The Fine Arts students of Chapel Hill High School experienced a touch of magic recently as they embarked on an extraordinary ARTS venture. Presented by the Cultural Arts Council Douglasville/Douglas County (CAC), this event welcomed talented puppeteer Chris Thomas Hayes into their creative spaces.
Best known for his puppeteering magic on Sesame Street and his contributions to shows like Teen Wolf, The Vampire Diaries, Woke, and the iconic Aflac Duck commercials, Hayes brought an enchanting world to life before their eyes. Hayes opened the presentation with personal stories that led to his career in television. He shared that his story is full of unexpected turns, all leading to the realization that there is a reason for everything we do. Despite not knowing where his path will take him, Hayes emphasized that the adventure lies in the journey. These discoveries, he says, may come through character design or execution, behind the scenes or on set, brainstorming, or in the writing room. But Hayes told students there is one thing he knows for sure. “In the life of a puppeteer,” he explains, “problem-solving is around every corner.”
Hayes taught twenty students how to build and manipulate puppets, focusing on character development, emotion, staging, and filming techniques. Later, he gave suggestions for how to handle obstacles as an actor and writer and always to be constructive and creative.
Chapel Hill High Drama teacher Iman Hinton said the creative lessons amazed Chapel Hill High School students. “Speaking with a professional in a field they love will help students achieve futures they would have never dreamed possible.”
The after-school workshop was made possible through support from Georgia Council for the Arts, GreyStone Power Foundation, and the Douglas County School System.