'In the Workshop' presented by What If Puppets

The Workshop needs a new communication delivery system! Langston and Nico decide a bridge is the best thing to make, but they can’t seem to agree on the best way to make it. From discussing what shapes are best to debating which materials are the strongest, all they do is argue. With big ideas and even bigger feelings clashing, can the two friends find a way to actually listen to each other to build the best bridge they can make together? It might just take your students to help resolve this conflict, in this on-your-feet and interactive experience that happens directly in your classroom!

"In the Workshop" is much more than just a puppetry-based workshop. Classrooms who receive this program will also enjoy access to "In the Workshop" Educator resources that include eight digital episodes, lesson plans, and other supplemental materials.
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Over the past three decades, What If Puppets has captivated nearly 2 million people through its productions and educational programming. Audiences delight in the craftsmanship of the puppets, which range from glove puppets to marionettes to innovative shadow and object-based puppetry. What If Puppets uses humor and heart to present stories that connect to the complex social-emotional experiences of young audiences.

They hold the distinction of receiving three Union Internationale de la Marionette (UNIMA-USA) Citations of Excellence. The UNIMA-USA award was created by Jim Henson to promote high quality puppetry in the U.S. and is considered the “Academy Award” of puppetry.

In 2020, as the arts world was rocked by closures due to COVID-19, What If Puppets leadership seized the opportunity to research and develop a strategic vision. A community needs assessment was conducted, revealing the need for learning-through-play and arts integration strategies to support the social-emotional development of children ages 0-8. There was also a clear call for innovative ways to access professional arts as a form of family engagement, particularly for the very young.

In response to those findings, the board revised the mission statement in 2021: “To inspire play and cultivate connections through puppetry.” The staff also restructured programs to achieve the company’s new vision: “A Kansas City community that celebrates the arts as essential for early childhood development through a company that is nationally recognized as a leader in puppetry and arts integration.”

Energized by the company’s vision, they now move forward to fulfill their mission, inviting audiences to play with them and discover how puppetry and the arts contribute to community.

Educator Resources

With purchase, educators receive eight 10-15 minute web episodes that "hook" students for each lesson, with the following learning ties:

• Episodes 1 and 2: Identifying emotions (happy, frustrated), asking for help, collaboration, body control, safety
• Episodes 3 and 4: Identifying emotions (fear), separation anxiety, overactive imagination
• Episodes 5 and 6: Identifying emotions (anger, jealousy), interpersonal relationships (taking turns, sharing, losing)
• Episodes 7 and 8: Identifying emotions (sad, disappointment), exploring loss, finding hope

Educators also receive:

• Arts-integrated lesson plans inspired by episodes
• Pre and Post episode questions to help guide the conversation with your students
• Other supplemental materials created specifically for the 2024-25 version of In the Workshop Live, to extend the learning for your students

Photo courtesy of Travis Young at Austin Walsh Studios.