PUPPET POWER: FESTIVAL OF IDEAS

Festival of Ideas … Un festival d’idées!

WP Puppet Theatre has produced the FESTIVAL OF IDEAS since 1999. (Formerly known as PUPPET POWER conference) We explore the theory and practice of how puppetry arts promote positive social change. Previous themes have included existentialism, multiculturalism & diversity, literacy, therapy, social action, and intergenerational connection. We showcase Puppet Power!

The in-person and online event feature local, Canadian, and international master puppeteers presenting inspiring talks, practical how-to workshops, panels, and/or puppetry-based performances. Past international presenters include Carrie Marshall (Scotland), Gary Friedman (Australia), and Martin Robinson from Sesame International (New York), Andrew Periale, editor Puppetry International, New Hampshire.

Testimonials show that the event has lasting value –  that is relevant and useable, for educators, therapists, helping professionals, artists, students, thought leaders and idea generators.

Our goals are threefold:

  • to facilitate  authentic connections, with meaningful conversations on important topics,
  • to provide encouragement and training in puppetry techniques
  • to motivate a call to action to use the power of puppetry to impact positive social change.

Festival of Ideas

Save the Date
Our next event:
November 2024

In-person in Calgary, AB & Online Live Streamed


ARTIST Submissions

Artists, performers, presenters are invited to submit their ideas for our upcoming Festival of Ideas. Sign up to receive our e:newsletter or follow us on Facebook. This is where we will publish the Call for Proposals link with the festival themes and details as they are available.

Bursaries

If fees are a barrier to attending, we offer a limited number of bursaries. Please inquire for details

Accessibility

Puppet Power AccessibilityWPTS is committed to creating content that is accessible. This is an ongoing process, we acknowledge and recognize our limitations as a small organization. We graciously accept support and advise from funders and volunteers in this area to improve our accessibility for people with disabilities and ensure a user-friendly experience for all.

 


Festival of Ideas is recognized by: 

Logos UNIMA EDT Logo with address 

Puppet Power Arts Series Supporters
We are very appreciative of our funding and other supporters. If you would like to donate or sponsor this event or have an idea to offer we would love to talk.

Thank you to funding support from Canadian Heritage

Canadian Heritage logo


Check out our past Festival of Ideas: Puppet Power programs, speakers and reports.

Using the power of puppetry to impact social change.