Field Trips

Your Field Trip Includes:

• Special showing of the current main stage production
• Question and Answer session with our puppeteers
• A look behind the scenes, in which we reveal our bridges and methods for special effects
• Hands on experience with marionettes
• Field trips typically last between 60 – 90 minutes

Field Trip Cost

Shadow Puppet Making Activity

Optional Add-On*Must be booked at time of original booking*

Complete your experience in the world of puppetry by creating your own puppet! Using simple materials (no glue!), and templates we provide, each participant can create a customizable shadow puppet themed to the current production. The puppets are sturdy, easy to operate, and very expressive. We will have a screen set up so each child can practice with their puppet. We also give tips on how to create a shadow screen at home with easy to find materials. Participants will color their puppets, so they look great even without a screen!

Participants will gain a greater understanding of the principals of shadow puppetry, such as silhouette, opacity, and transparency. They will also work with moving joints, balance points, and control rods. And, of course, they will learn to bring their creation to life!

Additional Options

Reservations

• To book a trip, email fieldtrips@cmtpuppet.org or call 803.252.7366 to make a reservation in advance. Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis.
• Reservations are not confirmed until the signed contract is received by the theatre
• A minimum of 10 children is required. Home school families, scout troops and others frequently meet the minimum by coordinating with another group. Groups of less than 10 are encouraged to attend Marionette Mondays (the third Monday of each month). We can accommodate up to 250 children at one time.
• Please email fieldtrips@cmtpuppet.org or call 803.252.7366 as soon as possible if there are any changes to your schedule or group size.

Arrival Time

• Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the program begins. Groups are often booked together and it is unfair for groups that show up on time to have to wait for latecomers. If unforeseen problems arise, please call us and let us know!
• When you arrive, please have an exact count of the number of children and adults in your group. As the children are being seated, the group’s leader should pay for the field trip. We accept cash, checks, credit cards and purchase orders.

Chaperone Guidelines

• Chaperones are asked to remain with their children at all times.
• It is the responsibility of the chaperones to make sure that children in his/her group behave appropriately in the theatre and are respectful to theatre staff and other behavior.
• A visit to the theatre is a great opportunity to practice Character Education skills. Being respectful and demonstrating good manners are essential for students to have a positive theatre-going experience.
• Laughter, surprise, sadness or other emotions are part of seeing a live performance. It is important for children to understand, however, that talking or horseplay will take away from everyone’s enjoyment of the show.
• It is best to have a non-verbal signal that you can use with your class that you have all agreed means “quiet” rather than “shh-ing” students.