April 2011

Lettie Connell Schubertʼs Twinkle & George the dog perform for kids. Circa 1960ʼs

Guild History Celebrating 50 Years of Puppetry

In this issue: Come to • Spring Meeting Announcement the 50th! • 4-H Puppets It’s going • Guild Board Election call for nominations • Storytelling News to be the • News and Reviews niftiest! • Peter Brizzi Memorial • Calendar • And Much More!

1 SFBAPG Spring Meeting Date: April 9th Time: Pre-meal at 5:00 and meeting from 6:30 to 9:30ish Place: Zocalo Coffee House 645 Bancroft Ave San Leandro, CA 94577 http://www.zocalo.com/ Zocaloʼs “living room” Zocalo Coffee House is one of the most amazing gathering places in the bay area. It is an independent, locally-owned coffeehouse and roaster. The name, a Mexican-Spanish word meaning "town square" or "town center", was chosen to reflect the goal of community building, focusing not only on the product, but on the place itself. It's not just about coffee or tea, itʼs about the community. Easily accessible from both the 880 AND the 580! You will fall in love with this shop.

Show and Tell! Please bring something to share with your fellow members. Do you have a puppet you are working on? A sketch of one? A new puppetry purchase youʼd like to show off? Perhaps you have a new idea or script youʼd like to share? Bring it! We wanna see it!

Programming! A viewing of selected shorts from “The Puppet Films of Jiri Trnka (1951)” AND George Palʼs “Puppetoons” with a few fantastic YouTube finds scattered throughout.

Jiri Trnka (1912-1969) was a Czech puppet master, illustrator, motion-picture animator and film director, renowned for his stop motion puppet animations; most famous of which is the film “The Hand (1965)”, a haunting indictment of totalitarianism. A must see.

George Pal (1908-1980), the beloved animator and film producer, best known for his work on the “Puppetoon” series of the 1940s and, later, as producer of many 60s and 70s era science fiction movies.

“Puppetoons” themselves are a hilarious reminder of the racial misperceptions that were prevalent at the time; many of which are difficult to watch with todayʼs sensitivities but a great reminder of how far weʼve come.

Refreshments! Free coffee! (Espresso Bar drinks at cost) and various other sundries to be provided by the guild.

Dinner Time @ 5:00! Meet here for a bite to eat before the meeting. Boulevard Burger 1027 MacArthur Boulevard San Leandro, CA 94577 (510) 632-3100 http://www.boulevardburger.com/

Boulevard Burger is the newly opened burger place owned by local restaurateur Mike Wiesner. Mike is also owner of the beloved Italian/Mediterranean restaurant “Paradiso” His attention to the quality of the food he offers is well documented. Boulevard Burgers are made with locally raised grass-fed, grain finished beef. Make sure to try the sweet-potato fries!

See you there!

A screen-shot from “The Hand”

1 Reviews and News

4-H Puppeteers win Blue at Sharon Clay

When you hear the term "Sectionals" doesn't it make you think of ? They are always working so hard to beat out the other choruses at "Sectionals". In 4-H the kids compete first at county Presentation Day and if they win a Gold award there, they qualify to go on to Sectionals - which is held at UC Davis, and involves about 17 other counties. Our Puppet Presentation was called "Frankie Finds 4-H Friends in the Forest" and is based on Kipling's Jungle Book - but with an obvious 4-H slant. The plot tells of Frankie (a foam, moving mouth puppet) who runs away from 4-H camp and gets lost in the forest. He is found by Tang, an orangutan, who takes him to the Animal Council (an elephant, wolf, and large weasel). There, the audience is given the choice of turning Frankie over to the Weasel (Muadobe), to do hard labor or to let Basir (Wolf) teach him the ways of 4-H. Of course, we know which win - and the rest of the presentation teaches Frankie the "ways of 4-H". My six 4-H kids have been in puppetry for one year to 7 years, and range in age from 9 to 17, and height from about 4 feet to probably 5'10. It is always challenging to get beginning kids developed enough to be able to perform with the more experienced members. They spend a lot of time practicing, and learning to work as a team in setting up the stage and performing and then breaking everything down, every practice. We don't have a place where all this can stay setup between practices. And the performance must meet certain guidelines and is judged by three judges according to a specific rubric - which is NOT always suitable to a puppet show. The kids did a good job on Saturday, March 26th. They were not competing against any other performers but were judged according to the rubric. And they got a score of Blue. It was interesting that with 5 other performances in the same room, they all got Blue, none of them got Gold. The judges were very strict. But, the comments the judges gave were valid. The kids were disappointed, but this will give them an opportunity to improve. They would like to perform at Fairyland in August, if they can get an invitation from the Guild.

