Kids on the Block Puppeteer

Barber National Institute•Erie, PA

27d

About The Position

As a Puppeteer with the Kids on the Block program at the Barber National Institute, you’ll join a dedicated troupe that educates and raises awareness about disabilities through engaging puppet performances at schools and community events. By bringing characters to life, you will help foster empathy, inclusion, and understanding in a creative and interactive format.This is a public-facing role requiring comfort with performance, teamwork, and flexibility. Puppeteers represent Family Focus Services professionally while helping to deliver powerful, positive messages to children and the community.What You’ll Bring:Comfort performing in front of diverse audiencesCreativity in bringing inanimate objects to life with voice, movement, and personalityFlexibility to adjust performances based on audience engagement or technical issuesAbility to work collaboratively with other puppeteers, directors, and staffReliability in traveling to venues and maintaining performance schedulesCare and responsibility in handling, maintaining, and storing assigned puppets

Requirements

Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent
Must be at least 18 years of age
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Nice To Haves

Experience in theater, performance, or working with children is a plus, but not required

Responsibilities

Learning and accurately performing your assigned puppet character
Attending rehearsals and training to ensure quality performances
Traveling with the troupe to schools, community centers, and other venues
Delivering interactive and educational performances to children and community groups
Maintaining communication with the Kids on the Block coordinator regarding scheduling or availability
Caring for your assigned puppet between performances and using it only for approved program activities
Representing the Barber National Institute professionally at all events