#33 The Power of Puppetry with Sara Burmenko

Why Distance Learning?

In this episode of the Why Distance Learning? podcast, our hosts interview Sara Burmenko from the Center for Puppetry Arts, delving into the unique world of puppetry as an educational tool. Sara shares her journey from an education major to becoming the director of the digital learning department at the Center for Puppetry Arts, emphasizing how puppetry bridges cultural and educational gaps globally. Her insight into the evolution of puppetry underscores its universal appeal and educational potency, particularly its ability to make learning accessible and engaging across various cultures and languages.

The discussion also explores the technical and expressive aspects of puppetry, with a spotlight on different puppetry styles like Bunraku and shadow puppets. Sara’s passion for puppetry shines as she describes its educational applications, from teaching history through masks to exploring ecological themes with butterfly puppets.

This episode not only highlights the adaptability of puppetry in education but also resonates with the podcast’s theme of making educational experiences accessible through innovative distance learning methods. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the transformative potential of distance learning, akin to historical advances in public access to knowledge.

For more insightful episodes, follow the podcast, share with friends, and explore the detailed show notes linked below.

Guest Links:
1. Center for Puppetry Arts

Host Links:
1. Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell's CILC.org

2. Seth Fleischauer's Banyan Global Learning helps schools leverage technology for teacher and student wellness including AI literacy PD for teachers and, for students, live virtual learning experiences in Character Education: banyangloballearning.com