I ANN ARBOR Bubatron Continued from preceding page -4 The children read the script for ideas about the characters and looked at book illustra- tions. They paid special atten- tion to the overall emotional feel of the characters — whether they were happy or sad — so that they could create the appropriate facial expressions. Then they began the actual construction. "They all started with paper plates which were cut and molded to make them three-dimensional," explains Lauffer, who has taught pup- petmaking. Paper mache and paint were added. The life-size heads were then attached to a stuffed fabric form and strings were added. one-of-a-kind The se marionettes have another in- teresting, perhaps unique, feature. "They're designed so they can take the heads off the marionettes so they can be reworked," says Roberts. Making the bodies and heads detachable allows for both flexibility and lightness. "Marionettes are very dif- ficult," says Roberts. Working them, especially ones that are measured in feet, not inches, requires physical desterity and strength. Bubatron is user-friendly in 11 11114%*' other ways. Because it uses pre-recorded tapes it's not necessary for the kids to learn their lines — an inhibiting factor which often keeps children from the stage. And the children manipulate the puppets from behind the scenes. "It's a good medium for children who want to per- form but who don't have stage presence," says Lauffer. "And it's a perfect vehicle for kids who are shy." During the 18th century, marionette theater had a remarkable reputation. In France, puppeteers were ad- mitted to the Royal court. Voltaire wrote songs for the marionette theater. In England, Jonathan Swift and Henry Fielding were among its champions and in Austria Joseph Haydn composed music for the elaborate pup- pet theater of Prince Esterhazy. Urist and Lauffer are not expecting royal recognition, but they both have some wishes for Bubatron. "I would like it to become an establish- ed element in the Ann Arbor Jewish Community, expan- ding and renewing itself' says Urist. "I think it should be part of the Jewish cultural scene," adds Lauffer. -4 al I LOCAL NEWS I N A R ri •A B O Jewish Teacher Award Is Created R UP TO FORTY-PERCENT OFF The Finest Clothing Shoes & Accessories for Ladies & Gentlemen 336 Maynard, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 • (313) 769-8511 IT ALL! 50 to 75% OFF Final Clearance on All Fall & Winter Merchandise! YOU nwsat griat i a t ca nc er emorta nit r)J° FULL FIGURED FASHION Sizes 16-32 107 W. Third St. Royal Oak • 542-4747 HOURS : Mon. - Sat. 10 - 6 • Thurs. 10 - 9 After-Hours Appointments Available All Sales Final • Previous Layaways Excluded 98 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1989 AMERICAN CANCER f SOaETY® An annual award has been established to honor an outstanding teacher in a Jewish communal school. Anyone can submit names of candidates for the Schochet Family Outstanding Teacher Award, sponsored by the Frank and Freda Schochet Fund of United Jewish Charities. Nominees must be involved in Jewish education in the greater Detroit area. Up to $3,000 will be presented to the honoree to fund a project he or she pro- poses in any area of Jewish learning and teaching. Nominees will be judged on the potential benefits of their proposal, as well as on his or her individual qualities. These include profes- sionalism, an ability to be in- novative, a demonstrated commitment to Jewish educa- tion and empathy with students and their families. Names of candidates should be submitted by Feb. 28 to: Schochet Award Committee, do Jewish Welfare Federa- tion, 163 Madison, Deroit, MI 48226-2180. The award will be presented at a public assembly in May. Frank Schochet, who is ac- tive in the Minneapolis Jewish community, extended his interest in Jewish educa- tion to Detroit, where some of his family reside. Berman Award Nominations A Jewish communal profes- sional employed by the Jewish Welfare Federation or .a Federation beneficiary will receive the second annual Berman Award for Outstan- ding Professional Service, created by Mandell and Madeleine Berman. The award, to be presented in June, is intended to pro- mote and reward extraor- dinary professional service. The Bermans established the award through the Federated Endowment Fund of United Jewish Charities. The award gives the recipient an oppor- tunity to enhance his/her leadership skills. Nominees for the Berman -I 4