What are the shows?
Pirates, Ahoy!- NEW SHOW! Three short vignettes are included in this show: Blackbeard and his legendary treasure on the Isle of Shoals, The story of Ocean Born Mary, and an excerpt from "Treasure Island". No gore or sword fights! Diane's trademark humor and audience participation highlight the show. Best for ages 5 and up. Great for schools and libraries, theatre venues and more. Teacher packet available, curriculum links: history, literature, folklore, music and theatre arts. Stage specs: Stage 15' long, 6 feet high, about 6 feet deep, props, lighting, audiences less than 300. Includes live music (2 person show) Review: Casey Sutton Brown, PTO, Ashby Elementary School, Ashby, MA: "I can't believe grades K-5 stayed so involved with the story and participated in the songs- they loved the puppets!"
Check out the review of the "Pirates, Ahoy!" from Westford Library
puppet
show.
Friendly Forest Folktales -Diane weaves
3 engaging tales for younger children - "The Hungry Caterpillar", about the development of a butterfly; "The Bear and the Beehive", a story of strength in numbers; and "The Rabbit and the Moon", a charming tale of friendship, sharing, and the rewards of helping someone in need. Diane's trademark humor, music, lovely puppets and effects make this fun for the family. Created for tots to 2nd grade. For schools, libraries, larger daycares/preschools, theatre venues and more. Teacher packet available, curriculum links: science, literature, folklore, music and theatre arts. Stage specs: Stage 9 ft. long, 6 ft. high, 6 ft. deep, for small groups less than 200. One person show, live music with audience participation. Review: Judith LaPlante, Teacher, Josiah Bartlett Elementary School, Bartlett, NH: "I wanted to thank you for the wonderful performance this week. All the children were awestruck and thoroughly entertained. The adult comments
were equally favorable. The plays were aged appropriately for our young
audience, and the business end of the experience was easily handled. All
in all a very good experience for Bartlett School."
Great For MA. 2008 Summer Reading, "Wild Reads".
Sir George and the Dragon- A fun and exciting medieval tale with
Diane's trademark humor and audience participation to update this classic.
The knight Sir George rescues the Princess Petunia from a very hungry baby dragon. No swords here, but Sir George subdues the dragon just the same! Fun for family events, great for all ages, teens, adults. Birthdays, classroom performance, libraries, preschools, theatre venues and more. Curriculum links: Theatre arts, music, legend and lore (comedy version of original medieval tale) Stage specs: Smaller booth style puppet stage, stage is about 4 ft. square, for small groups less than 100. Review: Sue Mayo, Director, Create and Discover Preschool, Bow, NH: "Thank you for coming to Create &
Discover last week. The kids loved your music and the show! The
teachers also liked it!!! We thought you were great with the kids!
Everyone had a really good time, and the parents said the kids talked
about your show nonstop."
The Elves and the Shoemaker with The Gingerbread Man -
This is a seasonal show for December through March. The first tale is the classic Hans Christian Andersen story about 2 Elves who help a poor shoemaker get back in business. The program finishes with a goofy B.B. Wolf and a fresh cookie! Lots of audience participation as they help with the elf magic! Great for ages 4 - 8 and family audiences. For schools, libraries, preschools, theatre venues and more. Curriculum links: Literature, folk tales, music, theatre arts. Stage specs: Stage 9 ft. long, 6 ft. high, 6 ft. deep, for small groups less than 200. Live music, 2 person show. Review: Colleen Martin, Director, Steepletop preschool, Pelham, NH: "The show was spot-on for this age group (preschool/kindergarten). They loved to participate and help the characters in the story. Kids still talk about the show you did here last year! It's amazing you held their attention for a 45 min. program!"
The Bremen Town Musicians-
Adapting the traditional Grimms brothers folk tale, these three animals join together to form one fantastic band and go on tour. Catching a robber is just one thing they do well on their road tour. Lots of participation and fun. Great for ages 4 - 10 and family audiences. For schools, libraries, preschools, theatre venues and more. Curriculum links: Literature, folk tales, music, theatre arts. Stage specs: Stage 9 ft. long, 6 ft. high, 6 ft. deep, for groups less than 200. Taped music, 1 person show. Review: Martha Richard, Children's Librarian, Storrs Library, Longmeadow, MA: "You performed a very complicated production with multiple puppets and lots of action. You did it all so well, it was a pleasure to watch. By the number of parents and young children who attended this program and commented on your talent, it was a perfect blend of audience participation, music and comedy."
CONCERTS
A typical children's concert:
We offer performances in 2 different formats.
We have experience giving performances for weddings, private parties, library programs, concert series, fairs, churches,schools, festivals, and other events.
Diane and Bob Kordas - Diane sings and
plays guitar, banjo, or bass. Bob plays banjo and resophonic guitar. Together
they perform songs and instrumentals in several genres.
Late Night Radio - This rollicking swing
and bluegrass band also performs songs for children and families at special concerts. You can find out more at website.
The band features Diane Kordas on acoustic upright bass and vocals, Bob Kordas
on resophonic guitar and banjo, George Ede on guitar, Fred Fowler on fiddle.
