This past summer, I had the opportunity to work at a Baltimore City Recreation Center with several groups of young people. After several weeks of projects that introduce the kids to building types of hand and rod puppets, we ended the summer camp with a puppet show. "Zombies In My Neighborhood" was written, designed, and choreographed by the older boys in the program.
I helped the boys choose their roles (as director, set designer, choreographer, etc.) in the creation of the show, as well as facilitated and moderated production meetings. Giving the older boys the responsibility and freedom to create a show and a performance date deadline kept them focused and excited for art class duration of camp.