Pop-up Theatre and Creative Workshop

30 minute performance followed by a hands-on workshop
Suitable for children aged 3-8 years
Ideal for schools, nurseries, family festivals and community events

This playful multi-media performance invites the audience to watch and wonder as 2D cardboard shapes become characters inside The Monster Making Machine. During the story individual shapes go into the machine, they get mixed up, arranged and rearranged until a fully formed monster puppet drops through a trapdoor. As each character takes to the stage it reveals a special talent, perfect for a mini monster circus. But there is trouble ahead, the star of the show gets stuck in the machine and needs help getting out. The story is told through mime, movement to music, puppetry, animation and poetry. A short workshop follows the performance, giving children an opportunity to play with materials and concepts seen in the show and to model ways adults can engage their children in creative activities. This event promotes sustainability by demonstrating ways to design and make using freely available recycled materials.

Booking Info

The Monster Making Machine theatre visited our school on a number of occasions. Their creative and innovative approach ensured the engagement of all our pupils, empowering them to experience art, music and drama in a fun and inclusive way. Social interactions, language building, fine and gross motor skills were all part of the sessions and this benefited our pupils enormously. There was a fantastic sense of anticipation before their arrival. We will definitely be inviting them back.

Annette Roland, Teacher at St Joseph’s Special School , Galway

“A wonderful illusion ”
Oscar, Age 8

“This show provides many provocations for very young children and their families to explore
their creative side together.”

Joanne Doherty
Lecturer in Early Childhood Education and Care
ATU Galway and Mayo

“Watching the machine making monsters was brilliant, making them was funny.”
Adah, Age 4

“‘We all loved the show.
It was unique, innovative and full of creativity.”

Edel McMahon
Parent, Oughterard, Co. Galway

“It was unbelievable! I loved the monsters and the music. I loved making my own monsters at the end.”
Odin, Age 6

“Our Infants had the most magical time with The SketchCan Caravan’s Monster Making Machine. The experience was engaging, fun, inspiring and super accessible for all. They were so easy to work with from an organisational point of view. We will definitely be booking them again!”

Sarah Cronin – Enrichment Activities Coordinator
Scoil Chaitriona Junior, Renmore, Galway

“The Monster Making Machine is a fabulously creative show for young children which is not only extremely entertaining and engaging but importantly promotes a message of inclusivity in a very gentle and positive way. The interactive workshop element was a huge hit with the children – and indeed the adults also.”
Shauna Ferrick, Clonbur Community Council, Co. Galway