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Empowering Lives Through the Art of Puppetry
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Live Puppet Chats
“They loved it, I can’t get them to talk that much on FaceTime with family!!! It was awesome.” – Jenna in Winchester, VA (mother of 4, ages 5-11)
Since 1985 MicheLee Puppets has been connecting puppets to the heart of children. We know how much a one-on-one interaction with a puppet can help children express themselves. In this time of social distancing, we are excited to offer Live Puppet Chats.
These virtual sessions allow your child/children to interact in real time with a puppet character. Sing, dance, read a story, or just simply chat. Each session is child-guided and completely unique! There is no charge for this as we continue our mission digitally empowering lives through the art of puppetry.
How Can You Give to MicheLee Puppets?
MicheLee Puppets is a non-profit organization that empowers lives through the art of puppetry. Our puppet characters break down barriers, allowing youth to communicate in new and exciting ways. We strive to improve the emotional health and well being of youth, teaching them strategies to find their voice and deal with life’s challenges. Together we are building community.
There are many simple ways that YOU can make a difference:
Time
We love our Volunteers! No experience necessary! Sign up on our mailing list to be the first to know of scheduled volunteer dates or contact jamie@67.23.246.118 to schedule a personalized volunteer time.
It’s a great way to earn service hours for scholarships, scouts and more.
Skills
Don’t know anything about puppetry? No problem! There are plenty of important skills needed to keep MicheLee Puppets’ business going.
From web design to marketing, clerical/data entry, cleaning services, graphic arts, sewing, set design, lighting design, I.T. and more, we can use your skills!
Contact jamie@67.23.246.118 to learn more.
Voice
Tell everyone that you know about MicheLee Puppets!
Share our posts on social media (@MicheLeePuppets)
Recommend our shows and videos to locals schools and venues.
Start a fundraiser for MicheLee Puppets.
Items
Cleaning out your closets? Donate storage boxes, needles, thread, even gently used appliances. Not sure if we need it? Email jamie@67.23.246.118
OR
Purchase items from our WISH LIST (sign into Amazon Smile and a portion of your gift will be donated to us!)
Dollars
Direct donations are extremely helpful! You can Click here to donate through our website.
Consider also signing into Amazon Smile (Amazon’s giving site) and select MicheLee Puppets as the benefitting non-profit. You shop. Amazon gives. It’s that simple. A portion of ANY purchase you make will go directly to MicheLee Puppets!
Una Borinqueña en Florida-Helping Kids in Crisis
WATCH NEWS CHANNEL 13’s STORY ON THIS EXCITING SHOW!
El Nuevo Día Visits with “Una Borinqueña en Florida”
MicheLee Puppets’ Spanish language show, Una Borinqueña en Florida, is part of our “Puppets Helping Kids in Crisis” intiative, developed to help Puerto Rican children who moved to Florida after the devastating hurricanes of 2017. This program (currently funded by Universal Orlando Foundation) is designed to help kids from Puerto Rico and Latin American countries heal from their trauma and adjust to life in the United States. The script was written and directed by Columbian puppeteer, actress and activist Nadia Garzon, and performed by professional puppeteers from Puerto Rico known as “Los Soldaditos.” The show is performed in Spanish and features three scenes followed by an interactive Q&A with students, allowing them to ask questions, share their own stories, and learn that they are not alone. The show also teaches tactics for dealing with stress, anger, or sadness.
MicheLee Puppets’ “Puppets Helping Kids in Crisis” outreach includes:
- Live performances of UnaBorinqueña en Florida
- Puppet workshops that engage children in making puppets and creatively expressing their own stories in a safe environment
- Puppet interactions at festivals or public events
PUBLIC EVENTS- Email denise@67.23.246.118 to schedule a program at your school, church, or community event.
We are excited to partner with Sami Haiman-Marrero with SOS by Urbander and CareerSource Central Florida to provide welcome events for Puerto Rican families. While adults learn about the culture here in Central Florida and are connected to job resources, the children participate in MicheLee Puppets’ program.
