YPPT
Young People's Puppet Theatre
Puppets project
Puppets project
As part of the Year 6 Design & Technology (DT) and Art curriculum, our pupils embark on an exciting year-long project that culminates in a theatrical production of a classic narrative. This immersive project is divided into two key phases: Making and Rehearsing/Performing.
As part of the Year 6 Design & Technology (DT) and Art curriculum, our pupils embark on an exciting year-long project that culminates in a theatrical production of a classic narrative. This immersive project is divided into two key phases: Making and Rehearsing/Performing.
The Making Phase
In the first half of the year (typically September through February), pupils engage in weekly two-hour sessions, where they collaboratively design and create all the elements needed for the production. This includes set design, props, costumes, and puppets, with each pupil playing an active role in the creative process. Throughout this phase, pupils learn valuable skills in craftsmanship, problem-solving, and teamwork, which they will later apply in the performance phase.
The Making Phase
In the first half of the year (typically September through February), pupils engage in weekly two-hour sessions, where they collaboratively design and create all the elements needed for the production. This includes set design, props, costumes, and puppets, with each pupil playing an active role in the creative process. Throughout this phase, pupils learn valuable skills in craftsmanship, problem-solving, and teamwork, which they will later apply in the performance phase.
The Rehearsal & Performance Phase
In the Spring and Summer terms, the project shifts focus to rehearsals and performance preparation. During this time, pupils rehearse their lines, blocking, and learn how to operate the various technical aspects of the production, including lighting, sound, and special effects. Every pupil is involved in the rehearsals and the production itself.
The Rehearsal & Performance Phase
In the Spring and Summer terms, the project shifts focus to rehearsals and performance preparation. During this time, pupils rehearse their lines, blocking, and learn how to operate the various technical aspects of the production, including lighting, sound, and special effects. Every pupil is involved in the rehearsals and the production itself.
A Truly Collaborative Experience
One of the unique features of this project is that every pupil has an essential role, whether they are acting as narrators, puppeteers, voices, stage managers, lighting and sound technicians, or special effects operators. Adults are only involved in a supervisory capacity. This ensures that the pupils take ownership of the entire production, both on and off the stage.
A Truly Collaborative Experience
One of the unique features of this project is that every pupil has an essential role, whether they are acting as narrators, puppeteers, voices, stage managers, lighting and sound technicians, or special effects operators. Adults are only involved in a supervisory capacity. This ensures that the pupils take ownership of the entire production, both on and off the stage.
Most roles are backstage, which encourages pupils to develop strong communication and collaboration skills. The focus is on the collective effort, teaching pupils to value every part of the production process, no matter how visible or hidden.
Most roles are backstage, which encourages pupils to develop strong communication and collaboration skills. The focus is on the collective effort, teaching pupils to value every part of the production process, no matter how visible or hidden.
Two Performances for All to Enjoy
At the end of the project, we host two performances, giving our school community—parents, teachers, and younger pupils—a chance to experience the hard work and creativity of the Year 6 class. To ensure that family and friends who may not be able to attend in person can also enjoy the performance, each production is filmed and published on the YPPT YouTube channel.
Two Performances for All to Enjoy
At the end of the project, we host two performances, giving our school community—parents, teachers, and younger pupils—a chance to experience the hard work and creativity of the Year 6 class. To ensure that family and friends who may not be able to attend in person can also enjoy the performance, each production is filmed and published on the YPPT YouTube channel.