“Carnival of Animals” a Delight Reviewed by Lee Armstrong & Kamela Portuges

We saw the Fratello Marionettesʼ 'Carnival of the Animals' and hope that Guild members who havenʼt seen this delightful production find the opportunity to do so. The performance is a superb interweaving of Camille Saint-Saens symphony “Carnival of Animals” with three classic storybook fairy tales, performed skillfully with beautifully designed puppets. The stories of the 'Three Little Pigs', the 'Tortoise and the Hare', and the 'Ugly Duckling' are told with sensitivity and humor. Each story has its moments on stage and each transitioned beautifully from one scene and story, to the next. The story builds to an ending that left children and adults delighted. The score wasnʼt just background music. Kevin Menegus, with his training as a classical musician, adeptly rearranged the music to work with, and enhance the stories. The simplicity of the staging gave focus to the exquisitely crafted marionettes, designed by Elizabeth Luce. The marionettists, Kevin Menegus and Fred C. Riley performed in full view of the audience, occasionally adding themselves as actors in the drama. The show is beautifully conceived, artistically executed and a joy to watch.

Greetings from the SFBAPG Nominating Committee! SFBAPG Scholarships are Are you interested in running for the SFBAPG Board? We are looking for available for help with candidates to serve on the SFBAPG Board of Directors. There are three positions Registration costs to Puppet that are up for election this year. If you or someone you know might be interested Festivals happening this in serving on the Board, please contact Padmini Sokkappa by replying to this Summer. If you are interested email. Board members must be SFBAPG members in good standing (that means in applying or would like more that their dues are paid) for at least 1 year (that means they must have joined information please contact Art prior to June 2010). If you wish to nominate someone other than yourself, please Grueneberger at let us know whether you have confirmed that they are willing to serve. [email protected]. Applications will be due By We plan to publish the ballot in the May newsletter, so we need your response by April 1st. April 20. We will need a short bio (~250 words) from each candidate to publish in the newsletter. Thank you in advance to all candidates. 2 Vent Documentary Released Conrad Bishop

DUMBSTRUCK, a new documentary following five extraordinary ventriloquists, will be in theaters across the country next month. For trailer and more info, visit www.dumbstruckthemovie.com. DUMBSTRUCK is the humorous and heartfelt story of these performers as they pursue their dreams of a career in puppetry. The film follows them as they take their acts across the United States, the Mexican Riviera, the Bahamas and Japan. It is filled with music, laughter, hopes and heartbreak. With its firmly planted on its polyester sleeve, Dumbstruck takes the American dream sideways and never loses its way. The cast includes: Kim Yeager, a former Miss Ohio beauty queen yearning for her big break; Dan Horn, a thriving cruise ship performer whose wife may divorce him when he comes ashore; Dylan Burdette, an introverted 13-year-old with dreams of hitting the professional circuit; Wilma - all six-foot-five of her - a former security guard who brings her dummies to senior homes and Wal-Marts; and Terry Fator, who struggled for decades as a small-time performer before winning America's Got Talent on his way to a $100 million contract to headline the Mirage Casino in Las Vegas. A prolific TV writer and producer, Mark Goffman is currently Executive Producer of the hit TV series, WHITE COLLAR. Other credits include LAW & ORDER: SVU, THE WEST WING and STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP. He has also written and directed seven commercials for Gibson Guitars, two award-winning short films, and been nominated twice for the Writers Guild Award. DUMBSTRUCK is Mark Goffman 's feature directorial debut.

Puppets on Your Phone Art Grueneberger

I've sent some pictures from our latest iPhone/iPad app to be released: The Three Little Pigs. Both of our apps currently have 5 Star reviews! If folks want more information on the new app they can go to: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/three-little-pigs-puppet-show/id416884302? mt=8

Book Review Elisheva Hart

"The Girl in the Castle Inside the Museum" a picture book by Kate Bernheimer & Nicoletta Ceccoli, 2008. Looking for the inspiration of beautiful illustrations, especially for a girl oriented occasion? This lovely book-with nary a hint of cute-might be just the right motivation. For instance the elegant and whimsical castle has a button on top of the tower spire. It is an upscale creation, the flip side of the kitchen utensils and food containers used for buildings in "In the Night Kitchen" by Maurice Sendak. There's no real plot used in "The Girl in the Castle, etc" but the concept could be a jumping of point for your original story (is the Princess bored at being a captive? Is she afraid to venture out of captivity? and so forth) or the pictures might give you some ideas for backdrops to any fairytale or story you already have in mind. I can see the castle developed as Object Theatre to be played in 3-D (instead of flat scenery) on a table top. Or the castle in 3-D and the world beyond in 2-D shadow puppets (either black and white or in color). Or vice versa. Many of the illustrations have interesting windows, doorways, nooks and crannies which could be opened and shut, revealing wonderfully unexpected surprises. Check it out, I did-literally-from my local library.

