From performances to workshops to artist residencies, Wandering Theatre strives to spread the joy of storytelling and self expression with young audiences.
Show Synopsis
The Dragon and the Wanderer is a family-friendly show that uses puppets, shadow, movement and music to tell a story of self-discovery and friendship. In a time before language, Grog the Neanderthal wanders the desert, lonely and hungry. Even Grog’s newly budding power of telekinesis is not enough to guarantee survival, until Grog discovers an oasis where vegetation is lush, food is plentiful, and all types of unique creatures make their homes. But this almost-paradise is plagued by a menacing dragon who takes pleasure in tormenting anyone smaller. Using courage, an unlikely friendship, and a bit of magic, Grog and their new friend Little Bigfoot must outsmart the bully by facing the dragon in battle.
Production Details
The Dragon and the Wanderer is an original 2-person, half hour puppet and physical theatre show for ages 3 and up. It utilizes shadow puppets, hand puppets, live actors, and a surprise transformation (the puppet stage transforms into a giant dragon!). Set to original music, “The Dragon and the Wanderer” does not use language, and so needs no translation. Friendship and bravery are universal! With a small, self-contained stage, the show plays best for audiences of 50-100 people.
The Dragon and the Wanderer is the very first endeavor of Wandering Theatre! The show was built, workshopped, and previewed in Philadelphia, PA, USA. It made the journey to Europe in the summer of 2019, with pop-up street performances and as an official part of OFF Street in the Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes (World Puppet Theatre Festival) 2019.
Technical Requirements
The show requires a play space that is 12 ft wide by 10 ft deep, and ceilings at least 7 1/2 ft high. We need access to one electrical outlet.
In outdoor spaces without cover, the show cannot be set up facing directly into the sun (otherwise the shadow puppets cannot be seen).
To see The Dragon and the Wanderer in action, check out our Gallery!
Workshops and Talkbacks
Along with performances, we offer a 15 minute talkback to answer questions from the audience and give an inside glimpse into how our puppets work.
We also offer a variety of puppet workshops. In our shadow puppet building workshops, participants will build their own shadow puppets out of paper plates and learn how to manipulate them on a shadow screen. In our physical theatre & puppeteering workshops, participants will practice bringing everyday objects to life, creating cooperative puppets in groups, and using physicality and motion to tell stories. These workshops can be specifically tailored to any age range, and can last from 1/2 hr to 2 hrs based on your time frame and the workshop content. We can provide the materials; all you need is your creative spirit!
FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
We offer performances as school assemblies, and our show is a great fit for SEL content. Additionally, bring us into your classroom as an artist residency! We’ll lead your students in creating their own shadow puppets in a program that coordinates with STEAM, is tailored by grade level, and can be tweaked to align specifically with the needs of your classroom. Visit our Gallery to see our more of our residencies!
Rates
Our usual rates for a performance start at $525. Subsequent shows on the same date in the same location cost $200. Workshop rates start at $310 for 1 hour of puppet building.
That said, we will do what we can to work within your budget. We love sharing the joy of theatre, puppetry, and storytelling, and our goal is to spread it far and wide.
Contact us to discuss details for your event!
Book Us!
To book The Dragon and the Wanderer, please visit our Contact page. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram!
The Dragon and the Wanderer is a self-produced puppet show, created and performed by Aaron Roberge and Leah Holleran, two working artists who decided that a self-starting backpacking tour of an original children’s show is the only way to honeymoon. Now, they are beginning their U.S. tour in their self-converted skoolie! Any and all support of their crazy endeavor means the world, and makes a huge difference!
Wandering Theatre Presents: The Dragon and the Wanderer 