“I feel good about the project because it is very fun practicing and I’m excited for Thursday,” says fifth grade student Mason Bolds about the special marionette shows written and performed by Fairfield AIM students on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the Trinity Star Arts Council’s gallery on the square in Fairfield.

For the past six months, second through fifth grade AIM students, instructed by Leanne Payne, have been working on their play writing and marionette skills to prepare for this special performance.

“I feel happy and nervous about doing the project,” explains third grader Axel Smith. “I am excited to do the play.”

Parents and school officials were invited to attend the event showcasing antique marionettes from the Frank Dent Collection; and were treated to four great plays: Let’s Get Along, The Poor Girl and The Golden Hen, Lost In Space, and Farm Intruder.

Each student took a turn at reading the script and playing puppeteer.

“I feel that doing the Marionette project is pretty fun because I enjoy acting out with the puppets and reading my own part,” exclaims fifth grader Abby Snider.

AIM Students participating in this special project include: First graders: Kason Ballew and Kennedy Gillian; Second graders: Jason Musick, Taidan Johnson, Hawk Bugg, and Elliott Allen; Third graders: Emma Allen, Carter Fore, Cyle King, Axel Smith, Cameron Snider, Ares Tracz, and Elizabeth Querry; Fourth graders: Jeremiah Daniels, Charlie Fore, Anthony Garcia-Castillo, Ben Munoz, and Brooklyn Varner; and Fifth graders: Mason Bolds, Cayman Elliott, Dalyn Ives, Grayson Moreno, and Abigail Snider.

Each student wrote their own play and four were picked to perform. Special awards were given, acknowledging different aspects of the writing process and developmental skills.

Special Award Winners & Name of Play

–Detail Writing: Abigail Snider – Today Was Going To Be A Disaster

–Development of Humor: Anthony Garcia – Monster On The Road

–Sound Effects: Ares Tracz – Cockadoodle Doo Prairie

–Linear Narrative: Axel Smith – All About My Life

–Plot Twist: Benjamin Munoz – One Day of Myster

–Science Fiction: Bennett Lickteig – Fly, My Brothers, Fly

–Out Of This World: Brooklyn Varner – Lost In Space

–Action: Cameron Snider – Jack and Marie

–Historical Fiction: Carter Fore – Battle of Gettysburg

–Biography: Cayman Elliott – Day In The Life Of ME

–Grand Pursuits: Charles Fore – Doughnut Wars

–Plot Development: Cyle King – Poor Girl and The Golden Hen

–Technical Writing: Dalyn Ives – How Does A Computer Work

–Musical Theater: Elizabeth Querry – About My Life

–Creative Imagination: Emma Allen – Saving The Princess

–Realistic Dialog: Grayson Moreno – Day At School

–Tragedy Writing: Jeremiah Daniels – 1st Day Of School

–Dialog Writing: Mason Bolds – Farm Intruder

–Best Collaborative Work: 2nd Grade Team – Let’s Get Along

It was a packed house for each show and nerves were high as the students took center stage, but they did a spectacular job while having a great time.

Great job done by all!

Additional comments from students:

“I am happy that we are going to do it.” Kennedy Gillian, second grade

“I feel great about doing the marionette project.” Taidan Johnson, second grade

“I feel happy.” Jason Musick, second grade

“The marionette project is good. I like being the wolf.” Hawk Bugg, second grade

“I feel happy to do the marionette project, because I never used a Marionette before.” Carter Fore, third grade

“I feel good because it’s fun. I like moving the marionettes.” Charles Fore, fourth grade

“I feel happy because I have never done it. I like it too because it is exciting.” Jeremiah Daniels, fourth grade

“I feel confident that we will do good on the project. I am glad that we are doing the project.” Grayson Moreno, fifth grade