Theater Works Welcomes Jim Henson Award-Winning Puppeteer

Former Sesame Street Puppeteer and Jim Henson Award-winner David Stephens returns to Theater Works for a special performance and a Master Class. On Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 10:30am all ages are invited to enjoy "The Adventures of the Gingerbread Man", the telling of the classic tale with puppets. The following day, Sunday, November 20, 2016 from 1:00 until 4:00 pm, Stephens presents a Master Class on Puppet Construction and Manipulation. Both take place at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts (8355 W. Peoria Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345).

"Run, run, run as fast as you can," says the star of The Adventures of the Gingerbread Man. In this 40 minute show, you'll follow this little troublemaker as he makes narrow escapes from unsuspecting cookie lovers. You'll also meet Redina, a little red hen who learns how to follow directions in a retelling of the classic story, The Little Red Hen. Friend Gripe and Bicker learn the value of working together when they are granted three wishes in a new version of The Three Wishes. Lots of characters to meet in this wacky, fun-filled show. Intended for all ages. Tickets are $12 (includes a $2 ticket fee).

During the Puppet Construction and Manipulation Master Class, instructor David Stephens will guide students through the basics of foam puppet construction and manipulation. Each student will create a simple Muppet-style hand-and-rod puppet and then learn the basic fundamentals of performance including lip-sync, eye focus, and character development. Cost is $125.00 and includes materials to make your own puppet. Master Class intended for ages 16-Adult.

Stephens, a professional puppeteer for over 20 years, has created and performed characters for his own Atlanta-based company, All Hands Productions. He has also been a Muppet performer on Sesame Street and The Jim Henson Company. Some of his past work is now part of the Center for Puppetry Arts' Global Collection. Stephens' one-man show, "Billy Goats Gruff and Other Stuff," which toured libraries in his home state of Alabama, was awarded a 2004 UNIMA-USA (Union Internationale de la Marionette) Citation of Excellence. Created by Jim Henson, founder of the US chapter of UNIMA, the Citations honor outstanding works in the art of puppetry. With this award, Stephens joined the ranks with some of puppetry's most exceptional practitioners. He also worked as a puppet assistant for several Sesame Street Home Video productions (Abby Caddabby In Wonderland and Think Green 2008) and became a day-player on season 39 of Sesame Street, performing Anything Muppets.

Tickets for "The Adventures of the Gingerbread Man" and Master Class registration can be found at www.theaterworks.org or through our Box Office at (623) 815.7930.

Theater Works at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts is entering its 31st season of providing exceptional theater to the West Valley. Theater Works is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide opportunities for children, patrons and artists to experience theater that inspires, enriches and enlightens through the experience of the performing arts. Theater Works acts as The Managing tenant for the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts which features more than 200 events a year including: live theater, classical concerts, jazz, popular music, dance, comedy, cultural events, festivals, youth and adult education classes and much more. For more information, call 623.815.7930 or visit www.theaterworks.org.

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