2019 Upcoming dates (all events 10am-4pm):
November 16th (1709 N John Young Parkway Kissimmee, Fl 34741)
View Full-sized flyer here:
Tips for Talking about Bullying
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 1 in 4 U.S. students say they have been bullied and 70.6% of young people say they have been “bystanders” (witnessed bullying). As adults we may find ourselves at a loss for what to say or do, so how do we stop this epidemic? Empowerment is key. When we define bullying and its many forms we can employ strategies and tactics that turn our youth from bystanders into upstanders. MicheLee Puppets uses puppetry as a disarming and relate-able way to convey these messages to students in A Good Day for Pancake (K-2nd grade) and The Upstander League (3-5th grade).
Start the bully prevention conversation with your youth by using DRT– Definition, Roles and Tactics. Make it a game! Role play the different types of bullying to allow your child to practice being an Upstander. Remember, these tactics aren’t just for kids, adults can use them too.
DEFINTION- Define BULLYING:
Bullying is intentional behavior that is repeated or has the potential to be repeated. It creates a real or perceived imbalance of power and is used to harm someone and their reputation. Some examples are:
ROLES- Define ROLES in a bullying situation:
Person exhibiting bullying behavior
Person being Targeted by the bullying behavior
Bystander- someone who witnesses bullying
Upstander- someone who witnesses bullying and does something to stop it
TACTICS- Share these strategies that any bystander can use in a bullying situation
Encourage your child to report in person, so that they can clarify the facts. If they are nervous, reporting can be done in a note, even written anonymously if they fear retaliation.
Why is REPORTING important?
In order to have the proper resources to combat bullying, reporting is essential. Many states report bullying through school INCIDENT RECORDS rather than through student surveys. States then report only a 1% bullying rate. 2 out of 3 schools report 0 cases, and yet according to the The National Center for Education Statistics 21 of every 100 kids ages 12 – 18 are bullied at school. 1 in 10 students cite repeated bullying as the reason they drop out.
“Be a Friend” is a crucial, especially with social/emotional bullying. This tactic can be one of the most difficult to use because it can mean standing up to friends, however, the more people who use this tactic, the more effective it becomes.
We often hear of “frenemies”, individuals who suddenly exclude or spread rumors about a friend. It is up to bystanders to become upstanders and combat this behavior with friendship.
Whether or not you and the TARGET are friends, you can still “be a friend” by speaking up for the TARGET, including them in groups, and refusing to spread rumors. And, of course, report any bullying behavior to an adult that you trust.
“Ignore the bully” works especially when groups of people participate. To ignore the bully is not to ignore the situation. Reporting is an essential component. Many people bully because they want to get attention. Simply refusing to be an audience can stop bullying in its tracks.
This tactic is crucial for cyberbullying. Don’t respond online, even if it is to stand up for the TARGET of the bullying. Report the bullying to a trusted adult, then delete.
Distracting a BULLY can help a TARGET escape a dangerous situation. Talk directly to the bully, even use their name and do something to get their attention.
Upstanders can shout something like “Hey (insert bully’s name) the cafeteria’s giving out free ice cream right now!” or “The Principal is coming.” Upstanders can even find funny videos on their device to show the bully or dance around wildly to get their attention. What other distractions can you and your child create?
Creating an excuse such as “Your Mom is here to pick you up” can help remove a TARGET from a dangerous situation. This technique is especially important to combat physical bullying.
Be prepared! Practice excuses that can remove a Target from a bullying situation. Think of public locations such as a playground, library, party, etc. and come up with excuses that could apply in each location. Determine which excuses will work in a school setting.
Your child may have questions about lying related to giving excuses. Remind your child that these excuses are for emergency situations (similar to stranger danger) to keep someone from getting hurt.
Standing up can take many forms, but at its essence, it means to tell the bully to stop. People may think of physical violence, such as in “A Christmas Story” when Ralphie, a TARGET of bullying, fights back bloodying the bully’s nose. This is not what we mean. By adding to violence, it puts more people in danger. Words Have Power.
Tell the bully to stop. Get others to do the same. Groups are powerful against bullying. If someone is spreading rumors, verbally bullying someone, or physically bullying them, tell them to stop. Speak with confidence. Then report the bullying to a trusted adult.
