Shelley King is a multi-passionate professional puppeteer and arts educator, based in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, originally called Nogojiwanong by the Anishinaabe, meaning "place at the end of the rapids”. Shelley specializes in teaching people of all ages and abilities to create and use puppets in their personal and professional lives. She is passionate about facilitating intergenerational puppetry projects and firmly believes that magic happens when multiple generations have the opportunity to create, learn & play together. Shelley uses her background in social work, puppetry and expressive arts to guide caregivers, parents, teachers and social workers to use puppetry as a tool for creating connection, teaching, storytelling, enhancing creativity and creating joy in their work with others.

Brand new this year, Shelley is running after-school, Arts & Crafts clubs for kids throughout Peterborough. The program is called “The Marvelous Makers Studio”.

Shelley’s other passions include spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren & dog; walking & exploring in nature; creating collage masterpieces (both large & small), knitting, reading and attending live music & theatre productions. She is a lifelong learner and has a hard time saying “no” to a good book, course or workshop.

Introducing Shelley

Arts Educator, Puppeteer, Collage Artist, Writer & Crafter

Discover the Magic & Power of Puppetry

Shelley knows it’s challenging to come up with activities for children, intergenerational groups, youth and the elderly that are engaging, creative and fun. Puppetry is one of the greatest ways to connect people and groups to each other but it is commonly overlooked as an exceptional tool and strategy for improving communication, problem-solving, enhancing creativity, building community and supporting learning. As an animated artform, puppets become part of the communication dynamic that brings “other voices” to conversations and stories. Shelley’s in-person workshops teach you how to make and use puppets to tap into this unique artform in ways that are safe, effective, supportive and enjoyable.

Whether you’re a teacher, social worker, caregiver, therapist or parent; puppetry is a technique and tool you shouldn’t be without.

Explore Shelley’s workshops for classrooms, long-term care & retirement homes, businesses, organizations, libraries, families & friends!

A huge thanks to all the following organizations for supporting my work and believing in me. I couldn’t have done it without you. ❤️