What’s All The News About by Troupe 801

Troupe 801 is a professional touring puppet troupe comprised of individuals with special needs. The shows “Barnyard News” and “What’s all the Buzz About” teaches a message of acceptance of all and that our uniqueness is what makes each of us special.

The performance is approximately 20 minutes with an additional 10 minutes allotted for the introduction of Troupe 801 puppeteers as well as an opportunity for the audience to “meet” the puppets and ask questions. We use a pre-recorded soundtrack to allow the puppeteers to focus on the manipulation of the puppets and the changing of the set and props. The stage includes a scrim backdrop which allows for a “reveal” at the end of the performance, the members of the Troupe have disabilities. The coloring sheets with talking points, information about the puppeteers, and theme of the show is passed out to the audience. The audience is given the opportunity to provide feedback through a brief survey distributed at the beginning of the show.

An ideal venue for a live performance would be an open area that allows us to set up our approximately 4-foot by 6-foot portable wheelchair accessible puppet stage. We provide our own AV equipment but will need at least one 4-foot table to stage our props and access to an electrical outlet.

Since 1974, InReach has provided unique programs and services to individuals (ages 4 years and up) with developmental, intellectual, or other disabilities in the Charlotte community. Our mission is to be a leader in providing innovative housing, employment, and community services to support people with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities and their families. Our vision is empowering people we support to realize that their goals, aspirations and dreams are within reach.

If you would like more information about Troupe 801 or to schedule a performance, please contact:

Kelly Perez at 704.536.6661 ext. 401 or kperez@inreachnc.org

John Wirz at 704.536.6661 ext. 461 or jwirz@inreachnc.org.