FIND THE RIGHT SIZE PUPPET
One of the most important, and often overlooked things in working with kids is using the correct size of puppet. This is especially true if you are working for very small children in the preschool to kindergarten range, as they have just left their Moms and are out on their own for the first time at school. I personally have found that the large 42" vent figure is too big for small children. The arms and legs are long and gangling and it can frighten the kids in the first two or three rows of the audience.
See if you have a smaller vent figure you can use for the kids, maybe a 32"-36" figure, or use this smaller figure in combination with a soft puppet. Kids often equate size to scariness, so the smaller figure will be less frightening and more easily accepted by them. Also use a figure that has a more "cartoonish" look to it. This often alleviates fears and gets you off to a good start with the kiddies.
Remember, little things like this can make a huge difference! There’s nothing worse than a child that is frightened and cries uncontrollably at your show because they are scared of your puppets. Make everyone happy...be aware of the puppet you are using for kids!
(Newsy Vents, 10/2005)
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