To: <puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org>
Date: Sun, 25 Jan 2009 08:39:21 -0500
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] workshops


I left off the title of difficult because it disturbs me a bit. I do 
workshops (paper puppet 7-adult (usually)) in all kinds of scenerios. In my 
opinion the important thing to remember is that one has an audience whose 
needs -need to be met.
"Privelaged" (which I am sure all would like to be) or underserved  - each 
is an audience with needs and expectations, if one has a difficult time it 
is the performer's responsibility to see where they have missed. It becomes 
an excellent opportunity for growth.
Once I started treating a workshop as a performance with a beginning, middle 
and end - had much more success with it. Once I cut down options (for the 
students) and became specific - had much more success. Once as a workshop 
leader (performer) developed flexibilty to what was being given to me - had 
much more success. It was all a process and still is.
The key is the relationship between presenter/performer and the AUDIENCE.

Have found there are usually four types of participants (irrespective of 
economic or other situation).

Those that try for themselves. (they are the joys and turn out really neat 
stuff - that sometimes teaches me).
Those that want to have it done for them. (I try and encouage them to do for 
themselves first - will not help until I see an effort)
Those who want to be right and are afraid of making a mistake (how many 
times have you heard, "is this right"?) (They are self limiting - I try to 
empower them).
And those that will not participate. (These are always the challenge).
Always have adult helpers/supervisors working with the kids as well.

I am not a teacher - that takes a set of skills that I don't have and have 
not learned. I am a performer. Teachers are like long distance runners - I 
am more like a sprinter.

The biggest problem I have faced (and again it cuts across all lines) is 
what I perceive as a lessening of attention spans - what I could do with a 
group 10 or 15 years ago - maybe can do half of that today in the same 
45min -1hour time slot.

So it is up to me as a performer to learn how to deal with that condition of 
audience.

The only power of change I have is on me. But if one changes one element in 
a relationship (performer-audience) one changes the entire dynamic 
(relationship).

Mark S. 

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