Scary Monsters Party

Twin boys celebrated their 6th birthday with friends on 8th July, by creating their own scary monsters and mythical creatures shadow puppets.  As a grand finale to this Lightbulb Fantastic workshop, the children performed a story, devised themselves, to their proud and delighted families.

"Great afternoon - very varied activities; designing, making, story, performance. Very different from usual party stuff" Neil Davenport.

"Fantastic experience, variety of activities, learning new skills and working as part of a team. Great idea for a party. Evelyn loved all the colours and making. Highly recommended." Dave Glassock.

"Stop Bullying" trial at Hooe Primary School, Plymstock.

This trial confirmed that LBF's "Stop Bullying" workshop is ready to launch.  In the morning of 6th July, 30 students, discussed, wrote, rehearsed and performed for each other a rich variety of scenes about bullying, its causes and solutions.  The year 6 students, ( 10 years old ) produced such insights as the bully whose father is a drunk and the wheelchair used accused of being a bully when she tries to defend herself from taunts.  

Student quotes included:

"You get to really explain the emotion. I enjoyed performing because if it has happened to you, you can express it without telling someone"

"I enjoyed performing most because it makes people understand more what I have been through"

"I enjoyed watching, to see what other people think about bullying"

The class teacher, Sam, said "Fantastic session that has led to all the children feeling more comfortable talking about bullying"

"Stop Bullying" Trial at Your Way, Plymouth.

On 15th June our second trial was at the "Your Way" Studio for adults with special educational needs.  We only had half a day, so this time participants chose their puppets from a selection that Light Bulb Fantastic provided.  Following a discussion, small groups devised their own scenes, adding their personal insights, feelings and even humour. The students having a free rein allowed their teachers and me to observe and challenge any misconceptions, for example clarifying the difference between an argument and bullying.

Every student was included, differentiated support being provided as needed, for example using narration to prompt action during performances on the screen.

Sarah, Your Way support worker, said "Nice to act it out, instead of sitting listening to someone just talk about it"

Alison, Your Way project coordinator, said she learnt "People who become bullies are victims themselves and have their own issues"

"Stop Bullying" Trial at Oakwood College, Dawlish

Bullying is a huge problem for many people with learning difficulties, so on 19th May, Light Bulb Fantastic's first trial of our anti-bullying workshop was at Oakwood College for special needs.  I was impressed at how openly the students shared their difficult experiences, of being a bully as well as being bullied.  During the day the teenagers made their own puppets, wrote, rehearsed and performed powerful scenes illustrating different aspects of bullying, its causes and solutions.

Jenny, their teacher, said it was "Informative, fun, entertaining and interesting, especially watching the students using their skills and becoming more confident throughout the day"

Christmas Magic

Join us for some Christmas Magic on Saturday 17th December at the lovely Jellyfish Gallery in Buckfastleigh, Devon.  All ages are welcome (under 11s need an adult with them) and the workshop runs from 3 - 6pm.  £10 per puppet, which you can take home. 

"Our Soil is Alive" workshop

27 participants of all ages enjoyed our workshop for Sustainable South Brent. Conversations were sparked off about the importance of the precious life in healthy soil, while tardigrades, termites and rotifers magically appeared before us.

"Our Soil is Alive"

This Saturday 3-6pm, we're running a free shadow puppet workshop "Our Soil is Alive", exploring the fascinating creatures that live in healthy soil and seeing how they are affected by our activities above it.

The workshop is part of Sustainable South Brent's 10 years party, with displays, refreshments, story telling, live music and DJ. From 3-11pm in the Village Hall at South Brent, Devon. The village hall is on the other side of the railway line from the main car park.

All ages are welcome, but under 11s need an adult to remain at the hall. It's all free.

www.sustainablesouthbrent.org.uk for details.