Volunteer

“I was struck by how completely the kids believe in the puppets, how they talk to the puppets as if they were real, and how they don’t even see the puppeteers in the background. ”

Mary Karas
Kids on the Block
Volunteer Puppeteer

Learn more about Mary and what it’s like to volunteer with Kids on the Block in our Spotlight on our Volunteers.

Becoming a Puppeteer

 

... is a fun and rewarding experience! 

Puppeteer Orientation!

Come and get a glimpse of what it’s like to be a Kids on the Block puppeteer. Meet staff and current volunteers who can answer all of your questions - everything from what Kids on the Block does, to what puppeteer training involves, and how kids benefit from our programs. Find out how much fun you can have while brightening children’s lives! Light refreshments will be served.


Portland Training:
Location: The Kids on the Block office, 824 SE 12th Avenue, Portland
Orientation: March 26, 4:00-8:00 pm
Training Dates : April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and May 6
Time: 6:00-9:00 PM

Vancouver Training:
TBD

Because we offer complete training, you don’t need to have an arts background in order to become a puppeteer. Kids on the Block partners with Tears of Joy, a professional puppet theatre, to provide this training.

Volunteers start by observing several shows. Then, they learn how to move the puppets and how to project their voices, making the characters come to life. Puppeteers also practice their scripts and prepare for the post-show question and answer periods by learning about the subjects being discussed.

You’ll be amazed at how easy - and fun - it is to become a puppeteer!

To become a puppeteer complete an application form and send it in.  We’ll call you to schedule an interview. Download an application here. 

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, contact us or call 503-736-3200 and find out more.

← Volunteer

About Our Style of Puppetry

Kids on the Block uses “hand and rod” puppets, meaning that one hand works the mouth of the puppet and the other hand manipulates the rod for gestures. The puppets are 3 to 4 feet tall. Kids on the Block puppetry is based on a Japanese style called Bunraku (boon-rah-koo). The puppeteer, dressed in black, stands behind the puppet with one hand inside the back of the puppet’s head. The other hand manipulates the puppet’s arm using a black hand-rod. This style of puppetry is extremely effective at creating an atmosphere in which children are captivated by the puppets and their messages.