WORKSHOPS AND RESIDENCIES

Their residency is a powerful source for teaching, storytelling, puppet-making, and the importance of performance art — all of which feeds the imagination and builds the self-esteem of our students.
— Margaret Guerin, art teacher
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FST develops hands-on workshops and tailor-made residencies for adults:

  • teaching shadow puppet techniques and improvisation

  • creating vivid and original shadow puppets

  • encouraging writing for shadow theater

  • a history of shadow puppets lecture/demonstration

  • using shadow puppet images to illustrate and dramatize topical issues

Our programs for schools make connections across curricula which include

  • Fine Arts (making puppets, scenes and props)

  • Music (singing and adding sound effects)

  • Language Arts (play writing)

  • Theater (acting)

  • Science (experimenting with properties of shadow and light)

  • Engineering (constructing movable puppets and props)

  • Social Studies (history and learning how cultures have adapted the art form).


Firefly Shadow Theater was a privilege and delight to work with. Andrea seamlessly creates a warm environment for children to be inspired, motivated and creative in the structure of her program. Parents, caregivers, educators and children were engaged and grateful for such a wonderful experience.
— Sonya Wirtanen, Literacy Coordinator Montachusett Opportunity Council Community Partnership for Children
The children really enjoyed it and want to do more! You will never know the imprint you have left on the lives of our children.
— Katryna Savoy, Education Director, Beacon House Community Ministry, DC

Feedback from Students

The puppet-making session was wonderful in the extreme! Come to our school more often!
— Joe, sophomore, The Barrie School
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I like how you let the kids go up. There isn’t anything you could do to make it better. It was perfect!
— Nicole, 5th grader, Laurel Woods School
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The workshop was great! We got to make puppets, play parts, and use expressive voices.
— Jill, Girl Scout