Columbia Marionette Theatre's Hansel & Gretel

Fairy Tales and Classic Cartoons Collide!

The Brothers Grimm classic is reimagined in the playful style of old Black and White cartoons in CMT’s most ambitious production!

Hansel and his sister Gretel decide to help when they overhear their parents worry that there isn’t enough money to feed the family. Hansel has read about a treasure hidden deep in the forest, and together, brother and sister sneak out under the cover of night. Their adventure through the forest leads them to fairies, ghosts, and, of course, a house made completely of candy occupied by a seemingly helpful old woman.

Animated projections, shadows, marionettes, and hand puppets bring this highly stylized world to life. Appropriate for all ages.

 Your Field Trip includes:

• Special showing of Hansel & Gretel
• Question and Answer session with our puppeteers
• A look behind the scenes, in which we reveal our bridges and methods for special effects
• Hands on experience with marionettes
• A shadow puppet making activity

Complete your experience in the world of puppetry by creating your own puppet! Using simple materials (no glue!), and templates we provide, each participant can create a customizable shadow puppet themed to the current production. The puppets are sturdy, easy to operate, and very expressive. We will have a screen set up so each child can practice with their puppet. We also give tips on how to create a shadow screen at home with easy to find materials. Participants will color their puppets, so they look great even without a screen!

Participants will gain a greater understanding of the principals of shadow puppetry, such as silhouette, opacity, and transparency. They will also work with moving joints, balance points, and control rods. And, of course, they will learn to bring their creation to life!

Please arrive by 9:40 AM at the latest. We must enter as a group at 9:45 AM. Parking is provided at the theatre. The show will begin at 10, followed by Q&A and backstage tour. We will then break for a picnic lunch while they prepare the puppet making activity. After a quick lunch/snack, we will conclude with our puppet making activity.

The cost is $12 per student. Parents are $7. 2 and under are free, but I do need to include them in the headcount so please choose the free ticket option for them. Tickets are non-refundable. You may transfer your tickets to another member, but this will be your responsibility. 

If you have questions, please contact Amanda Sanford. Phone: 864-205-9129 Email: amanda@homeschoolupstate.com