Betsy Tobin & The Now Or Never Theater

In Search of Giants

This program tells the story of a child's quest for legendary heroes. Aided by his magical guide, Miranda, Ian never strays from his goal as he encounters various creatures that magically appear throughout a beautiful patchwork set. The adventures of Ian and Miranda are accompanied by Michael Stanwood’s enchanting and inventive music, using a wide variety of instruments.

Single Performance: $540
Double Performance: $785
Grade Levels: K-6

Three Precious Pearls ~ Coliatha and the Roots That Bind

A child proves his worthiness as he surmounts numerous obstacles in his search for three precious pearls. Enacted with puppets and masks, this poignant Chinese folktale resonates like a bell.

Coliatha meets the elements, the forest, wild beasts, and a wacky witch who casts strange spells upon her as she searches for her roots. Students participate through wearing many masks and costumes while assisting the storyteller in this lively and interactive production.

Single Performance: $270
Double Performance: $390
Grade Levels: K-6

New Workshop!
Shadow Puppetry

After demonstrating various techniques and lighting effects for shadow puppetry and talking briefly about the origins and history of shadow theatre, in a one hour workshop participants will take turns enacting simple scenes and stories with shadow puppets on the overhead projector or against a shadow screen.
Fee: $135
Additional Fees: For a workshop add $.50/person for materials.
Grade levels: K-12

New Workshop!
The Essence of Acting

After a fun warm-up exercise in a one-hour workshop, we will play theatre games that focus on rhythm, movement, and voice. Exercises will build upon each other. We will put it all together in small groups in a final exercise that can be presented to the group.
Fee: $135
Grade Levels: K-12

Workshop
Puppets - Past & Present

Betsy presents the history and uses of puppetry and shadow theatre in many different parts of the world. She demonstrates different puppetry techniques and presents short sequences from her own performances (60-minutes for up to 60 students).

Also available separately or in addition to this program: 60-minute puppet making session or up to 30 students to make simple and fun rod puppets.
Note: An additional material fee of $30 will be applied.

Fee: $135 (1-Hour)
Grade Levels: Puppet Presentation: K-12 and Puppet-Making: K-6

Workshop: The Magic of Masks

From the origins of theatre to the use of masks in many different cultures, students are taken on a tour as Betsy Tobin dons many masks. She demonstrates the essential elements of masked acting. Students make simple masks and enact short skits in the longer workshops. This workshop is one-two hours in length and is available for 30-60 students.

Fee: $135 (1-Hour)
Grade Levels: K-12