Educator programs

Led by internationally trained puppeteer and qualified teacher, Marianne Mettes

Online, in-person at Gungahlin Community Centre, or at your ACT school

Why Access Art Academy?

  • Led by ACT registered arts teacher

  • Tailored to individual needs

  • Suitable for teachers of all levels

  • Special packages available on request

  • Learning modes that suit your needs (self-paced online coming soon!)

What’s included:

  • Accredited TQI hours

  • Classroom ready templates

  • Hands-on, practical and interactive

  • Tried and tested lesson ideas for small budgets

  • Equipment & materials provided (in-person only)

Testimonials

  • "Learning a new skill that is fun and achievable even if not an ARTIST in theatre. Thanks to Marianne for an excellent workshop which is fun, safe and a new teaching & learning experience."

    ACT educator

  • "I loved the hands on practical elements and tips. Loved it, thank you!"

    ACT educator

  • "I learnt new ideas and playing with materials. It was a good mix of information and hands on trying things out."

    ACT educator

  • "Everything was great! Marianne was a very engaging presenter and made the small group feel comfortable. I especially enjoyed the videos and having the opportunity to create my own puppets."

    ACT Educator

  • "Marianne was great! She's passionate and knowledgeable, and a great conversation space was created. Loved the 'doing' part, too."

    ACT educator

Host in-person workshop

$650 per group

Host an in-person educators workshop at your school or venue. Prices start for groups of 8 adults, 2 hour program. Includes 2-hours of TQI accreditation.

Proudly worked with…

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Puppet shows

Book a puppet show program for your school, library or event.

Workshops

Accredited teacher development or student workshops, available online or in-person.

Marianne’s Puppetry

Marianne Mettes is a professional puppeteer, artist, musician, performer and registered ACT teacher and has been working as a professional puppeteer for more than a decade. 

Notable organisations Marianne has worked with include: Sesame Street Workshop (New York), National Museum of Australia, Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra Symphony Orchestra, CAPO, Belconnen Arts Centre, National Folk Festival, Australian National Botanic Gardens, National Archives of Australia, Australian Literacy Educators’ Association, Ainslie and Gorman House Centres, ACT NOWaste, Canberra Youth Theatre, Canberra Street Theatre, Bucks Rock Creative Arts camp (USA), children’s TV show Possum’s Club and more.

Along with puppet shows, workshops and educational programs, Marianne has also created short films which have been shared and viewed thousands of times through social media. Her film ‘Namahey’ (youtube / Facebook) has been included in many film festivals around the world.

Marianne has travelled, trained and worked in Europe, USA and Australia and has been professionally trained by master puppeteers and puppet builders from across the globe and has won several awards, scholarships and grants in support of her endeavours over the years. 

Notable awards, prizes and grants include: Project Funding (artsACT 2018 & 2015), Artist in Schools grant (artsACT 2011 & 2015), Second Scene residency (Street Theatre 2015), Artist in Residence (Belconnen Arts Centre 2015), Project Space (AGAG 2015), The HIVE residency (Street Theatre 2014), Sustainable Art Award (CAPO 2013), Scholarship Marionette training (USA 2013), Scholarship Ventriloquist training (USA 2010), and more.

Videos

Over the years Marianne has created hundreds of puppets, performed thousands of shows and entertained countless people.

‘Namahey’ is a short film promoting recycling. This film has been shown in film festivals around the world and includes original music.

Featured segment on Prime TV show ‘Possum’s Club’.

A snapshot of the live show of ’Baz n Snags’ performed at the National Museum of Australia at their family fun day for Australia Day, 2015.

Marianne Mettes, Head of Puppetry at Buck's Rock Creative & Performing Arts Camp, 2013 in Connecticut USA.

‘Woo Pee Woo’ is an marionette choreography created under the direction of master puppet, Philip Huber (from Being John Malkovich).

Baz 'n' Snags is about a bloke and his lovable sausage dog. Together they go on adventures at Grandpop's farm.