Our Needs:

• Approximately 35 positions need to be filled every school year. A firm commitment for one half day per week from September until June (approximately 30 performances, plus training in September and October).
• Performances are held from November to June. Volunteers are required to commit one morning or afternoon once a week for these performances.

Qualifications:

• Energetic, enthusiastic people with NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
• This is a highly physical volunteer position which requires a certain amount of agility and flexibility.
• Must be physically able to hold a puppet (weighing 3-4 pounds on your hand) for a period of up to 45 minutes, the length of a performance.
• Ability to crouch and/or stand freely while holding a puppet on one hand.
• The ability to memorize a script efficiently.
• A dramatic flair is advantageous.
• Knowledge of the topics we discuss is also an asset (it helps answer questions young people may have during the presentation.)
• Strong leadership skills are an asset for people interested in being Team Leaders and/or Narrators.
• A CAR is an asset.
• Willingness to travel across the GTA and surrounding area, including Mississauga, Brampton and York Region schools.

Training:

• Training takes place in the months of September and October for one half day (approx. 2½ hours in length) per week.
• What you’ll learn during training:
  • Puppetry Skills like: Mouth synchronization, gestures, eye focus and posture of the puppet
  • Character development
  • Voice characterization and projection
  • Breathing techniques and physical warm-ups to prevent muscle strain
  • School procedures
  • Story-telling … and MORE!
• Location of training: Either The Concerned Kids’ office downtown or a North Toronto location TBA.
• Please note: Training is exclusive to volunteers who are planning to commit one half day per week during the school year to The Concerned Kids only.

For more information on volunteering with The Concerned Kids please call 416-636-1656.