PUPPET & MASK WORKSHOPS

OFFERED BY DHANN POLNAU

Proprieter of the Puppetry Arts Studio

I have taught puppetry arts to children in workshops and residencies for 9 years in public and private schools, churches, synagogues, community centers and other youth groups. I find children of all ages and backgrounds hungry for what I teach. My process is one of discovering and drawing out ideas from children, instead of imposing my own. I believe puppets and masks are not things to hide behind, but allow hidden things to emerge. I teach many different styles of puppetry and masks, from shadow puppets, hand puppets, giant larger-than-life 3 pole puppets, "chinese" style parade dragons, and many more. I love puppetry because it involves all the arts - sculpture, painting, dance and movement, music, poetry, etc. Through experience, my programs have evolved to be flexible and adaptive, and can serve children of any age, race, culture or group size.

I present a process and environment where it is nurturing and safe to take risks. Being allowed to create their own puppets and tell their own stories through them activates the imagination and fosters ownership of work and undeniably builds self-esteem. Most residencies I teach culminate in a performance for other students, family, friends or other community. I think this honoring of children's work builds community as well.

I became involved in puppet and mask theater 17 years ago. In 1982 I founded "Dreaming Crow Mask & Puppet Theater", which gave free performances to a wide range of audiences for 5 years. Subsequently, I have worked with "In the Heart of the Beast" theater and as a solo puppet artist. At "In the Heart of the Beast" I have worked as a puppet designer and builder, puppeteer, community outreach artist, "Mayday Parade" sectional leader and, in 1990, I was writer/designer/director of the mainstage production "Anaconda".

In addition to working with H.O.B.T., I have produced many solo and collaberative puppet productions and I have created a puppet theater-performance space in a storefront in south minneapolis.

In 1990, I recieved the "Lila Wallace Readers Digest" artist international grant to travel to Bali and Java. There I studied with puppet masters and mask carvers and dancers for 6 months. This experience and knowledge has greatly enriched what I offer to children, particularly in "The Enchanting World of Shadow Puppets" class I teach.

Teaching arts to children is the most exciting and fulfilling work that I have ever done. I believe the arts can provide a vital role in strengthening and healing individuals and community.

"the proof is in the pudding"

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