Dear Friends of Puppetmongers,

We have been extremely busy in our studio this past year. We began work with director Chris Earle on a new work based on Charles Dickens’ Hard Times, continued our committment to developing puppetry through our weekend classes and the Fresh Ideas in Puppetry Day, made a music video with former New Wave singer Paul Humphrey and hosted the acclaimed Old Trout Puppet Workshop (Calgary) for a Master class and a wonderful panel moderated by Shadowland’s Anne Barber…just to name a few. Oh! And we celebrated the release of our first Hollywood film, Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium starring Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman…and us…the puppetry coordinators and manipulators of the wonder emporium! AND last fall’s production of TERROR was nominated for two Dora Mavor Moore awards. We didn’t win either, but that puts us at nine nominations to date.

We want to thank you for all your support and invite you to be a part of our new adventures. 2008 marks the beginning of another busy year of bringing puppetry to you. Here are some of the exciting new programmes in the works:

• Pressing on with Hard Times for a workshop performance in the fall of 2008.
• Continued classes at The School of Puppetry for professionals and hobbyists.
• More Fresh Ideas in Puppetry Days.
• The development of Youngermongers, a touring company that will create Puppetmonger shows for audiences regionally and nationally, and provide mentorship for young and emerging puppeteers.

 

Although we are fortunate to receive support from the Toronto and Ontario Arts Councils and the Department of Canadian Heritage, we still need your help to make our work a reality. We accept donations large and small as every penny helps make our work possible.

• $20-$50 supports School of Puppetry programs and the Fresh Ideas event.
• $50-$100 buys us materials to build puppets and sets for Hard Times.
• $100 + helps nurture young puppeteers in the Youngermongers Company.

We encourage you to make a donation and receive your charitable tax receipt. Receipts are made in the full amount for all donations over $10, As well, your name will appear on our promotional material and you’ll receive invitations to special donor events and public presentations.

Or by cheque payable to:

Puppetmongers Theatre

1110 Dundas Street East, Toronto, ON M4M 1S1

You can also give in person

when you attend the New Year’s Day Gala of Tea at the Palace

at the Tarragon Theatre, January 1st 2008!

We thank you so much for all your help this past year and hope we can count on you again in 2008. We look forward to a very creative and puppetmongerly year and wish you and yours all the best!

Most Sincerely,

Ann Powell & David Powell

Co-Artistic Directors

And Puppetmongers Board of Directors