater.org.
Solstice Stories
WITH BARBARA PAULSON
Three Saturdays, November 6, 13, 20
9 – 10 AM
Learn about stories of light from around the world, dream up your own stories of light and hope, move your bodies around, and act out a story that Makes Theater Happen!
Tuition: $65
Magic Lanterns
WITH CLAIRE TEBBS
One Session: Saturday, November 6
10:30 AM – 12 Noon
Learn about the winter solstice and other celebrations of light from around the world. Build your own simple lantern and be ready to join in any community celebration with your own guiding light.
Tuition: $20 Includes all materials
Dragon Lantern Puppets
WITH BARBARA PAULSON & CLAIRE TEBBS
Two Sessions: Saturdays, November 13 & 20
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
The British legend of St. George and the Dragon inspires us to make hybrid puppet lanterns to parade in the Solstice Celebration. ‘Planterns?’…’ Luppets?’ Whatever they are called, these magnificent creatures will glow from within to help us go forward into the L I G H T !
Tuition: $40 per person single session
or
$60.00 for both sessions
Includes all materials.
(A team of two people can make one lantern puppet together, at the fee for one person.)
Puppet Making for Adults
WITH BARBARA PAULSON
Three Saturdays, November 6, 13, 20
1 – 3 PM
Connect with your playful muse as you use techniques from the puppeteer’s trade to fashion exquisite materials into unique and lively puppets that will continue their life with you long after the THT class is through.
Tuition for all 3 classes : $75 including materials
St. George and the Dragon
WITH LINDSAY PONTIUS, Education Director and Guests
Mondays 3:30 – 5 PM
November 8- December 20 (No class week of Nov. 22)
Here’s your chance to explore the ultimate super-heros and heroines as they battle the dragon and also consider the dragon’s point of view. This is a classic play that has been reinvented for centuries. We will work together as a company to develop the skills to take this theatrical story on the road, literally. It will be performed pageant style out of doors on Solstice, December 21st.
Tuition: $95
THE INSTRUCTORS
Barbara Paulson and Claire Tebbs bring decades of experience inspiring others to think creatively about themselves, their community, and the environments surrounding them in ways that are tangible, intriguing, messy, and fun.
Claire Tebbs is the Principal of Ear to the Ground, offering creative placemaking and community engagement facilitation, connecting people to place and each other (no matter the season).
A puppeteer and creator of all things puppets for No Strings Marionette Company, Barbara Paulson partners with people to help them experience the excitement and autonomy of making art that reflects their personal story. Bravery, flexibility, tenacity and fun are brought into play whenever Barbara encourages students to fearlessly examine the cycle of creation as they make meaningful connections to their creative work.