In honour of
Saralee Lewis
Co-Founder and Visionary
As a co-founder of Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, Saralee Lewis did more than simply build an organization; she cultivated a sanctuary where imagination could take flight through the ancient and profound art of puppetry
MERMAID STUDIOS PUPPETRY INTENSIVE
5 Day Training Intensive - 2027 dates TBD
This week-long program with puppetry instructors Struan Robertson and Alex Cubbon will provide you with new skills in simple puppet building, scene creation, and puppet manipulation. Participants can expect to learn about the art of puppetry through a series of diverse exercises, including focus and dexterity training, independent and collaborative scene work, and the development of finished scenes using puppets designed and built by participants.
Meet your puppetry instructors
Participants will get hands-on experience with a range of different types of puppets, like:
Hand puppets
Table puppets
Floor puppets
Multi-person puppets
And MORE!
If you are interested in signing up for 2027, please contact us at connect@mermaidstudios.ca
Saralee Lewis Centre for Puppetry Arts
Schools | Groups | Professional Development
Bring Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s internationally acclaimed workshops direct to your institute, school, or venue. We tailor each workshop to fit the needs of your group. Institute instructors have been warmly welcomed locally, and in worldwide locations, with workshops available in conjunction with Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s global touring.
Here in Nova Scotia, we offer specially curated workshops to meet your wants and needs. We offer half day and full day workshops incorporating puppetry theory, play, and creation.
Sample Workshop:
Puppetry Demonstration: Learn about the history of Mermaid Theatre and some of the past shows we’ve done (with a show and tell). Participants can expect to learn about different styles of puppetry, such as hand puppets, rod puppets, and floor puppets. Depending on the number of participants, each participant will get one or more chances to use the training puppets we bring for the demonstration portion of the workshop.
Build a Puppet: Participants are able to create their own puppets made out of recycled materials (provided by the booker). Participants can create any type of character they like with guidance from the workshop leader, and will have the opportunity to explore how their puppet moves through space using their new found knowledge from the puppetry demonstration.
To inquire about our workshops, please fill out this Google Form and one of our instructors will reach out to you soon!
CAMPS
Spring Break & Summer
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia is currently developing new camp programming.
Please revisit our website for any updates to our camp program.
Meet
Your
Instructors
Struan Robertson
Puppetry Intensive InstructorStruan Robertson leads Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s Production Department, where he oversees the technical and design operations of one of Canada’s most prestigious touring companies. A graduate of Bishop’s University, he has spent over two decades refining his craft as a puppeteer, designer, and educator. Throughout his tenure, he has played a pivotal role in bringing beloved stories like The Very Hungry Caterpillar to life for audiences across North America and Asia. Robertson also serves as a senior instructor at the Saralee Centre for Puppetry Arts, where he mentors emerging artists. His expertise seamlessly blends the logistical demands of international touring with the delicate artistry of object-based storytelling. He remains a cornerstone of the Atlantic Canadian arts community, dedicated to fostering imagination through the unique medium of puppetry.
Alex Cubbon
Puppetry Intensive InstructorAlex Cubbon is based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Alex Cubbon is a versatile theatre artist and technical specialist with a career defined by the intersection of performance and innovation. Since graduating with honors from Dalhousie University in 2016, she has become a vital cornerstone of the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia. Alex has toured internationally across North America, Singapore, and Hong Kong, performing in acclaimed productions such as The Rainbow Fish and Guess How Much I Love You. Her expertise extends into the digital realm, where she served as a key creator for MermaidTV, assisting in the production of over 50 episodes of original content. Currently serving as a Technical Artist and Production Associate, she acts as the company’s resident 2D animator and 3D structural designer for complex animation projects. Beyond the stage and screen, Alex continues to advance the craft of puppetry through diverse film and television projects across the Maritimes.
