2023

Imaginary Friends

Jump Start | Creative Engine Grant Recipient 2023

Imaginary Friends
by Georgie Rose

This project is the development of a multi-disciplinary artistic puppetry performance that will be whimsical, playful and inspiring. Aimed at young children but also with appeal for the whole family with universal themes and messages of courage and kindness.

A concept crafted from a dream, this work connects the dots from childhood memories to creative play, imagination, wonder, nature and magic.

Based on a troupe of friendly monster puppets who feature as gentle guardians from an enchanted forest, these characters share important life lessons, exploring themes of wonder and respecting nature, each other and the world around them. Incorporating a combination of puppetry styles with a focus on marionette puppetry, this show will also incorporate an arrangement of various magical illusions woven through the performance, adding otherworldly wonder and mystic into the enchanted forest setting.

Utilising video projections and multimedia forms to create new dimensions within the project as well as a live musical score, magical storytelling is at the core of this holistic work as Georgie Rose aims to captivate audiences with an ethereal, natural surround soundscape, accompanied by the use of oil diffusers and natural fragrances to make for a complete sensory experience.

This project relies on strong collaborations with a dream team of creatives to synergise various artistic disciplines, including puppetry (marionette and shadow puppets), live music, video projections and magical illusions, combining to create an enchanting story for the young and young at heart.

Georgie Rose, photography by Michael Teo.jpg

About Georgie Rose

Georgie Rose is an artist, storyteller and puppeteer, sharing her playful and whimsical performances locally and internationally, including currently touring to primary schools with Regional Arts Victoria Arts and Education. As an active member of The Puppetsmithery, Georgie enjoys collaborating on different puppet based creations and shows. She has worked with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre on the performance of String Symphony, Windmill Productions, CDP Theatre Productions, Trash Puppets and the Geelong and Melbourne Arts Centre's. Georgie enjoys facilitating creative workshops designed to encourage young people to explore and celebrate their creativity through the dynamic art of puppetry. Through her construction of puppets for commission, her creations have toured internationally with various theatre companies. With a background in visual arts and community development, Georgie adopts innovative ways to share messages and connect with audiences, inspiring the young and young at heart.