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     A Penny A Sketch is a DIY marionette troupe blending theatrical puppetry, original live music, and comedic storytelling. We are a small but mighty troupe consisting of two puppeteers and one musician dedicated to producing one-of-a-kind, handcrafted shows. Our performances are highly adaptable, offering a range of shows for different ages and tastes. From family-friendly daytime performances to adult evening shows and hands-on puppet-making workshops for children or the differently-abled. 

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       Since our inception in 2016, A Penny A Sketch has carved a distinct niche by fusing nostalgic, old-world performance styles with modern innovation. We draw inspiration from vaudeville, circus, folklore, and early Broadway. Crafting energetic, catchy, and visually captivating shows. Our neo-vintage aesthetic merges old-timey charm with contemporary flair, making our productions appealing to both children and adults.

 

      We pride ourselves on being a diverse, non-binary, and female-led troupe, deeply committed to traditional craftsmanship and self-sufficiency. Each puppet, costume, set, and piece of music is designed, fabricated or carved, and created in-house, ensuring a resourceful and up-cycled experience that reflects our DIY vision. 

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    Katie and Alexandra are the lead puppeteers and are the writers of our thought-provoking story lines, sketch comedies and musical art installations. We have expanded to doing children's’ shows and workshops. Our family friendly shows are an educational, and an entertaining experience through visuals and music. We have also hosted many workshops for a wide range of audiences including children and those with disabilities. 

 

    In addition, we offer mature audiences shows which push social boundaries. Depending on our show and audience we incorporate burlesque, vaudeville and circus sideshow elements for a cheeky experience. These performances are for audiences who enjoy surrealism. Above all, our ultimate goal is to make people laugh.

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     Our grand evolution began in the basement of a beloved venue in downtown Nanaimo, BC, where we first experimented with blending traditional puppetry and contemporary comedy. Audiences quickly took notice of our fresh take on theatre, and soon we were performing to sold-out shows across Vancouver Island. As demand grew, we expanded our performances to include festivals and events beyond the island, both locally and internationally.

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    Some of the highlights of our journey include performing at the Letni Letna Circus Festival in the Czech Republic and participating in Fringe Festivals in Canada. To deepen our expertise, we completed an intensive puppet-making course in Prague and have continued to improve through other schooling including clown workshops, continually enhancing both our artistic and technical skills. Furthermore, we have been supported and recognized by Canada Arts Council through an award and grants.

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      In addition to our performances, we are passionate about sharing the art of puppetry with the next generation. We’ve led numerous puppet-making workshops for children in schools, daycares, festivals, and private events like birthday parties. These workshops not only engage the community but also inspire creativity and teach the joys of puppet-making.

 

     Through it all, A Penny A Sketch has remained committed to creating fun, meaningful, and memorable experiences for our audiences. Our work continues to evolve as we experiment with new ideas, techniques, and styles—pushing the boundaries of what puppet theatre can be while maintaining a deep respect for its traditions.