It truly was the best shortlisted book performance I have ever seen.Iona Public School, re 2016's adaptation of Mr Huff by Anna Walker
The students were so engaged in the performance, and really understood the message of the book. They left the show talking about things they dream of doing in the future.Ryan Catholic College, Kirwan QLD, re 2022's adaptation of Stellarphant by James Foley by Phil Cummings and Shane Devries
SYNOPSIS
Emit (whose parents turned back time to name him) is surrounded by busyness. Dad is too busy to read stories, Mum is too busy to play games and Emit's brother and sister are simply too busy doing nothing to do anything, at all. Emit tries everything he can think of to get more time, he tries to catch it, wait for it, but it's not until Emit tries to buy some time that he learns the secret which is, if you want time, you have to make it.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
This is a very cleverly written picture book that weaves idioms about time into a strong narrative... For younger readers, it's a beautiful lyrical read, with bright, beautiful illustrations that draw your attention. For older readers, it's a great discussion starter. - @littlebookishteacher
A topical theme in these social media-obsessed days - Brenton Cullen, Books+Publishing
ABOUT THE SHOW
Each year, in celebration of Book Week and Literacy Week, Meerkat Productions adapt two books shortlisted by the Children's Book Council of Australia for the Book of The Year Awards
We choose one book from the Picture Book category & one book from the Younger Readers Chapter Book category and create two 40-minute musical productions including original songs and puppetry.
As far as we're aware, we're the only company adapting both a picture book and a younger readers chapter book each year; therefore, ensuring age appropriate performances for all students.
We also support Australian authors by paying royalties for every child that attends a performance of one of our adaptations
We encourage audience participation and active engagement in all of our performances and we use puppetry to fully engage the students and to broaden the possibilities of the way we stage our shows.
Our post-performance Q&A is structured and focused on the themes raised in the show and a behind the scenes insight into how our set, props, puppets, etc. work and how they were made.
We also provide a teachers resource pack to support our incursion both before and after we've been to the school and host a targeted, structured and informative Q&A session with the performers which which supports the school's delivery of the Critical and Creative Thinking curriculum and explores the themes of the book and performance and also supports Inquiry learning as we discuss how the shows were produced and how the puppets and props were made.
"Was great how it was run by you and not just the kids asking random questions. (10/10)" - Bargara State School, Bargara QLD
CREATIVE TEAM
All of our shows are fully staged musicals lasting 40 - 45 minutes (plus Q&A). The music is written by Tim Smith (The Lion King, Billy Elliot) & Luke Hunter (Come From Away, The Sound of Music) and the productions are designed by Elizabeth Millington (founder of Dead Puppets Society), Jemima Eva (Trash Puppets) and Astrid Mendez (internationally touring Puppeteer)
Love the natural involvement of the children in the production.Canberra Grammar ELC, Red Hill ACT re adaptation of Room On Our Rock by Kate & Jol Temple
All years enjoyed the show and pre performance activities (making masks and reading books). Performers had plenty of energy and interacted well with all year levels.Glenden State School, QLD about 2023's adaptation of Frank's Red Hat by Sean E Avery
Wonderful that children are exposed to such relevant mental health issues through quality drama.St Columba Anglican School, VIC about 2016's adaptation of Mr Huff by Anna Walker
Great messages in the story - strong characters and acting to deliver the message to the students at their level!Moree PS, NSW about 2022's adaptation of Stellarphant by James Foley
BOOKINGS
To make a booking or enquiry, simply press the GREEN Enquiry/Booking Request Button above right to directly contact the booking team. They will answer you promptly to discuss your booking including when payment will be required.
Shows for Schools not only gathers all the great available shows, it also makes booking easier!