Angel Heart Theatre have developed three new workshops for primary schools and theatres, inspired
by the themes in our current show, 'OSHIMA AND THE BIG SEA' .


THE BIG SEA. Workshop 1#
A hands-on workshop in 2 parts. Duration: up to 3 hrs. Max. 30 children. Designed for upper Keystage 2.

Did you know whales are the longest-living mammals on the planet: one whale has been found to be 211 years old?

Or that it is estimated there are presently 6.5 million tons of man-made rubbish in the world’s oceans?

Or that the longest single leap for a flying fish is 45 seconds, filmed in 2008 by a TV crew off the coast of Japan?

The first session will involve discussion and demonstration. 1 hr.

We will begin with the story of my great-grandfather who was a Victorian whaler on the Arctic Seas. We will discuss
how attitudes to marine life have changed since then, but how we still continue to treat the sea itself with less
respect than when my great-grandfather was alive.

We will introduce the children to some of the sea creature puppets we use in ’Oshima and the Big Sea’- and discuss
how we created them, using all sorts of materials, including re-cycled objects. And, we will share some of the
amazing facts about each of our sea creatures.
An engaging exercise to encourage greater interest in marine life and discussion about the problems and
solutions of pollution at sea.

The second session will involve creative activities. 1hr 30 mins/2hrs.

We will show and help the children to create some of their own sea creatures, using scrap-store and re-cycled
materials. We will make jellyfish, turtles, starfish and various fish.
Work made in this session could be taken home by the children or contribute to a sea-themed display in the school.


At the end of both sessions the children will have received the following:

-A light-handed introduction to the sea, some of its marine life and the issue of sea pollution.

-An opportunity to see how a professional puppet company create some of their puppets.

-A chance to use some of the materials and techniques we use to create sea-creature puppets.

-A fact sheet highlighting the topics covered in the sessions.



JAPAN: ITS ARTS AND CULTURE. Workshop 2#.
A hands-on workshop in 2 parts. Duration: 3 hrs. Max. 30 children. Designed for all years in Keystage 2.

Did you know ’Oshima’ means ’Big Island’ in Japanese? And that in Japan people hardly ever use first names, even
amongst close friends and family?

Or that the art of Bonsai (cultivating trees in small containers) dates back at least 1000 years? And that some trees
might be over 300 years old and yet stand no more than 48 cms high?

Or that in Japanese puppetry it takes 3 men to operate one puppet? And that it takes a novice puppeteer 20 years
before he is allowed to manipulate the head, and so become a master?

The first session will involve discussion and a writing exercise. 1 hr 30 mins.

In a fun and informative way we will introduce children to some of the fascinating aspects of Japan’s culture.

We have chosen two traditional artforms, still very popular in Japan today.

1. NETSUKE: The art of carved minuture sculptures.

We will bring genuine examples (as well as the tools used) into the classroom.

2. HAIKU: The art of composing simple 3-line poems, of seventeen syllables.

We will show how haiku are composed and then encourage the children to write their own.
Haiku are often inspired by the natural world and we would encourage the opportunity to take the children
outside to observe/reflect on their school environment as part of this activity.
A great exercise to develop sensory awareness and literacy skills.

The second session will involve two hands-on activities. 1 hr 30 mins.

A hilarious introduction to working with rod puppets in the Japanese style of Ningyo joruri. The children will have
the chance to find out just how confusing and fun it can be operating one puppet with three pairs of hands!
A wonderful game to develop co-ordination skills and group work.

A chance for every child to make their own Koinobori kite. These colourful windsocks are traditionally in the
shape of Koi Carp fish and are hung from bamboo poles so they can 'swim' in the wind. We will make ours using
scrap-store materials (and glitter!)


At the end of both sessions the children will have received the following:

-A safe, simple and fun introduction to Japanese culture: so like our own, and yet so different.

-The opportunity to try rod-puppetry with a professional puppeteer of more than 10 years experience (not yet a
master!) and two other Japanese art forms.

-A fact sheet highlighting the topics covered in the session and a Koinobori fish to take home.



SHADOWS OF THE DEEP! Workshop 3#.
A hands-on workshop in 2 parts. Duration: 3 hrs. Max. 30 children. Designed for all years in Keystage 2.

This workshop is based on the shadow-puppet workshops we have previously run. We will be demonstrating
various shadow puppets (old and new/intricate and simple) including some of those we use in our shows.

After this we will take the children through the process of making their very own shadow puppets. Our theme will
be the one we chose for the show and which we feel lends itself well to shadow puppetry: the weird and wonderful
creatures found in the very deep, dark depths of our oceans.

At the end of the making sessions we will offer some basic instruction in using shadow puppets and will then create a
'pageant' of the deep, where all the children will have the opportunity to show their puppets, accompanied by
live music.

At the end of both sessions the children will have received the following:

-An introduction to Shadow Puppetry and some of the different ways shadows can be used to create characters
and tell stories.

-A chance to make their own shadow puppet, using some of the basic techniques that we use to create the shadow
puppetry in our shows. Also to perform with them in front of their fellow pupils.

-A shadow puppet to take home.




Angel Heart Theatre can also offer the following workshops with over 12 years experience working with
children and young adults. We are registered with DAISI with C.R.B and P.L.I cover. We have also signed
up to DAISI's Child Protection Policy.


Puppet making for children (6-10 year olds)
We will make simple rod puppets using re-cycled/scrap materials, tissue paper, glitter and wobbly eyes!



Mask making for children (6-10 year olds)
Taking any theme (eg. rainforest animals, Egyptian gods, Outer space!) we will create simple masks.



Shadow puppet making workshops for children (6-10 year olds)
Taking a creation myth from around the world we will bring it to life on our 'full moon' shadow screen!


photo: James Bird © April 2009

Willow sculpture making for young adults (10-15 year olds)
Using willow 'withies' we will create 3-dimensional sculptural forms, from little lanterns to giant dragons!







For more information, cost and enquires please contact us.