Tell me about Nanpuppets!
The mission of Nanpuppets is to combine education of the whole child with original entertainment that accentuates the importance of plain and simple fun. Nanpuppets provides children with a space where they can feel safe in the present moment and open their minds to a creative and imaginative world. Nanpuppets creates a playful atmosphere where children can learn without feeling the pressures and obligations so often present in our modern-day educational systems. Nanpuppets strives to entertain while teaching about morals, imagination, music, and facts about the island and creatures of Nantucket. We provide educational entertainment for a variety of events: birthday parties, fundraisers, classroom lessons, special events, or any gathering where
puppets can add some fun.
Now tell me about Lizza!
Lizza Obremski grew up on Nantucket and has been working with children since a very young age.
Lizza has always had a magical effect on kids.
They love her. Someone once called her “kid catnip,” referring to her natural ability to make children feel safe, loved, and very silly. Upon graduating from Nantucket High School, a career in teaching seemed an obvious choice. Lizza earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Theater from Wheelock College in Boston and then moved back to Nantucket, where she taught preschool at the Nantucket Lighthouse School.
Growing up on a small island often prompts a desire to see the world. Lizza followed her dream of living abroad and landed in Beirut, Lebanon, where she taught kindergarten at Wellspring Learning Community.
While in Beirut, Lizza saw much of that part of the world and discovered that she is definitely not a city person.
With small towns and beaches in mind, Lizza moved to Potrero, Costa Rica, where she taught first grade at La Paz Community School. She then spent three months backpacking around Southeast Asia with her sister and decided to try something new when she returned to the U.S. Lizza was on a mission to find her true calling - something that would integrate her love of children and entertaining with her qualifications as a teacher. Meanwhile, Lizza took a job as caregiver for a woman with mitochondrial disease, a degenerative genetic disorder that causes many physical disabilities. As a caregiver, Lizza’s appreciation of the wonders of everyday life expanded. Her experiences with and understanding of both children and adults led her to create Nanpuppets, a space where all people, young and old, can learn and laugh simultaneously. Whether you’re learning about the creatures in her production or just learning how to be silly, Lizza is excited to bring the Nanpuppets experience to YOU! :)
Thank you to all the wonderful people that have helped me get Nanpuppets off the ground! My whole family for giving me feedback and support. Dad (Bill Obremski) for building my puppet theater and supporting the dream. Mom (Audrey Obremski) for listening to every little idea that came into my head and taking the time to give me constructive feedback. Polly, Emily, Sally, and Pete for helping me make decisions and being pumped right along with me. Kate Andrews for being a major part of inspiration (she may have come up with the name). And to save the best for last - Joe Zito for reigniting my passion for puppetry and re-educating me in my puppet-making skills. Oh and of course, the Universe for doing such an excellent job making things work out just as they ought to!