Many Native Americans refer to North America as Turtle Island. Storyteller Rob Aptaker shares traditional Native tales, including Earth on Turtle’s Back (Iroquois), The Coming of Stories (Lenape), and more. Voices, gestures, animal sounds, and audience participation help bring the characters to life, along with authentic Native American songs accompanied by drum and rattle. Historic […]
When glistening Sister Rain becomes jealous of shining Brother Sun and stops watering the Earth, wise Mother Nature must step in to save the day. In this musical tale, students interact with Catskill Puppet Theatre’s large, beautifully crafted rod puppets, as well as colorful sets and costumes, discovering that we must all work together to […]
Who were the Lenape Native Americans of New Jersey and Pennsylvania? Following years of conversation and relationships with Native people, Rob Aptaker gives students the opportunity to explore the tools, clothing, toys, games medicine and music that have historically been a part of their daily lives, building a picture of pre-colonial life. Program options: In-person […]
Experience astounding puppets that come alive through stories of China and America with Hua Hua Zhang. With stunning visuals and graceful movements, this program presents the ancient art form of Chinese Puppet Theater. Fusing movement and music found in Chinese Opera with Western technology, this exploration brings the complex role of the puppeteer as storyteller, […]
This moving tale dramatizes the story of a young Chinese girl whose family immigrates to California during the Gold Rush. The play uses fantasy and drama to highlight some of the problems an immigrant child faces while experiencing discrimination in a small community. Students have an opportunity to discuss many important historical and social issues […]
When a hate group harasses young Isaac for having a menorah in his window, the townspeople band together to fight the bullies and bigotry threatening their community. Using music and an exceptional array of puppetry techniques, this play teaches students about tolerance and acceptance by re-counting the real-life events of a 1993 Billings, Montana, bias […]
This story is based on an Ethiopian folktale in which a stepmother, desperate to win the heart of her husband’s little boy, consults a wise man. The wise man tells her that she will gain her stepson’s affection only by plucking a wild lion’s whiskers. The show—about courage, love, and patience—features masks, puppets, and original […]
Yah-Oh-Way means “It is good” in Hopi. This exciting and athletic performance by the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers highlights the depth and complexity of several Native American societies. Students witness the origins and meanings of songs, dances, and traditions of many tribes that inhabited North America before the arrival of Europeans. By participating in traditional ceremonies—including […]
Young Audiences' mission is to inspire young people and expand their learning through the arts.
Young Audiences believes that all students deserve equal access to the arts and we strive to provide meaningful art experiences to young people regardless of cognitive or physical development, socio-economic status, or geographic location.
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