Click here to book “A Good Day for Pancake” (K-2nd grade) or “The Upstander League” (3-5th grade at your school or venue.
RESOURCES
The Upstander League -A Bully Story from MicheLee Puppets on Vimeo. On his first day at a new school, Steven becomes the target of bullying. Instead of helping, his peers join in, leaving Steven feeling powerless. Learn how upstanders can make a difference in a bullying situation by using tactics such as “Be a Friend” and “Stand Up to the Bully.” MicheLee Puppets makes learning fun with shadow puppetry in The Upstander League “A Bully Story.”
Click here for a digital download of
“The Upstander League Comic Book
Join “The Upstander League”! Learn how to stand up to bullying with “The Upstander League” official handbook! The Upstander League includes everyday citizens, like you, who witness bullying and do something to stop it. With this comic book, you will have the tactics to help stop any bullying situation. Enjoy stories and activities that will take you from witness to Upstander.
Click Here for video and The Orlando Sentinel’s article on The Upstander League
REFERENCES
Be informed. Use these resources for more information on bully prevention:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Job Postings: MicheLee Puppets hiring Actor and Technician
MicheLee Puppets, Inc., Florida’s leader in educational puppetry, is hiring two individuals to fill the following positions for the Central Florida tour of our newest show, “Mission STEAMpossible.”All persons hired will be required to pass an FBI fingerprint background check. Please read descriptions before applying.
NON-EQUITY, PAID
ACTOR-FEMALE: Magnificent dreams of being on the first mission to Mars. She uses ingenuity and skills in science, technology, engineering, arts and math to create inventions. She is an excellent storyteller and is close with her younger brother. (Must be aged 18 or older, but able to portray ages 14-18) (Seeking an actress of color)
A strong candidate for this position will have a positive attitude, professional appearance, good communication skills, and be comfortable around children. This position includes early mornings. Being on time is a must!
Job runs on weekdays, 1-3 days per week and occasional weekend shows. Rehearsals begin in August and tour runs Aug. 30-Dec. 20, 2018.
Please email headshot and resume to tracey@67.23.246.118
SOUND/LIGHTING TECHNICIAN
Seeking a stage technician with live sound experience and ability to run sound and lights for a stage production. Job will include load in and out of set and tech gear, set up, and strike. Must be able to troubleshoot and make repairs on equipment as needed.
A strong candidate for this position will have a positive attitude, professional appearance, good communication skills, and be comfortable around children. This position includes early mornings. Being on time is a must!
Job runs on weekdays, 1-3 days per week and occasional weekend shows. Tech rehearsals last week of August and tour runs Aug. 30-Dec. 20, 2018.
To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to tracey@67.23.246.118. Deadline for resume submissions is July 31, 2018.
ABOUT MISSION STEAMPOSSIBLE– This 3-person cast performs shows for elementary aged students at schools and larger venues. This show will tour schools and public venues primarily in Central Florida. In addition to performing, actors/puppeteers will help load in, set up and strike for each show. A sound/lighting technician travels with the cast to run live light and sound.
MicheLee Puppets Volunteers Needed
We need your help!
On March 25th MicheLee Puppets will be setting a record for the most sock puppets assembled in one hour during our Sunday Family Fun Day World Puppetry Celebration. These puppets will then be donated to youth in need as part of our “Puppets Helping Kids in Crisis” program to assist those relocating to Central Florida from places like Puerto Rico.
Our goal is to create 200 sock puppets. We are in need of volunteers to assist in both the preparation and implementation of this event. Will you or anyone at your organization be able to help with the following?
- Preparation of items prior to March 25th (this can be scheduled by emailing jamie@67.23.246.118)
- Implementation- assist in setting up, creating puppets and helping others, and clean up. Arrive 10am, event ends at 2pm on March 25th
- Donation of items (or $5-$10 per person to help with purchasing supplies) New socks, craft foam(non sticky), small hot glue sticks, googly eyes, pom pom balls
Here is a link to the event which includes other exciting performances and activities:
Contact jamie@67.23.246.118 with questions or to volunteer
MicheLee Puppets 2017-2018 Season Auditions
NON-EQUITY, PAID
MicheLee Puppets, Inc., Florida’s leader in educational puppetry, is casting puppeteers and actors for our 2017-18 Season. We are a touring company that performs in schools and public venues primarily in Central Florida, with occasional performances throughout the state of Florida. In addition to performing, actors/puppeteers will help load in, set up and strike for each show.
