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Tom Knight has been writing and performing for kids since 1988. Based in Ithaca, New York, Tom brings his portable stage and hand-made puppets to schools, libraries, theaters and festivals all throughout the Northeast.
The show is a vibrant collection of original songs and skits, each 3-5 minutes long, with variety enough to keep even the very youngest children waiting to see what will happen next. While Tom sings to pre-recorded music tracks, puppets like Henry the Magician, the Little Elephant, Andy the Recycling Guy, and Allie the Alligator act out the stories of the songs. Besides the visual appeal, almost every segment has a part for the audience, including hand motions, singing along, or doing simple dance steps.
Some of Tom's favorite themes are animals, food, environmental science, and the importance of reading. With catchy melodies and playful lyrics, Knight's songs are easy to remember, fun to sing, and often educational. His songs can be heard on his CDs, including
When I Grow Up, Don't Kiss a Codfish, Easy as Pie,
The Library Boogie, and his latest: The Classroom Boogie! He also has a
recording for grown-ups called Crazy Little Dream.
If you
are booking a performance and need publicity
photos and press releases, go to www.tomknight.net
2007-8 Shows
The Library Boogie
A living library of songs and skits related to books and
reading. It includes the traditional tale of "The Billy Goats
Gruff," the original stories of the "Elephant's Lullaby," plus the title song
"The Library Boogie." Great for
libraries, Parents as Reading Partners Programs, and anything that relates
to books.
Music
and Magic with Tom Knight Puppets
A vibrant collection of songs and skits with lots of
participation, including "Henry the Magician,"
"The Juggler," plus all-time
favorites like the "Garbage Monster," and "Alligator
Jump." Great for festivals, birthday parties, and schools. Sing
a Song of Science
Fun songs related to science topics. When
you see the Solar System spinning around Tom's head, you can't help but
learn a little about Astronomy! This show also features the shadow puppet
skits of "Adventures of a Water Drop," (the water cycle),
"Shake Shake Shake (the Earthquake Song)," and "The
Dinosaur March." Holiday Magic with Tom Knight
Puppets
A show for Christmas and Holiday Parties. Includes much of the
repertoire from The Library Boogie Show plus "Jingle Bells," "The Holiday
Song," about the different traditions of Chanukah, Christmas,
Solstice, and Kwanzaa. If appropriate, Tom does "Rudolf the Red Nosed
Reindeer," and an original Santa song called "Rockin'
Around the Christmas Tree." 2007-8 Songs and Skits
Click on the underlined song titles to hear samples using Real Player.
To get the free version of Real
Player click
here.
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"Place in the Choir" - A good warm-up song (by Bill Staines)
with
movements, singing along, and animal noises. Tom usually invites members
of the audience to come on stage to help with the movements. (Photo from
the video by Jorge Cuevas.) |
| "The Elephant's
Lullaby" - Mama Elephant sings a lullaby to the
little Elephant in the jungle. The little elephant has a surprise
special effect. |
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"The Garbage
Monster" - a kid is scared by a monster made out
of garbage, until he realizes that the monster is made out of things that
are recyclable. The monster gets recycled until there is nothing
left. (photo from the video by Jorge Cuevas.) |
| "Alligator
Jump" - One of Tom's most popular songs, this skit
is a chance to stand up and move to the music, along with the Mama, Papa,
and Allie Alligator. |
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photo: Shai
Eynav
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"Henry the Magician" - a magician tries to make a rabbit appear
out of a hat, but gets a bird and a dinosaur instead. (Photo by Tim
McKinney)
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| "Rockabilly
Goats Gruff" - The traditional story of the Billy
Goats Gruff with some new twists, set to Rockabilly music. (Photo
from the video by Jorge Cuevas.) |
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"The Library
Boogie" - Late at night when the library
is closed, characters from classic children’s books like The
Very Hungry Caterpillar and Where the Wild Things Are
come alive and start to dance! |
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"Wiggle Worm" -
A dance-along song from Tom's new CD,
featuring dances like "The Twist," "The Monkey,"
"The Swim," and many more. (Photo from the video by Jorge
Cuevas.) |
Drawings by Tom Knight (using Paint Shop Pro)
Book illustration by Annie Campbell
Technical Information:
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Running Time: 50 minutes
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Recommended Age: Pre-K - 4th grade
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Recommended Performing Area: The ideal situation is to be on
a low
stage (12-24 inches high) with the children on the floor in front.
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Recommended Audience Size: 100-400
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Sound and Lights: I bring my own for small audiences, but in
larger venues, I rely on the presenter.
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Set up: 60 - 90 minutes
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Take down: 60 minutes
Publicity Photos and Press
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