The Traveling International Mask and Puppet Museum Residency
World Studies come to life with interactive demonstrations exploring the use of masks, puppets, and stories in traditional celebrations around the world. Beautifully enhanced displays and vibrant artifacts introduce cultures found in Africa, Mexico, Indonesia, Russia and Europe.
The traveling museum program brings an incredible international collection of masks and puppets to your school. Primary students go on a “magic carpet ride” and look at birth masks, animals in masks, character masks and community rituals. Older students find places on the globe, compare distances and sizes, talk about rites of passage and ancestors, and hear a ritual battle story.
Variations of this general overview are available to suit your specific cultural focus.
- Best for grades 2 – 12
- An opening performance for up to 500 students
- Up to 6 classes of 25-30 per day
- Study Guide with NYS Learning Standards provided
Objectives of the Performance
- Introduce the traditional use of masks in ritual and performance
- Tell the stories behind ceremonies and community activities involving various masks
- Emphasize the respect, care and philosophies behind different mask traditions
Brief Synopsis
The day opens with an assembly performance of "Masks of Life." The traveling museum is set up in one space and visited by individual classes throughout the day. Each class experiences a close up look at masks, stories about ceremonies and traditions, interactive questioning and comparisons of masks. The last 5 - 10 minutes can include hands- on improvisational puppetry.
Program Requirements
- minimum area that is cleared of desks and furniture, 20' x 25'
- The traveling museum is ideally set up in a large classroom or multi-purpose room for classes to visit throughout the day, with students seated on the floor.
- Power required for shadow screen
Fee
$900 per day
.jpg)