Male and female performers of all races/ethnicities are encouraged to apply. All performers hired will be required to pass an FBI fingerprint background check.
To apply, please email your headshot and resume to Jamie@67.23.246.118.
Auditions will be by appointment only on July 13 and July 14, 2017. If called to audition please prepare a one-minute comedic monologue. You may be asked to show movement skills and sing for some roles. Be prepared to work with one of our puppets or bring your own puppet. If you are auditioning for Rhyme Time and Discover Math and Science, please prepare a song.
2017-2018 Season: (Click here for photos and show descriptions)
Rhyme Time and Discover Math and Science – These shows feature toy theatre sized stages, simple paper puppets, hand puppets, shadow puppets, music, singing, and audience participation for preschool audiences. Our solo performers must be good singers and very good with small children.
A Good Day for Pancake – This solo performer bully prevention show is geared for K-2nd graders. Puppeteer must be proficient (or able to learn) hand puppet techniques and must be very good with multiple character voices.
The Upstander League –Casting one female and one male actor/puppeteer for this two-person bully prevention show, geared for 3rd-5th graders. These roles require lots of audience participation, physical humor, puppetry and interaction with children as well as some spoken word singing and basic movement skills.
Questions? Please contact Jamie at 407-898-7925 x 223 or Jamie@67.23.246.118.
To learn more about MicheLee Puppets, visit micheleepuppets.org.
Printable Puppets
Now you can print and color your very own character from MicheLee Puppets’ “A Good Day for Pancake” bully prevention show!
Click here for printable hand puppet faces
Downloads are available in full color, or black and white, with and without drawn faces!
MicheLee Puppets 2016-2017 Season Auditions
NON-EQUITY, PAID
MicheLee Puppets, Inc., Florida’s leader in educational puppetry, is casting puppeteers and actors for our 2016-17 Season. We are a touring
company to schools and public venues in Central Florida and throughout Florida. In addition to performing, actors/puppeteers will help load in,
set up and strike for each show. Male and female performers of all races/ethnicities are encouraged to apply. All performers hired will be
required to pass an FBI fingerprint background check.
To apply, please email your headshot and resume to Jamie@67.23.246.118.
Auditions will be by appointment only on July 13 and July 14, 2016. If called to audition please prepare a one-minute comedic monologue. You may be asked to show movement skills and sing for some roles. Be prepared to work with one of our puppets or bring your own puppet. If you are auditioning for Rhyme Time, please prepare a song.
2016-2017 Season:
EXTREME Health Challenge – In the game show tradition, wacky and
entertaining puppet characters face a series of challenges, battles of
wit, and puppetry mayhem. Children laugh and learn about the importance
of good nutrition and active lifestyles. Roles:
Puppeteer must be proficient with hand and rod puppets and good with
multiple male and female character voices.
“Fitastic” is the show host. Requires actor who is physically
fit and can do gymnastic stunts or dance. Should be comfortable with
children as volunteers from the audience are brought on stage to
interact with the puppets and Fitastic.
Rhyme Time and Discover Math and Science – These shows feature toy
theatre size stages, simple paper puppets and shadow puppets, music,
singing, and audience participation for preschool audiences. Our solo
performers must be good singers and very good with small children.
A Good Day for Pancake – This one-man bully prevention show is geared
for K-2nd graders. Puppeteer must be proficient (or able to learn) hand
puppet techniques and must be very good with multiple character voices.
The Upstander League – This bully prevention show is geared for
3rd-5th graders and includes lots of audience participation. Two
actor/puppeteers must be good at physical humor, puppetry and
interaction with children. Some spoken word singing is required.
Questions? Please contact Jamie at 407-898-7925 x 223 or
Jamie@67.23.246.118.
For more information on MicheLee Puppets visit micheleepuppets.org.