Taught them some wonderful life lessons.Manning Valley Anglican College, NSW
We are able to link the messages from the book into our well-being program… the students were able to be a part of it and participate in different parts. [Students] were able to delve into the messages in the book better.St Patrick’s School, Nhill VIC
Each year, in celebration of Book Week, we adapt two books shortlisted by the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) 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.
Includes a teacher resource pack and a targeted, structured question time with the performers which explores the themes of the books and performances and also supports Inquiry learning as we discuss how the shows were produced and how the puppets and props were made.
ABOUT OUR SHOWS
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)
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
We provide all of the staging and sound requirements, all we need from you is a performance space 5m by 3m, plus enough room for the students to sit and watch the show.
Produced by Meerkat Productions
The movement throughout the room was incredible. Every student had their attention fixed the entire time. The Q&A session where the kids got to ask questions was excellent. I liked pulling out some of the positive themes of friendship, etc.St Michaels PS, North Melbourne, VIC
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
You made it exciting and engaging, lots of singing and movement and actions.Balaklava PS, SA
I teach stage 3 and they got a lot out of the Q&A after the show.St Joseph’s PS, Glen Innes NSW
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!