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Nam is upset that everyone mispronounces his name so he decides to change it. When Valerie presses Nam for a reason, Nam shares his frustration at feeling he must act like "two different people," Vietnamese with his family and American with his friends. (Nam, Valerie)
Joanne and some of her friends from Woodburn Jr. High School are helping groups of fifth grade students come up with presentations for Culture Week. Believing that she has "no culture," Joanne is unsure how to help her group. She asks her friends about their presentations. With the help of Nam and Valerie, Joanne begins to understand that everyone has a culture and that it can come from many different aspects of life. (Valerie, Joanne, Nam)
Valerie is upset when she does not get the position of sports reporter for the school paper. Armed with some deeply ingrained stereotypes, Joanne is less than sympathetic. Later, Joanne's preconceived notions cause her to turn down help on a sewing project from a male friend. Together, Daniel and Joanne discuss gender roles and how perceptions can affect opportunities. (Daniel, Joanne, Valerie)
Nam is confused when the new little league assistant coach, Daniel, urges him not to name the team the "Woodburn Indians." When Daniel explains that people may find the name offensive, Nam protests. Daniel shows Nam that one cannot assume something about a person simply by looking at him or her. (Daniel, Nam)
(For early elementary school audiences) Joanne has made holiday greeting cards for the P.T.A. fundraiser. Believing that everyone celebrates the holidays her cards represent, Joanne expects to be overwhelmed with orders. With the help of Valerie and Nam, Joanne learns that, just like there are many different types of people, there are many different types of holidays. (Joanne, Nam, Valerie)
NOTE: After each script the children in the audience are given the opportunity to ask their own questions directly to the puppet characters.
| The Kids on the Block, created in 1977, features life size puppets who, through the magic of live puppet theatre, teach children and adults about disabilities, medical and educational differences, and social concerns. Through the hard work and dedication of many community based groups, The Kids on the Block puppets are able to touch the lives of people all over the world. |