DRAMA OF WORKS
P U P P E T C L U B !
A place for those who love puppets to come together!
Drama of Works is proud to announce that we have received a mini-grant from ART/NY, as a part of their Accessibility Cohort, to embark on a project that's been on our minds for many years now...
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Puppet Club is a meeting place for young people (aged approximately 15 - 30 or so) who love puppets and who are neurodiverse or “differently-wired.” Most have Autism Spectrum Disorder, while others have Learning/Intellectual Disability, or simply social issues that make them feel uncomfortable being a part of a neurotypical club. The Club is a place FOR people who love puppets, not about them. Where we all can meet and talk and socialize over a shared interest!
A recent ZOOM club meeting featuring special guests David Privett...
PUPPET CLUB details...
The Club is run by its members and they have agreed on the following format for our meetings:
Each month we have two meetings, the first (on the second Friday of the month) is our general meeting, which includes a member art share, games/trivia and a video watching/discussing on a particular topic.
The second meeting of the month (on the fourth Sunday of each month) is a more specific meeting with a very focused agenda (this could include a special guest, a class/workshop or a presentation).
If you're wondering if you or someone you know might be a suitable CLUB MEMBER, please email us (info@dramaofworks.com) and we'll be happy to answer any questions you might have!
If you're pretty sure you are a good candidate - go ahead and fill out our APPLICATION FORM!
CLUB founding member Marty Dworkis
Puppet Club is lead by DOW Artistic Director Gretchen Van Lente who has over 15 years of experience as a teaching artist with children with special needs. Gretchen has a masters degree in special education and teaches theater at a District 75 school in the east village. She uses puppetry in much of the work with her students, most of whom are on the Autism Spectrum. Before becoming a full-time teacher she worked off and on for the Henson Company and Disney. She worked for the Henson International Festival of Puppet Theater, and in their archives/exhibits department. She also helped run the Muppet Whatnot Workshop at FAO Schwarz. Through Drama of Works she has attended many conferences, workshops, and events in the puppetry world... She is helped by DOW Artistic Associate Meghan Williams who is avid ally, artist, and mother of a young man on the Spectrum.