WORKSHOPS
Attention NH. & MA. Librarians,
Summer Reading 2008
Concert and Puppet Making workshop combinations for Summer Reading 2008:
For Massachusetts Summer Reading Program, "Wild Reads", kids will make simple rod puppet wild animals (allow 45 mins.) followed by a 1/2 hour concert of wild animal songs with Diane (concert can be a public performance - not just workshop participants). Cost $260.00 for workshop and performance.
For New Hampshire Summer Reading Program, "G'Day for Reading", kids will make simple rod puppet Australian animals (allow 45 mins.) followed by a 1/2 hour concert of Australian animal and other songs with Diane. Concert can be a public performance - (not just for workshop participants). Cost $260.00 for workshop and performance.
A typical workshop:
Workshops are offered both for children
and for teachers. Designed as a small intensive class, each workshop is designed
for groups of 25 participants or fewer. Each workshop focuses on a specific
theme such as puppet making or song writing.
What kind of workshops?
Combination puppet making workshop and concert or puppet show. 45 mins. puppet making, followed by a 1/2 hour concert or puppet show. Fun for libraries, schools, preschools. Example: Make a paper pirate puppet, followed by 1/2 hour concert of songs about the ocean, pirates, treasure. Make a dinosaur paper puppet, followed by 1/2 hour concert of songs about dinosaurs.
Using Puppets in the Classroom or Library
- Teachers and Librarians discover the advantages of using puppets as teaching tools, to tell stories, introduce new topics and more. Bring in your own puppet to work with or use one of mine. Learn the basics of puppetry, manipulation and voice, to make your puppet come alive! Time: 45 mins. Make a puppet, add on 1 hour.
Songwriting Workshop - Children will
learn basic songwriting skills, rhymes, alliteration, rhythm to create
their own song as a group for the elementary grades. You will receive
a recording of the song and written music as needed. Combine it with a
concert at the end of the day if desired!
Recycled Instruments Workshops - Diane teaches participants how
to make instruments from recycled items. With this hands on approach, children
have fun and explore their creativity by making their own instruments to
keep and play. Older children (above age 8) need minimal assistance. Includes
making rainsticks, shakers, maracas, and drums for a lot of fun.
Puppet Making Workshops and residencies - Participants
learn to make simple puppets according to age and ability. Examples: Plastic bottle hand puppets - recycle and have fun. Make zany characters that can be partners in literature or just for fun. Time: 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Plastic liter rod puppets - more time intensive. See picture above. Great for residencies, requires 5 hours with volunteers assisting with prep and classroom for elementary grades. Less time needed for grades 5 - 12. Make historical or storybook characters and present as performance for classmates and family.
No-paint paper mache hand puppets - most time intensive. Great for residencies, requires minimum of 7 hours with volunteers assisting with prep and classroom for elementary grades. A 1 hour class in manipulation and voice and how to make the puppet come alive is required after building the puppets. Use them to act out stories, become language partners and more! These workshops may be tailored for teachers and educators.
Click on this link to see more Workshops/ Residency pictures.
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
What is an artist in residence?
The Artist in Residence is an opportunity to have Diane present new creative learning ideas for your school using puppets and/or music. Also, refer to Workshops offered for details. Residencies may be 1 or more days depending on availability, goals of the residency and funding. Culminating events have included children performing a puppet show with their own puppets that they have created during the residency and a concert following a song writing workshop! Learning experiences are usually coordinated with teachers and blend with the curriculum standards. For examples of past residencies see "workshops" above and pictures. As a member of the NH Council on the Arts Touring Artist Roster, funding is available via grants through the NH Council on the Arts, you may click on their link below.
Fee is negotiable, depending on duration of residency and number of students.
FEE AND SCHEDULING INFORMATION
Prices are for single performances based on venue, audience size, location, sound system. Additional mileage fee may be charged. A discount is given for additional performance same day, same location. Generally, fees are as follows: Birthdays (under 20 children) $200 Preschools, daycares, $225 - $400 depending on size of facility, proximity, 1 or 2 person show Libraries $260 - $400 depending on size of facility, proximity, 1 or 2 person show Schools $300 - $500 depending on size of facility, proximity, 1 or 2 person show
Diane is a member of the
NH State Council on the Arts Touring roster and the
New England Foundation for the Arts. The Council and Foundation offer funding assistance through grants to nonprofit organizations that want to present one of Diane's shows. Click on the links for more information.
To start the process, please call or email me to let me know which show you would like, audience size, location of the event including street address, your name, and phone number where I can reach you. Please include any additional questions you have.
Send mail or inquiries to:
Diane Kordas, Romper Rhythm and Puppets
516 Barnard Hill Road
Weare, NH 03281
603 529-7623
www.romperrhythm.com
e-mail:diane@romperrhythm.com
REQUIREMENTS FOR PERFORMANCE
- Convenient 3 prong electrical outlet.
- Performances work best if there is a windowless wall behind me and my puppet stage. (OK if the windows have dark shades)
- When stage lighting is used, works best with a
darkened room for good stage effects.
- Shaded location if concert is outdoors
during the daytime, with inside facilities available in case of inclement
weather. Extra charge to reserve a rain or snow date. Puppet shows are for indoor locations only.
- Relatively quiet performing site away from
loud bands or machinery.
Romper Rhythm & Puppets: