Teen artists use puppets to captivate younger audiences.
In a kingdom (not so) far, far away, lives a puppet princess who has a big decision to make. This is the plot of a semester-long project by a group of teen artists in WMCAT’s Teen Arts + Tech Program.
Through a special grant from the CDC Foundation, students in our advanced video production studio are creating a film that will encourage peers to get vaccinated against COVID-19. This opportunity allows students to elevate their voice on an important issue for our community and connects them to professionals from local film production company Gorilla.
Bree (left) and Sky (right) storyboard the film and direct their peers.
With some help from Gorilla filmmakers, Gabby (left) and Esteban (right) use professional equipment to soot the film.
“It’s like a whole group of professionals, so this is a cool opportunity,” said Sky, City High Middle School junior.
“It’s a big project that kids our age can do. It could make a big impact for the community. So I think that’s pretty cool,” said Gabby, C.A. Frost High School senior.
This spring students are hosting a film screening at Wealthy Theatre to showcase their final project, The Kingdom of Remedy. The teen artists hope their creativity inspires peers to get vaccinated.
All the sets and puppets in the film are handmade by students.
WMCAT’s Teen Arts + Tech Program gives young artists the space, mentoring, and tools to build creative confidence and speak into issues that are important to them and their communities.
“I hope that they learn that the vaccine is important. We respect people’s decisions, but at the end of the day, we just want the normal back again. And for our future generations to live a happy life,” said Gabby.
Watch the film + behind-the-scenes reel at wmcat.org/korfilm.
