CPCI Puppets with a Purpose - Booking Presentations

1. Contact: Jane Pierzga email: jmp141@psu.edu

Home: (814) 692-4720

Website: www.puppetswithapurpose.com

2. We typically perform 2 times per month and try to schedule presentations 2 weeks apart. Most presentations are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays. During school months, we do not usually perform on a school night or during the school day. We avoid performing on holidays so puppeteers may be with their families.

3. When a host contacts us with a request for a presentation, the date(s) is reserved if the date is not in conflict with any presentations already on our calendar (see link to calendar on our website). Sometimes hosts give us a choice of more than one date to see which one will work for the team. Then the team members are given a chance to sign a commitment sheet stating whether they are available for that date. If enough puppeteers are available for that date, the host is informed, and the presentation date is accepted. If there are not enough puppeteers available, the host will be informed and given the chance to choose another date. The host may request a deadline for the team's decision about a presentation date.

4. Booking considerations:

Date (see #2 and #3)

Time (see #2) We must take the time of the presentation as well as travel-time and set-up / tear-down time into consideration.

Set-up / tear-down time: We usually plan for a 2-hour set-up time. Christmas programs usually require 2.5 hour set-up because of lighting. Tear-down usually takes approximately 45 minutes.

Travel Distance: Sometimes distance mandates an overnight stay at the venue. In this case, we typically stay together at the venue, and the host provides 1-2 meals. If the presentation is in the morning and the venue is within 1 hour of State College, PA, we will try to set up the equipment at the venue on the night before the presentation and return to the venue the day of the presentation.

Indoor or outdoor venue: Indoor is preferred, but outdoor is do-able. An contingency plan in case of inclement weather is advised.

Power supply: We need power for lighting and sound equipment.

Space for Stage: When given unlimited space we can fill a 20'x20' area. Smaller spaces can be accommodated, but there is a limit below which we find our full-length presentations become difficult to manage. We have accommodated steps, risers and altar rails, but sometimes with difficulty. At least a 10' ceiling is preferred.

5. Our calendar can fill up quickly. People often book us or reserve dates 2-6 months in advance. Trying to book for imminent dates risks finding our schedule already filled.

6. We do not charge a fee. Hosts typically collect a free-will offering, donate what they can afford out of their budgets or a combination of both. If a ballpark figure is requested, we suggest at least a donation to supply gasoline for 3 vehicles to travel to their venue. Funds we receive beyond supplying gasoline are used for the ministry.