Theatre gets aid from 100 Women Who Care chapter in West Liberty

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Giving local teachers an opportunity to bring puppet shows and education to their West Liberty classrooms, the Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre is the beneficiary of a $6,700 donation from West Liberty’s branch of 100-plus Women Who Care.

The organization, which makes a substantial donation every quarter, decided to aid the local West Liberty puppet theatre which provides education classes and puppet show performances throughout the nation.

But the local donation will stay local according to Monica Leo, director of the Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre, located in downtown West Liberty.

“We want to put the word out to all local teachers that we’re at your disposal, “ Leo said, noting the theatre can provide shows, live or virtual, throughout the school year as well as provide educational programs on creating various types of puppets, writing plays and showing youngsters the art of puppetry.

Leo said the theatre has been a staple in the school system for years, usually working with third, fourth and fifth grade level students, noting some teachers have already been in contact in the theatre in creating educational venues this year, despite imitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said throughout the pandemic, the theatre has become very good at creating virtual performances and said teachers have the capability of posting shows on classroom smart boards or screens.

Linda Brade, a member of the 100-plus Women Who Care board, made the presentation Friday at the theatre, pointing out the local fine arts venue was chosen from among a number of nominees by the group who regularly award a local not-for-profit organization for their work in the community.

Brade said the organization has donated a total of $146,650 to local organizations through the past 5.5 years the West Liberty 100-plus Women Who Care has existed.

The theatre, which has been creative in drumming up business throughout the pandemic, said they have done drive-in shows, virtual shows, live entertainment and educational programs, but business isn’t as strong as it was a year ago.

Leo said she is “incredibly touched” by the donation from the organization and said a recent donation from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust has also helped keep the organization alive, utilizing those funds to create performances and educational experiences all over central Iowa.

“Everybody’s budget is down this year,” Leo said, noting one of the biggest events for the theatre, the annual Children’s Festival, also had to be cancelled this year.

Anyone wishing to learn more about the 100-plus Women Who Care organization should contact Brade at 627-4413 and if you have interest in learning more about the Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre call 319-627-2487 or e-mail monica@puppetspuppets.com

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