STORY: GEORGIA ROSSITER. PHOTOGRAPHY: RECHELLE ZAMMITT
A LOCAL PUPPETEER IS PULLING THE STRINGS WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING CHILDREN TO EMBRACE THEIR CREATIVITY AGAIN, AFTER THE PANDEMIC ROBBED US OF THE ARTS AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES.
If puppeteer Jason Triggs had a slogan for his puppetry class, it would be something along the lines of ‘creativity and imagination’.
“I think children should always explore puppetry, even if it’s just using oven mitts and googly eyes,” he said.
“It’s about storytelling and imagination.”
Jason grew up doing drama in and out of school, so when his parents gave him two puppets for his birthday one year, his love of performance morphed to include a love of puppets.
Now, the Seymour resident hosts two puppetry schools for children, tours schools and libraries with his puppet shows, and owns “about 50 or 60” puppets (most handmade).
His favourite puppet is Felicia. She’s three in human years, which counts for 21 puppet ones.
“She helps kids overcome their fear of puppets, and likes to talk about consent,”Jason said.
“I take her everywhere with me.”
In puppetry school, kids make their own puppets, write their own play and perform for an audience at the end of the year.
“They need to work together, build confidence and stage presence,” Jason said.
“It requires creativity and imagination, which can’t be taught but can be fostered.”
He said now more than ever puppetry and the performing arts were important for children to use their imagination.
“Many children had to stay home [during COVID-19 lockdowns] and not explore as much.
“To be creative in what they do is very important.”
Jason is also taking his puppets on the road. He’s touring regional Victoria in the September school holidays with his new show There’s A Dinosaur In My Garden.
He confirmed the show did feature a dinosaur, but said he could not confirm in what capacity.
“It’s really exciting, tickets are selling like hotcakes.”
Written and performed by Jason, the show is open to young and old to attend.
Locally, the tour will visit Avenel and Mooroopna.
For more information about his upcoming shows, or to inquire about puppetry school, visit Jason Triggs - Puppeteer on Facebook.