I would never have known how to create intricate shadow puppets before I took the Advanced Shadow Theater course with Penny Benson. Thanks to the knowledge and experience I have been gaining, I'm able to put my new skills into actual use. I'm learning techniques to make puppets take certain actions that you wouldn't think you could...” Brandon Kirkman, UCONN Online Grad Cert Student. * “I have had the pleasure of working with Ms. Benson…and have found her to be doggedly dedicated to pursuing the craft of puppetry, as well as being a creative problem-solver and a talented and multi-faceted performer.” Julie Goell, Director, Performer, Teacher * “Many people working in the field of theatre and education are expected to wear multiple hats- to teach, direct, administrate, and perform. Most are proficient at each of these, with an evident proclivity for one or two. Penny is one of the exceptions. She is equally enthusiastic, dedicated and professionally prepared for any of the above roles. In her teaching, it’s clear that Penny cares deeply about her students, works collegially with peers and sets high academic and performance expectations for students and herself.” Donna Glick, Director of Education, Huntington Theatre * "Penny was a wonderful collaborator. No idea was too outrageous. She accepted all of my ideas and found creative ways to bring them alive. Penny was very generous with her time. She was at our school for three days working around the clock on making (or teaching us to make) all of the items that we needed for the show. She is patient and brings a fun, creative energy to her work. I hope to have more opportunities to work with her in the future.” Jay Bragan, Head of Performing Arts at Portsmouth Abbey School

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