The Owl’s Apprentice

Owl’s aren’t born wise you know, they have to learn it from somewhere. 

The Story

A young owl named Poot Poot is sent to study at Owl school. He’s not like the other owls: he misses his family, he just wants to go home. He knows the only way he can go home is by gaining “wisdom,” but he doesn’t know what that is yet.  

On his journey he meets animals who share with him their own special kind of wisdom. He meets a wombat who shows him about persistence. He meets a Lyrebird who teaches him about listening carefully. He meets a Kookaburra who shares with him the value of humour. He meets an echidna who shares about resilience and a platypus who shows him how to accept himself and his own differences.  

Poot Poot finds out that wisdom isn’t just one thing, it’s a collection of many things you learn every day. But will he pass the final test and become wise enough to save the forest? The Owl’s Apprentice is a lively, funny, interactive solo show combining shadow puppetry and physical comedy.  

A Closer Look at the Owl’s Apprentice

As well as a gorgeous voyage into the realm of shadow puppetry, The Owl’s Apprentice is about our Australian animals and gaining wisdom. The show is a creative springboard to scaffold learning from the Drama, Visual Arts and Science curriculum as well as the Ethical and Critical & Creative thinking capabilities.  

Performed by Jenny Ellis, a puppeteer of more than twenty years, who weaves the whole story together with a single set of hands, playing multiple characters at once.  

Performance duration: 40 minutes
Recommended for ages 4 -10

Audience Reviews

“I really liked the show... it was awesome and really funny. I’ve learnt a few things from your performance…it’s okay to be different and to never give up! I give your shadow puppet show a 10/10."  
- Veronica, aged 8, Seymour Centre, NSW  

“I loved The Owl's Apprentice. It was excellent." 
- Erica, aged 7 years, Riverside Theatres, Parramatta  

“Excellent show, fun and educational."
 - Kellie, audience member from Burrinja Arts Centre  

"Very enjoyable for young (5) and old (83)!" 
- Pip, audience member from Upper Yarra Arts Centre  

"So Clever! For kids and adults!" 
- Anna, audience member from Warrnambool Lighthouse Theatre  

Playing with Light: Shadow Puppetry Workshops

This workshop is an introduction to the artform of shadow puppetry. It is an exploration of this hands-on storytelling medium that is highly accessible to young children. The outcomes are immediate; allowing children to build characters and their worlds quickly, achieving a lot in a short time. In this workshop, students are led through the process of imagining and designing their own unique puppet characters. They are then guided through the steps of cutting and crafting their own individual puppets. Then students are acquainted with the techniques of performing with their puppets, and get to have a taste of performing on the shadow screen. Children will leave the workshop with their own shadow puppet, and the skills to develop their own shows.  

Workshop duration: 60 minutes
Maximum Participants: 20
All materials provided.
Children 6 years old and under need to be supervised by an adult