PROGRAMS

ANIMOTION
Multi-week Training Intensive DATES TBD

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Join us for Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s acclaimed Puppetry Training Intensive.  This training will provide a new set of skills related to the exciting performance art form of puppetry.

For one week, participants will learn how to engage with puppets through a series of carefully designed exercises, independent and collaborative scene work, and the development of finished pieces using a variety of puppet styles as well as puppets designed, and built, by the participants themselves.

The program runs for (1) week (dates TBD APRIL-MAY 2026)
The Intensive was created to provide a platform where professional and pre-professional performers, and others, would explore the art of puppetry and related object movement techniques in a nurturing and challenging environment. Because there are few opportunities like this, response to our initiative has been tremendous with interest coming from all over North America. We are very proud to be able to provide this service to the theatre community from our headquarters in Windsor. During the one-week intensive training, participants will be offered the opportunity to glean as much knowledge and technical skills as possible though a series of carefully designed exercises, independent and collaborative scene work, and the development of finished pieces using puppets designed and built by the participants themselves.

Tuition Options

A refundable deposit $150 plus HST (within 30 days of the start date) can hold your spot. Full Tuition for the course is offered $400 plus HST. Should you have any questions, please contact us at connect@mermaidstudios.ca.

Saralee Lewis Centre for Puppetry Arts
Schools | Groups | Professional | Performance

Bring Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s internationally acclaimed workshops direct to your institute, school, or venue. We tailor each workshop to fit the needs of your school and group. Institute instructors have been warmly welcomed in worldwide locations, with workshop frequently offered in conjunction with Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s global touring.  The Institute’s faculty members include professional associates who are recognized experts in the fields of theatre, music, dance, design, and construction.  We offer a standard workshop to presenters who are bringing a Mermaid production to their venue, which takes place on stage and allows children or adults to learn the basics of Mermaid's unique style of puppetry in a hands-on setting.  For more information about our workshops and bookings, Contact Us.

Puppet Demonstrations

Participants will learn how to manipulate various styles of puppets, ranging from basic hand puppets to large “doughboys,” - a five-person puppet for an interactive demo.

Build a Puppet

Participants will learn how to create their own puppet.  The puppet will be created using common, everyday items. Additional materials will be supplied.  Under supervision, the participants will have an opportunity to decorate their creations and develop the puppet’s character and costume.  

Giant Puppets

Working as a team, your group will construct a large-scale puppet while learning how to bring it to life.

CAMPS
Spring Break & Summer

We are unable to confirm camp programming at this time. Please revisit our website for any changes to our camp program.

Artist Residencies

The primary goal of the Mermaid Theatre Loft Residency is to create a professional development opportunity to emerging and established professionals that is considered unique in Canadian theatre. Participants, with an interest in developing new work, or improve existing work, rooted in object and visual theatre, are encouraged to apply. Mermaid Theatre will provide access to all our facilities including the Loft Space, as well as, access to all Mermaid Theatre personnel who will engage in relevant discussions regarding the specifics of each project. Mentoring will be provided in puppetry manipulation and construction, set and prop design and construction, play development, dramaturgy, organizational planning, administration, and touring.

If you are interested in this program please send us a project proposal and residency dates by clicking here: Contact Us.