Puppetry for the elementary classroom (k-6)
The goal of this workshop is to create puppets and perform shows. This “make and take” workshop begins with a brief introduction and history of puppetry. Examples of professional puppets are passed around. Then Andy presents a scene from one of his shows, followed by a discussion of the elements of a good story and performance. The students then break into groups, making puppets, and performing shows for everyone’s enjoyment.
Materials: Artist will provide Puppet Theatre.
Puppet Making Kit:
Artist will provide paper sacks and plates.
School needs to provide basic art supplies, markers and/or crayons, staplers, scissors, tape, colored construction paper, glue sticks, etc.
Students may bring (not required) fabric scraps, egg cartons, paper towel rolls, feathers, craft eyes, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks and so on.
Cultural Folktales with Puppetry
In this workshop we will select folktales from around the world, build stick puppets from paper maché, rehearse and perform them for family and friends.
Puppets are a timeless art form encompassing many disciplines, capturing the imaginations of young and old. The folktales we will be choosing from are handed down from countless generations making for exciting and important exploration.
4- 2hr sessions
6-14 students
3 levels: Elementary, Middle, and High School/Adult
Materials: List supplied upon request
Above could be 2- 2hr sessions by constructing Puppets from socks, paper sacks and plates.
Could also be broken down into 1hr sessions.
Performance Art / Creative Dramatics
This workshop covers the basics of acting skills: Pantomime, Improvisation, Group Dynamics, Vocal projection, Stage movement, Skit development and performance, all with an emphasis on FUN.
Great for those wishing to explore acting, as well as the more experienced looking to hone their skills.
4- 2hr sessions culminating in a show on the final day, for family and friends.
Class size 6-12 students. 3 levels: Elementary, Middle, and High School/Adult.
Clowning – discover your inner clown!
Discover your inner Clown. Explore the world of Clowning; Balloon sculpting,
Simple Magic, Scarf Juggling, Gags and Razz ma Tazz. What is funny and why?
We will develop your character and a simple routine to get everyone laughing.
2- 2hr sessions culminating in a show on the final day, for family and friends.
Class size: 6-12 students
3 levels: Elementary, Middle, and High School/ Adult
Schedule a puppet theatre or clown workshop at your school or camp!
Teaching Philosophy
Hands on!
Andy engages the student’s imaginations with questions and activities, to keep the learning interesting, fast paced and FUN. He leaves the teacher with ideas for future applications.
Background
Andy Koch has taught hundreds of workshops over the years.
In 1985 Andy joined Allied Arts and began teaching through the predecessor of AEEP, Artist’s In Community. He has been an active member and teaching artist, to date.
1991 to present, at the Roeder Home Center for the Arts, Whatcom County Parks. Classes in Performance Art, Puppetry, and Clowning for age 6 to teens.
Andy has led workshops with ESD 189 in Mt. Vernon, training educators to bring puppetry into their classrooms.
Andy has taught in several states, including Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Alaska.
While studying Theater Arts at Fairhaven College, he directed 15 works including Shakespeare, Aristophanes, Musicals, and original scripts. He designed and constructed 2 outdoor Amphitheatres in Bellingham for presenting plays.
Andy enjoys diversity, creatively adapting to the needs of each environment.
