Kids On The Block—An Educational Program
About Kids on the Block
The Kids on the Block program is powerful in helping break down barriers, enabling children to be candid with their questions and concerns. The puppets also help children feel positive about themselves, accept individual differences and learn valuable personal skills. The Kids on the Block is a troupe of educational puppets that dress and act like real children. Each nearly life-sized puppet character has a distinct personality and life story. Like real children, some have developmental, physical, or emotional disabilities.
Thanks to the generous support from The Fingerlakes DDSO, The Arc Chemung-Schuyler is able to offer FREE Kids on the Block performances. The Kids on the Block’s lively and upbeat scripts create an environment of open communication for the audience. Each performance includes scheduled Question and Answer periods during which audiences interact directly with the puppet characters. During this time, myths and misconceptions are replaced with facts and sensitivity.
Program History
The Kids on the Block puppets were first developed in 1977 in direct response to US Public Law 94-142, sometimes called the “mainstreaming law.” Today the puppets are used to educate children all over the world about disability awareness and other important social concerns. There are Kids on the Block programs in all 50 states and more than 30 countries.
The style of puppetry used by the Kids on the Block is based on Japanese Bunraku puppet theatre. As in Bunraku, audiences are able to see Kids on the Block puppeteers. The large colorful puppets are “shadowed” by the puppeteers who are dressed in black.
Each Kids on the Block program is thoroughly researched and field tested before it becomes available to school districts, community service organizations and special interest groups.
All performances adhere strictly to scripts developed by the Kids on the Block, Inc. headquarters in collaboration with nationally recognized organizations and numerous experts.
For additional information, or to schedule a performance, contact: Breanne Stroman, Kids on the Block Coordinator, at 607.734.6151 ext. 181.
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