A ventriloquist, puppeteer, and comedian is taking her act to the Maple Ridge Public Library.
Kellie Haines will be bringing Magrau, her bird puppet, and Kamilla, her frog puppet, for the hilarious performance called “Laughing Out Loud” involving singing and dancing to celebrate reading and playing.
On her website, Haines said she started talking to her puppets by age 8 and, “when they started talking back she knew she had a show.”
She was performing at local fairs by the time she reached high school.
Now, as a family entertainer, her repertoire includes a host of puppet characters that everyone can relate to, engaging the audience in important themes like believing in yourself, embracing diversity, and celebrating nature.
Haines has a BA in Drama and a background in singing and clowning.
She performs at festivals, in schools, and in theatres across Canada.
She has also shared her puppetry talents on TV productions including a Jim Henson TV show “Turkey Hollow”.
In addition, Haines represented Canada at Vent Haven International Convention 2019 in Kentucky, USA.
“Puppets have stories to tell,” Haines noted online. “And they can bring out voices and characters from inside us that we didn’t know were there!”
“Laughing Out Loud” with Kellie Haines takes place from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at 22470 Dewdney Trunk Rd., Maple Ridge.
The drop-in event is also taking place to celebrate the Summer Reading Club, which began June 21.
The theme this year is Under the Sea.
Summer Reading Club allows members of the whole family a chance a win great prizes as you record your reading throughout the summer.
To learn more or register go to: https://www.fvrl.bc.ca/summer-reading-club.