Date: Sun, 25 Jan 2009 18:43:07 -0600
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Difficult workshops


I agree, Alan.
I keep hearing about how different kids are than they used to be.  I've 
been doing school workshops and residencies for over 30 years, and I 
think the differences are superficial.  Kids' hearts and souls are the 
same; their circumstances (either over-protected or neglected with no 
middle ground) have changed and school requirements and administrations 
have changed even more.  However, kids still respond the same as ever.  
They get just as excited about our shows and workshops and are just as 
creative.  The big difference, as far as I'm concerned, is that we have 
to work much harder to justify ourselves  to the administration 
(curriculum connections, more time devoted to tests, so less time to 
the arts).  I prefer to look at it as a challenge.

Monica

On Jan 25, 2009, at 5:38 PM, Alan Cook wrote:

> Last year I did two workshops for an annual art day at a Pasadena 
> private girls school---back to back for different groups. So time was 
> condensed to about an hour for each class. The students were 
> beautiully behaved, attentive & creative in making simple shadow 
> puppets. I began each class with a performance of Billy Goats Gruff. 
> Several staff teachers attended the sessions too. So it is great to 
> know that not all of today's students are goof-offs.
>
> Alan Cook
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: John Dudley
> Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2009 4:32 AM
> To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
> Subject: [Puptcrit] Difficult workshops
>
> I can well appreciate what Alan is saying about workshops in the
> 1960's but regrettably over the years times and attitudes have changed
> considerably. We have Ipods and computer games to occupy our minds.
> Anything that requires a bit of thought is BORING, especially if
> challenged to do anything. Those who have a bit of money in their
> pockets tend to go out and buy what they want or drive their parents
> into the ground! Many youngsters used to have school clubs and
> hobbies. Sport is one that appears to have survived.
>
> I am sure it is the same in America with a lot of the young as it is
> in the UK. It all starts in the home and how much encouragement is
> given.
> On television and in newspapers we see stories of youngsters shooting
> randomly in the streets, gangs of under aged drinkers,
> wandering the streets in the early hours of the morning and when asked
> why they do it, the reply is nothing to do!
>
> I feel sorry for many teachers who have an uphill job.
>
> John
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Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre
319 N. Calhoun, POB 330
West Liberty, IA. 52776
http://www.puppetspuppets.com

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