Book Week 2024 in Schools: adaptation of a Younger Readers Chapter Book shortlisted by the Children’s Book Council of Australia for the Book of The Year Awards

Meerkat Productions

Book Book Book Book

…very powerful and opened many doors for discussion.
St Kilda Park Primary School, VIC about 2018's adaptation of The Elephant by Peter Carnavas

You were able to tell the story exceptionally well.
St Joseph’s, Cairns QLD about 2019's adaptation of The Peacock Detectives by Carly Nugent

From Meerkat Productions

Each year, in celebration of Book Week and Literacy Week, we adapt two books shortlisted by the Children’s Book Council of Australia for the Book of The Year Awards

We choose one book from the Picture Book category & one book from the Younger Readers Chapter Book category and create two 40-minute musical productions including original songs and puppetry.

As far as we’re aware, we’re the only company adapting both a picture book and a younger readers chapter book each year; therefore, ensuring age appropriate performances for all students.

We also support Australian authors by paying royalties for every child that attends a performance of one of our adaptations

The chosen books are announced in May; however, the tour starts to sell out the previous September so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment!

ABOUT OUR SHOWS
All of our shows are fully staged musicals lasting 40 - 45 minutes (plus Q&A). The music is written by Tim Smith (The Lion King, Billy Elliot) & Luke Hunter (Come From Away, The Sound of Music) and the productions are designed by Elizabeth Millington (founder of Dead Puppets Society) and Astrid Mendez (internationally touring Puppeteer)

We encourage audience participation and active engagement in all of our performances and we use puppetry to fully engage the students and to broaden the possibilities of the way we stage our shows.

Our post-performance Q&A is structured and focused on the themes raised in the show and a behind the scenes insight into how our set, props, puppets, etc. work and how they were made.

We also provide a teachers resource pack to support our incursion both before and after we've been to the school and host a targeted, structured and informative Q&A session with the performers which which supports the school’s delivery of the Critical and Creative Thinking curriculum and explores the themes of the book and performance and also supports Inquiry learning as we discuss how the shows were produced and how the puppets and props were made.

“Was great how it was run by you and not just the kids asking random questions. (10/10)” – Bargara State School, Bargara QLD

We provide all of the staging and sound requirements, all we need from you is a performance space 5m by 5m, plus enough room for the students to sit and watch the show.

BOOKINGS
To make a booking or enquiry, simply press the GREEN Enquiry/Booking Request Button above right to directly contact the booking team. They will answer you promptly to discuss your booking including when payment will be required.

Shows for Schools not only gathers all the great available shows, it also makes booking easier!

Produced by Meerkat Productions

More Reviews

The movement throughout the room was incredible. Every student had their attention fixed the entire time. The Q&A session where the kids got to ask questions was excellent. I liked pulling out some of the positive themes of friendship, etc.
St Michaels PS, North Melbourne, VIC about 2016's adaptation of Run, Pip, Run by JC Jones

Audience were very engaged. Actors very professional and entertaining. Faces of children said it all.
Siena PS, Sippy Downs, QLD about 2016's adaptation of Run, Pip, Run by JC Jones

Great show, very funny. Great adaptation of the book.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School, Croydon Hills, VIC about 2017's adaptation of Captain Jimmy Cook Discovers Third Grade by Kate & Jol Temple

The puppetry was excellent. Clever use of space. Great interaction with the audience and getting them involved.
Morang South PS, VIC about 2016's adaptation of Run, Pip, Run by JC Jones

Show Details

Type

incursion

Year Level Suitability

3-6 to 7-9

Curriculum area

The Arts - Dance, The Arts - Drama, The Arts - Music, English, Civics And Citizenship

Themes

Drama, Dance, Music, SOSE, Literacy; Book Week

Artform

Comedy, Dance, Drama, Puppetry

Duration

40-45 minutes plus Question & Answer time

Cost

$8.95 +GST per student (minimum show fee $895 +GST)

School Term:
Term 3

Availability

Tours throughout VIC, NSW, QLD, SA, ACT and TAS during Term 3
1hr set up required, 45 minute pack up required.

Enquiry/Booking Request