Storytelling News Ruth Stotter

There is new site to sell storytelling related items like puppets and masks, etc.: www.story-lovers.com/ storytellingtreasurechest.html. Also, check out the storytelling workshops listed in the calendar section.

3 Peter Brizzi 1951 - 2010 Randal J. Metz Director of the Storybook Puppet Theater

The San Francisco Bay Area was saddened last holiday season by the passing of well known puppeteer Peter Brizzi. A popular entertainer in the California Bay Area, his shows were a "must-see" at libraries, schools, fairs and birthday parties. I first had the pleasure of seeing Peter and his wife, Teena, do a black light puppet performance for our guild many years ago. Since then, in my capacity of Guild President and as Puppet Director of the Storybook Theater at Children's Fairyland, I worked closely with him to bring his delightful shows to happy audiences. Peter was an enormous talent and always giving of his time and know how. He passed on knowledge to young puppeteers freely, an always supported worthwhile endeavors with his puppets. Peter was part of a group of talents in the Bay Area that worked together to support each other's puppet companies and always strived to maintain quality puppet theater for the California Bay Area. This support group covered each others shows (when ill or due to other misfortunes), shared ideas for production, and always elevated the puppet art form to the general public. He will be tremendously missed. Peter was born in in 1951 and spent his childhood in Teaneck, New Jersey. As a young child he found his love of puppetry through television, and especially "The Howdy Doody Show." A highlight of his youth being able to attend a performance of the show's taping. At this time, he also witnessed a touring puppet troupe which attend his school, and helped fan the flames of his fledgling puppet career. Peter met his wife Teena, and raised a small family. When his kids were young, he and his wife started a small Sunday school program featuring puppets. Peter was the straight man, and his wife was the comic partner. This brought back memories of childhood, and Peter ran with the puppet ball and turned the short lessons into full fledged puppet magic! His first serious show being "Amahl and the Night Visitors." A Hartnell Jr. College representative caught the show, and the result was he was sponsored to perform in schools presenting Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales. Thus was the beginning of P & T Puppets! (Peter and Teena) The main focus of Peter and Teena's work has always been in the schools. Peter loved to mix classical tales and music into his often lampooned stories. Such as his Gilbert and Sullivan spoof: " The Pie Rats and Penn's Aunt." Peter also loved to use visual gizmos and mechanics to entrance the young ones. For the last decade Peter was a solo performer, while Teena ran The Puppet Super Store that she maintains on line. Peter passed away, with his family by his side, just two days before his 59th birthday. As a last gift, Peter downloaded samples of his performance style, and they can be found on You Tube by entering ptpuppets. Thank You Peter for sharing you life with us, your extended puppet family, and the many audience members you influenced.

Peter Brizzi, My Memory Nina Dees

It is with sadness and shock that I heard the news of the passing of Peter Brizzi in November due to a heart attack. He was a long-time member of the guild but could rarely attend meetings due to the distance of travel involved. When I first joined 10 years ago, he was one of the first guild puppeteers that I got to see perform. His show was both funny and enchanting with itʼs creative & original puppets. Peter was so kind and giving to allow me to see them up close and explain how he fabricated them. He was happy to answer all of my questions without any impatience. I was so impressed by him that I often referred inquiries to him that were close to him to the South Bay. I knew those children would not be disappointed with the delightful scripts he wrote. At the request of the newsletter editor, I am writing this. Quite succinctly. The thing about puppetry is that itʼs magic is in the moment of the performance. Once the curtain is down, the puppets cease to be alive. I must now remove his number from my phone. Thank-you Peter for sharing your magic.

You can view Peterʼs webpage at: www.ptpuppets.com 4 Calendar

Puppet Art Theater Co. Fairytale Town (Sacramento) www.PuppetArts.com 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

April 2 April 27 Little Red Riding Hood Little Red Riding Hood Cesar Chavez Library, Stockton San Leandro Library 3 p.m. 7 p.m.

