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General Description of Work: This unique, outstanding entertainer pleases family audiences of all ages. Barb's performances combine puppets, ventriloquism, storytelling, music, illusion, clowning, crazy props, audience participation, and visuals of all kinds. Also known as Tulip and Friends, Barb provides enough variety to hold the attention of preschoolers through adults. This master ventriloquist will amaze groups with distant voice and a variety of ventriloquism techniques. She has performed at Governor Vilsack's Inauguration Children's Celebration, each day of the 1999 and 2000 Iowa State Fair, and at many libraries, schools and churches throughout the state. Listed in the Iowa Arts Council's Arts in Education Artists Roster, Barb also holds residencies in schools where she entertains, educates and leaves a lasting message.
Services Offered 1: 1) Reading Magical Reading and Reading is Magical (performance) - These presentations promote reading, and the excitement and imagination that reading enhances. Storytelling is combined with puppetry, music, ventriloquism, illusion, zany props and audience participation. The performance will have students cheering, reading, and knowing that they can go anywhere and be anything through the world of books.
2) Residencies and Workshops (education) - Barb's residencies and workshops include puppet-making, ventriloquism, storytelling, and tips to enhance your classroom skills.
3) Stage Shows (performance) - Barb (otherwise known as Tulip and Friends) will present shows that include illusion, puppetry, ventriloquism and clowning. She will use her own unique programs, or work with the sponsor to develop a performance based on the sponsor's theme or event. As a twelve-year veteran working in dozens of schools and community events, Barb's experience and skill enhance her ability to work with groups of all ages.
Regions: Statewide
Months available: : All year
Residency Description: Providing school residencies, workshops, and programs are personal favorites of Barb Funke. She begins each residency with a performance that includes, storytelling, puppets ventriloquism, audience participation, and magic. Many themes are available or one can be developed depending upon the needs of the group. Two reading programs are available that promote reading and its enjoyment. A program approved by the Institute for Character Development at Drake University entitled "Win with CHARACTER COUNTS!" can also be used. This popular family entertainer is also known to children as Tulip and Friends.
Core Group Preference: Elementary (k-6)
