SEASON 36 | September 2024

FREE Multi-generational/ Storytelling/Puppet Workshop

Sunday, September 8, 2024 2-4pm

The VORTEX is excited to host a free, multi-generational, puppet/storytelling workshop for children and parents. The workshop will be led by internationally recognized puppeteer Jelena Stojijkovic Rhynes, Jasmine Games (Director of Education and Social Justice Activation) and Melissa McKnight (Managing Director). 

The workshop begins with parents and children engaging in hands-on creation of homemade sock puppets (If possible, please bring a sock to decorate with upcycled materials as a sea-themed hand puppet). Once the puppets have been built, participants receive a prompt about how we treasure the earth, plus a challenge or obstacle to overcome. In small groups, participants use puppets to tell stories of overcoming the obstacles. Each playlet will then be presented to the whole group. Participants take their puppets home with them for the potential of further storytelling and exploration. 

This workshop is offered as a supporting element to our world premiere of Sunny Days, a play by Reina Hardy August 22-September 14, 2024. This new play tackles issues of human rights and climate crisis while incorporating multiple forms of puppetry that highlight the necessity of imagination in creating a brighter future. Hardy takes inspiration from the Sesame Workshop, an organization that has excelled at sparking the imaginations of children while imparting gentle lessons of education, curiosity, and compassion. (“Sunny Days” is the “Sesame Street” theme song.) 

Sunny Days Multi-generational storytelling/puppet workshop  is funded in part by VORTEX Repertory Company, the National Endowment for the Arts, Save Our Springs Alliance, Six Square-Austin’s Black Cultural District, the City of Austin Economic  Development Department, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.