Introducing the New England Puppet Intensive “On the Road Mohkinstsis” edition! Mohkinstsis is the Blackfoot name for Calgary, which translates to “elbow”. We’re thrilled to head north (and west!) and offer a special edition of NEPI — in partnership with the Canadian Academy of Mask and Puppetry in residence at Alberta’s own Old Trout Puppet Workshop.
Daily activities will include morning practice, physical training, articulation lab (manipulation and performance), ensemble devising, preparing n’ eating meals together and studio time for puppet design/construction. Morning practice will help us start our day in a good way; a combo of multilevel yoga, mindfulness, game play and circle sharing that will fuel our creative energy, foster community and aid in creating a grounded posture from which to work.
Since we will be in residence and surrounded by the work of the Old Trouts, we’ll take the opportunity to work with wood as our primary building material. Instruction on hand carving and power carving will complement puppet design concepts we will cover including character design, rigging/joints, controls, movement theory, and painting applications.
As a culminating experience, NEPI participants will take part in the Canadian Academy of Mask and Puppetry Summer Cabaret/Puppet Slam, where we will mix with local artists, share our devised compositions, and celebrate the conclusion of our time together.
Details
August 4–16, 2025
(arrive in time for dinner on Aug. 4th and depart after breakfast on the 16th.
$1550 + GST = $1627.50 CND – Includes instruction, materials, family-style lunches and dinners.
Who Should Attend
Ensemble based Puppet Theatre is the art form where all artists can find a home. It requires a gathering of unique gifts, life experience and skills to support the overall needs of puppetry and the challenge of creating performance art together. In the past we have had artists from all walks of life — we welcome performers, educators, video game designers, horticulturist, writers, puppeteers, actors, dancers, directors, designers, visual artists, writers, and anyone with a willing spirit!
Community
Being apart of our intensive is also saying yes to being apart and knowing yourself through this artist community. Throughout our time together you will have a variety of formal and informal activities to connect, learn and share from each other. A highlight of our day is our Family style lunch and dinners. Throughout the intensive everyone will take turns prepping, cooking and cleaning up for our lunch and dinner meals. The time in the kitchen and around the table is where we get a chance to not only cook up and enjoy delicious food but it is also time where conversations can run wild, friendships are forged and and creative ideas are born!
Location and Facilities
Our home base for the workshop will be the Old Trout Puppet Workshop’s studio in southeast Mohkinstsis (Calgary) where we will conduct our work surrounded by the historical puppets and scenery of the Trouts previous shows. Its small black box studio will serve us well for movement and devising work, while the robust workshop will allow us access to tools and equipment of the professional puppet builder.
Accommodations
Accommodations are the responsibility of the participant, but we will offer some recommendations upon registration. A limited number of artist billeting may be available. We can connect you to other participants to arranged shared accomodations and AirBnB recommendations.
Registration Materials
All participants should submit the following registration materials as soon as possible.
- a completed registration form
- $250 CND deposit toward the workshop fee (non-refundable except in the case of a canceled workshop)
- a CV or resumé; and
- a letter of intent outlining your interest in the workshop and any specific goals you have for yourself
Registration Deadline
June 1. But space is limited, so please registry early to ensure a spot. Late registrations will be accepted as space allows.
Balance of Workshop Fee and Payments
Due upon arrival. Payments may be made via Interac from Canadian bank accounts or Squarespace for US (additional fee may apply)
Other
Participants must be 18 or older to register. Deposit is non-refundable except in the event that the workshop is cancelled.