AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Once Upon a Puppet…

After-School Enrichment Program | Ages 4–8

Welcome to "Once Upon a Puppet," where every child becomes the hero of an unfolding story! In this imaginative after-school program, students are apprentices at a magic puppet shop, and each week brings a new adventure. It's a joyful blend of theater, art, and storytelling that builds confidence, encourages collaboration, and celebrates every child's big imagination.

Once Upon a Puppet: After-School Theatre Arts Program

Program Overview: Students become apprentice puppet-makers in an imaginary puppet shop, creating original characters while developing performance and storytelling skills. This proven program combines arts education with social-emotional learning in an engaging weekly format.

Weekly Class Structure:

  • Opening Circle: Group warm-up and story recap

  • Interactive Story: Students help solve challenges and make choices that drive our ongoing puppet shop adventure

  • Dramatic Play Adventure: Students become characters in the puppet shop story—playing customers, magical creatures, or puppet apprentices using provided puppets or creating their own roles. Everyone participates in acting out the week's chapter together

  • Closing Celebration: Share discoveries, earn stickers, and preview next week's adventure

Key Benefits:

  • Builds confidence through collaborative dramatic play

  • Develops imagination through character creation and role-play

  • Encourages creative problem-solving and teamwork

  • Supports diverse learners with multiple entry points for participation

  • No performance pressure—focus on process over product

Logistics:

  • All materials included (puppets, props, and costume pieces)

  • Suitable for K-5 students

Perfect for schools seeking enrichment that combines arts education with character development in a structured, manageable format.

“Life's like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending.”

- Jim Henson

Hello! I'm Jenell Del Cid, a San Francisco-based teaching artist and puppeteer. With a decade in childcare—including five years leading programs in Bay Area schools—I blend education with performance art to create spaces where imagination thrives. A trusted partner for schools and parents alike, I am fully insured, background-checked, and proudly COVID-conscious, ensuring every session is built on a foundation of safety and respect. Guided by the belief that play is important work and kindness is a superpower, I help children build confidence, find their voice, and celebrate their unique creativity.

I would be thrilled to bring 'Once Upon a Puppet' to your school community. My program is flexible and can be tailored to fit your schedule, budget, and students' specific age groups. To get started, please fill out the inquiry form below, and I will get back to you within 48 hours with a custom quote and next steps.