The Matthews Opera House & Arts Center will be holding a free puppet workshop for kids led by master puppeteer Markie Sholtz on April 10th in the historic opera house theatre. Two workshops will be offered with one for ages 5 – 10 starting at 10 am and one for youth 11 and older starting at 1 pm. This program is part of the 2021 NEA Big Read: Spearfish.
The puppet workshop is part of Sholtz’s “Dragons Are Too Seldom” program. During the workshops, kids learn to make their own dragon puppet, manipulate it, and write a show all while utilizing their imagination.
“We are so excited to offer this workshop for free to the community,” said Kyler Flock, Community Engagement Manager at the Matthews. “The best part is that this event fits perfectly with our NEA Big Read novel “A Wizard of Earthsea” by Ursula K. Le Guin.”
Sholtz calls Spearfish her home but has shared her love of puppets nationwide since 1971 when “Dragons Are Too Seldom” was founded. According to their website, “Scholz and her puppets have performed their matchless form of family entertainment in thirty-nine states and six countries. She travels 30,000 to 70,000 miles a year in her life-long pursuit to bring puppets to the masses.”
The capacity for this event is limited. Parents should call the Matthews during gallery hours to reserve their spot. The Matthews can be reached Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm by calling 605.642.7973.
This will be a masked event. More information can be found at matthewsopera.com/dragonsaretooseldom.