Poulsbo Adventist School began a puppet ministry this year as a fun outreach program that would involve even the youngest and shyest students.
The ministry began in art class when students made crazy-looking sock puppets. Individual tastes and imaginations had full sway with amazing results. The art project captured the imagination of students who decided to write simple scripts for their new puppets to act out.
The first scripts were simple and specific to the newly created characters. Working in teams, the students expanded their original concepts, tightened their writing and sharpened their dialogue.
The next phase was to develop an easy-to-transport stage constructed of PVC pipe hung with a flowing curtain to enclose the puppeteers.
As the ministry expanded, the school applied for and received a Don Keele grant to cover the costs of setting up the program with stage materials, commercially made puppets, and a resource library of books and videos.
Students say they enjoy the opportunity to connect with their community and are very enthusiastic about taking on a puppet’s personality in a performance. So far, the school’s puppet ministry has performed at area preschools and retirement homes, and plans to continue through the summer with Vacation Bible Schools and a booth at the fair.
Poulsbo students began their puppet ministry with sock puppets before graduating to larger commercially made puppets
From sock puppets to commercially made puppets, students at Poulsbo Adventist School have fun learning about script writing and puppeteering.
Poulsbo's puppeteers practice their scripts.
