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Photo by Melissa Olson
About
Z Puppets Rosenschnoz brings people of all ages and abilities into the power of playfulness, through performances, workshops and feats of imagination. Based in Minneapolis, Z Puppets has toured nationally with their 30+ original shows for family audiences — from a glow-in-the-dark performance of cell division to a mindfulness musical. Since 1998, Creative Directors Chris Griffith (Cherokee Nation citizen) and Shari Aronson have delighted children and adults with their inventive programs in Cherokee Futurism, STEM of Puppetry, Arts and Mindfulness and Arts for All Abilities. Chris leads Z Puppets’ production of musical adventures to help keep alive the Cherokee language and increase connections to Indigeneity. Live performances, music videos and web series, "Say It! Sing It! Play It! in Cherokee", "Star Turtle" and "Through the Narrows" have won critical acclaim for their creative approach to language revitalization and Native history. Z Puppets’ superpower is engaging people in complex topics through the arts. Many families tell Z Puppets they share ideas and jokes from their shows for years afterwards. Evaluators describe their work as “sticky” — delivering lasting impact. A career highlight has been seeing the stickiness of "Say it! Sing it! Play it! In Cherokee". Chris and Shari have earned support from the NEA, Jim Henson Foundation, Puppeteers of America, Network of Ensemble Theaters, Parents' Choice, Creative Child Magazine, Ordway Performing Arts Center, MN State Arts Board, Perpich Center for Arts Education, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, Irwin Andrew Porter Foundation, Tiwahe Foundation, NDN Collective and City of Minneapolis Arts & Culture. Behold! The Power of Playfulness.
"They make everyone feel like little kids again – even the kids!"
-Paul Zaloom, star of children's television hit "Beakman's World"
"Zany, wacky and for all ages, 1/2 Monty Python + 1/2 Sesame Street!"
-DeBlaze and Associates
On Tour
"Say it! Sing It! Play It! In Cherokee"
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Join Dagsi Turtle and Jisdu Wabbit as they embark on a fun-filled adventure to help Grandmother Turtle get back on her feet. With catchy songs and lovable characters, award-winning Z Puppets' performers, Chris Griffith, a Cherokee tribal member, and Shari Aronson, bring this heartwarming story to life. In just 45 minutes, Turtle, Wabbit, their ukulele, rubber chicken, and inventive original tunes will have you tapping your toes and singing along. This interactive experience is designed to keep the Cherokee language alive, as audiences enthusiastically shout "Wado!" (Thank you) to "Say It! Sing It! Play It! In Cherokee."
Photo by Mellssa Olson