From: Wayong-AT-aol.com
Date: Sun, 29 Sep 2002 23:13:21 -0400
Subject: Re: PUPT: Re: critics


It reminds me when I taught a puppetry arts workshop for kids
in Michigan 11 yrs ago. My workshop was for kids ages 5-12. We had a strict regulation that kids under 11 were not allowed in adult classes (due to subject matter, techniques, pacing). Adult classes were really for people ages 15/16 plus, but we did make exceptions for exceptional youth (ages 11-15).

A parent of a 3 yr old wanted to sign his kid up for the kids class.  I was hesitant- but the child seemed bright, so she was allowed on a trial basis.  She did, remarkably well & was able to focus for 3 hrs along with other kids, per class. Which is exceptional - if you have worked with little kids, even most bright kids are unable to have that focus. I always individualise and challenge my students/clients.

However, the father had the audacity to say that he felt his child was not challenged enough & insisted that she should audit the adult watercolour class. I was outraged & the other  teacher was not thrilled,  not to mention the adult participants were surprised.  I contacted the parent to encourage them to reconsider the children's class. I agreed that while the child was exceptional, she is (was) still a child & needs to be in an age appropriate activity. That the excessive pressure can put undo stress on a child who already appeared to have some emotional difficulty (based on the art the child was creating, this was a very 'gentle' comment).

The father ended up admitting that the family was going under severe stress at the time & that's why he was forcing his kid to grow up quickly. He also admitted that it was more his needs, than the kid's & was close to tears. The end result is the child came back to the class & had a wonderful time even though the other kids were older.

Based on what I have heard about pressure little, upper middle class children deal with- I imagine something is similiar is going on in NYC & major cities.  On the one hand, there is much more awareness of culture & puppetry, but on the other hand, kids are forced to grow up quickly. I have friends who work for very prestigious Montessori & Steiner pre-schools & kindergartens & it's extremely competitive to get in even if you are well known in show biz or the arts. Kids are more likely to take violin lessons or other structured activities than be allowed to do 'free play'.

Parents of those kids probably have unrealistic expectations & that's probably why they may say their 4 yr old is too advanced for puppetry & force their 18 mo. olds to sit through performances. To me, neither sounds realistic, no matter how gifted and talented the child is.  

I'm all for enrichment of a child's talents appropriately... I know all to well what happens to a 2 yr old who learns to read & can read, write & do basic math is bored stiff once she enters a 'normal' kindergarten with a nonprogressive neo-Nazi teacher.  However, I have seen all to frequently - friends & clients who were brilliant, very pressured & thought to be 'God's gift' & 'little angels' end up mentally folding under pressure or become underacheivers by the time they hit late adolescence or early adulthood...

I would probably try to encourage the parents that some puppetry performances can be read on all levels & the more advanced their child is, the more that child can get out of the performance.  However, if they are looking for that calibar of puppetry, they probably won't be hiring an entertainment puppeteer, but would bring their kids to the theatre. Perhaps if you try to bill it more as a hands on workshop where the kids can develop their own puppets. Personally, most of the kids I have worked with (unless they are unusual) would rather be active that passively watch something & become restless.

That's one of the reasons why I can never see myself entertaining at birthday parties.  These kids want this time to run around, eat lots of sugar, look at gifts and participate in physical play.  When they are old enough, or mature enough, they should be encouraged to get into a 'theatre mindset' in order to pay attention to a play. Kids revved up on sugar highs, being around friends & family, may not be the most appropriate time for serious (or funny) performances.
One of my friends, who is a clown, has a much easier time because he doesn't demand much attention from kids in those settings.
But that's just my personal opinion anyway.

Wayong


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