This half term, join us to learn more about The Walk and the incredible puppetry design behind the project. In a free two-hour family workshop with the world-class Curious School of Puppetry, you will meet professional puppetry artists, make your very own hand-held swallow puppet using a unique design by Handspring Puppet Company (creators of Little Amal) and learn how to bring it to life!

The workshop is designed for children aged 8+, though younger children are welcome. We ask that all children be accompanied and supervised by an adult.

All workshop materials will be provided; however, we’d like you to bring a 330ml or 500ml empty plastic water bottle to help create your puppet. Hot drinks and refreshments will be available.

The Walk is produced by Good Chance, Stephen Daldry, David Lan and Tracey Seaward in association with Handspring Puppet Company, and is produced and presented in Manchester by Manchester International Festival

Access Information

This workshop will be led by puppetry artists from Curious School of Puppetry. Instructions will be given verbally by the workshop leaders throughout, and there will also be printed instruction sheets on your table to guide you. You will be able to sit down at tables while creating your swallow puppet, and there will be volunteers on hand to assist if needed.

For the second half of the workshop there will be physical demonstrations of how to animate your puppet – you are welcome to move around the space during this section, or take part from your seat in whatever way you prefer.

If you have any questions about accessibility at the workshop or any specific access requirements you’d like to discuss, please contact creativeengagement@mif.co.uk as soon as possible when you book so that we can source the right provision for you.

More detailed access information about the workshop venue is available at the link below:

COVID SAFETY

To help ensure that everyone is able to come and enjoy the workshop safely, please do not attend if you display symptoms of coronavirus or have had a positive test result. Participants will be seated at socially distanced tables and seating will be allocated on arrival.

Please help us to maintain everyone’s wellbeing by:

• Taking a lateral flow test within 48 hours of the workshop
• Wearing face coverings, unless exempt
• Sanitising hands using the hand sanitiser stations

If you have queries about COVID guidelines, please contact creativeengagment@mif.co.uk