Shadow Puppet Workshop

Join us for a hands-on shadow puppet workshop for all ages! Inspired by the art installation “The Endless End,” which will be performed the night before on Saturday November 8th, students will explore the hidden lives of native Bay Area instects. All students will get the chance to make their very own puppets, and take them home to continue the fun!

Workshop Overview

• We will bring traditional shadow puppets from around the world for participants to look at, explore, and play with.
• A short performance of shadow play will be performed based on a popular children’s story, showing how a familiar tale can come alive with light, shadow, and imagination!
• Following the performance there will some interactive activities:
• • Behind the scenes exploration – Step behind the screen, try out sample puppets, and experiment with creating your own shadows.
  • Inspiration and learning – See examples of traditional and contemporary puppets, and learn about the creativity and skill behind them.
  • Make Puppets and Play in Shadow – Design and make simple puppets and perform mini shadow plays with the support of Caryl and Lydia.

Learning OutcomesBy the end of the workshop, participants of all ages and all abilities will:

• Discover the magic of shadow theater.
• Experience the process of turning familiar stories into performances.
• Gain the confidence and ideas to create their own shadow plays at home.

When: November 9th, 2025 from 11am to 1pm

Age: 7+

* Must be 12 and up to use x-acto blades for cutting, all others can use scissors or have teacher assistance.

Skill Level: Beginner

Price: $35

* sales tax removed at checkout

Materials: All materials included!

Location: Cura Contemporary in the Edes Building | 17395 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill CA, 95037

About the Artist:

Lydia Greer is a widely exhibiting interdisciplinary visual artist, filmmaker, animator, and the artistic director of Facing West Shadows, a Lumia arts collective working with shadow casting/ hybridizing art forms to create magical acts of rebellion as experimental art in the gold rush climate of the San Francisco Bay Area. Expanding into film/animation, theater/opera, puppetry, and sculptural installation, Facing West Shadows creates surprising experiences for the audience by seamlessly combining old and new technologies and art forms.

Her work includes sculptural and video installation, hand-made stop motion animation, media sculpture, hand-made experimental animation with puppets, projected shadow and light on paper sculpture, two-dimensional drawings and paper cuts, and built immersive environments.