April 6 Magicalmoonshine Theater Super Tommy! [email protected] Walnut Creek Library 4 p.m. April 6-15 XX International Puppetry Festival Fanfarria April 9 Fanfarria Puppet Festival, Medellin, Colombia Riley the Wiley Rabbit Brisbane Library April 29 12 Noon Coyote Sings Where Pleasanton Library April 9 400 Old Bernal Avenue, Pleasanton Tommy's Space Adventure 7:00 p.m. Southside Park (Sacramento) 12:30 p.m. Ruth Stotter [email protected] April 12 Bunny Boot Camp April 3rd Kensington Library Litzky is doing a 7:30 P.M. storytelling evening. 6:30 p ($8) He was featured at the 2010 National Storytelling Conference in Los Angeles. Reservations Ruth Stotter April 12 415-435-3568 Riley the Wiley Rabbit Daly City Library (Serramonte Branch) June 4 - 5 7 p.m. Storytelling Workshop - ENHANCE THE SENDING. Learn or review techniques to free the text from the April 16 printed page. Lunches provided. Optional Saturday night AquaSMART Live open mike. Instructor Ruth Stotter 415-435-3568. Hemet Water Festival workshop fee: $90 10:15 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. 9 - 4:30 on Saturday. 10 to 4:30 on Sunday.

April 20-22 Thomas John Bunny Boot Camp Fairytale Town (Sacramento) Every Friday in April 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The Lady on the Wall: a puppet noir A puppet show about the murder of Humpty Dumpty April 23-24 at the Lost Church. thelostchurch.com Bunny Boot Camp 65 Capp St. in San Francisco Fairytale Town (Sacramento) Thomas John presents "The Lady on the Wall: a puppet 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. noir". The show is a wonderful mix of juggling, physical theater, and puppetry. Follow Bob, the hard boiled April 27--30 detective as he tries to crack the case in Carton City. Three Little Pigs Humpty Dumpty has been killed. Murder. Mystery. And Fairytale Town (Sacramento) Meringue. “A perfect balance of dorky and deliberate," SF 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Bay Guardian. "An impressive amount of show for a guy with a couple of eggs and a desk" The Daily Californian April 30-May 1 http://www.facebook.com/event.php? Three Little Pigs eid=135470769856219

5 April 2011 Fanfarria Puppet Festival Camp 12:30 PM Bunny Boot Litzky Storytelling 7:30 PM Michael Sunday 24 17 10 27 3 Monday 25 18 11 28 4 ley Rabbit 7:00 PM Riley the Wi Camp 6:30 PM Bunny Boot Tuesday 19 12 29 26 !

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Due to space limitations, all times are not listed. listed. not are times all limitations, space to Due Special tear-out calendar! See Calendar listings for details on events. events. on details for listings Calendar See calendar! tear-out Special Fanfarria Puppet Festival Riding Hood 7:00 PM Little Red tle Pigs 10:30 AM Three Lit Camp 10:30 AM Bunny Boot my 4:00 PM Super Tom Wednesday ! ! 27 20 13 30 6 tle Pigs 10:30 AM Three Lit Camp 10:30 AM Bunny Boot Thursday ! 28 21 14 31 7 the Wall 8:00 PM The Lady on Sings 7:00 PM Coyote tle Pigs 10:30 AM Three Lit the Wall 8:00 PM The Lady on Camp 10:30 AM Bunny Boot the Wall 8:00 PM The Lady on the Wall 8:00 PM The Lady on the Wall 8:00 PM The Lady on Friday ! 29 22 15 8 1 tle Pigs 10:30 AM Three Lit Camp 12:30 PM Bunny Boot MART Live 10:15 AM AquaS Meeting 5:00 PM SFBAPG Space Adventure 12:30 PM Tommy's Wiley Rabbit 12:00 PM Riley the Riding Hood 3:00 PM Little Red Saturday Page 1/1 ! ! 30 23 16 2 9

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Carmichael, CA 95608 CA Carmichael,

5137 Robertson Ave. Robertson 5137 San Francisco Bay Area Puppeteers Guild Puppeteers Area Bay Francisco San

Hurry and save $50! Early registration discount for the 2011 National Puppetry Festival ends March 31.

Registration for members is $375 through March 31.

The price rises to $425 during Regular Registration April 1 through May 31.

Register now

Checkout the new workshops listed on the festival website

Don't forget to volunteer

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