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"Our Stories" - Puppets For LGBTQ+ Voices
OPEN CALL FOR LGBTQ+ PUPPETRY ARTISTS!
OUR STORIES
Tales from the mouths (and hands) of LGBTQ+ artists!
DIRECTED BY RICKI VINCENT AND
STAR HAGEN-ESQUERRA
CRAFT​ puppet characters, ​WRITE​ your own script, and ​PERFORM​ YOUR STORY LIVE!
ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE WELCOME (AGE 16+):
YOU SIMPLY MUST HAVE A STORY TO TELL AND THE DETERMINATION TO YELL IT!!!!
Our stories have often been portrayed by others. Between the state of the world for those who differ from what is seen as conventional, and how those voices are systematically silenced, the importance of LGBTQ+ voices is at an all time high. Our voices are important, and
there’s no reason we shouldn’t tell our stories ourselves, the best we know how. We each have unique experiences that deserve a unique medium of expression. Truth, comedy, tragedy, trash
WE LOVE IT ALL!
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We Want Your Voice Heard, and covered in felt!
Art by the amazing Taylor Chase
HOW TO APPLY:
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- Download and read the PDF Forum
- EMAIL the.puppetry.institute@gmail.com
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Include your name, age, and
a few short paragraphs of the story you'd like to share!
An email response will be provided for in person interview auditions.
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Please List your weekly availability as well as known conflicts within the months of February and September!
APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 7th
“Our Stories” is a Stagecraft/Performance project featuring youths ages 16-22, from the LGBTQ+ community,
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Performers will learn how to create and construct their very own Muppet-style puppet, which they will develop into a character/personality that will represent themselves, and participate in a series of performances in Santa Cruz and beyond.
Performers will be able to share their stories behind the anonymity of their puppets.
What is the impact?
It is our hope that through the experience of building and working with puppets, these young people will be able to tell us their own personal stories of when they realized their place and identities in this world. Not every LGBTQ+ youth has had a safe environment to come out to their families and comfortably express who they are. Our goal with this program is to encourage participants to use a puppet as the vehicle/voice for their experiences and stories, giving them the opportunity to openly and honestly express themselves.
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Our program will culminate with a series of performances Directed and co-starring, Star Hagen-Esquerra, long time Institute supporter, activist, and artist. The performance is equally as important as the workshop portion, as it gives the participants the stage, the attention, the focus. After working with their puppets, creating their characters, and compiling their stories, sharing them with audiences willing to hear and learn from them is crucial. Additionally, for any LGBTQ+ youth unable to participate in our program, this can be a cathartic experience where they can see and connect with other people their age and experiencing similar situations.
Why is this important?
Through my experience working with under-served and challenged youth, puppetry has shown itself to be an incredible conduit for self-expression and learning. And as a father of a LGBTQ+ child, I know from personal experience how much power is behind a person’s ability to tell their story. This is a project of TPI and our sponsors Children Are Our Future. As CAOF has long been involved with providing a variety of programs and opportunities for youth and young adults, as well as being active in the LGBTQ+ community, the collaboration is a perfect fit.
Any donations you’d like to give to support this project are Tax Deductable!
We have not been able to secure any grant money for this so funding will be coming through portion of paid classes and TPI’s Patreon funds.Visit our Patreon to make a donation, or EMAIL us for other ways of helping to support this project.
Know someone who needs to be a part of this or can provide additional financial support?
Please message us at your earliest convenience.
Whether we get support or not this project is happening!
So talk about this with everyone you know as a story can be a powerful thing! Thanks for your time
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- Ricki Vincent
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