--- title: "Storytelling & Puppetry Tips: Behind the Curtain with Shreedevi" description: "Explore the art of interactive storytelling and puppetry with Shreedevi Sunil. Get practical tips for performances, classroom engagement, and creative workshops." canonical: https://mytribe.in/talking.turtles.storytellers/storytelling-puppetry-workshops/behind-the-curtain-tips-reflections last_updated: 2025-09-30 --- # Behind the Curtain: Storytelling Tips & Reflections Tribe Verified · Performing interactive storytelling across India By [Talking Turtles Storytellers](https://mytribe.in/talking.turtles.storytellers) · Travels to venues across India · ₹16K per session (up to 20 kids) (estimate) Part of [Storytelling & Puppetry Workshops](https://mytribe.in/talking.turtles.storytellers/storytelling-puppetry-workshops). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/talking.turtles.storytellers/storytelling-puppetry-workshops/gallery) A peek into my process and philosophy. Here I share the real, messy, and wonderful moments that shape my journey as a puppeteer. ## Photos and videos - [Video: We all get nervous. In this video, I share some of my personal tricks for overcoming performance anxiety, like pausing, slowing down, and becoming aware of my performance space and audience before I begin.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e110cb57-daee-455d-9ce7-7506e548f81e) - [Video: Before the puppets start talking, I do. This clip explains why I always take a moment to introduce myself to a young audience. Building that initial connection and trust makes all the difference.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e1dcd414-653a-4607-a3af-3c0c70763ce2) - [Video: A personal invitation to a workshop at Joykidz. Here, I introduce myself and some of my puppet friends, giving a little preview of the roller coaster ride of fun we will have together.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1cccd400-ebf4-43ef-9e4b-f8d4318132ce) - ![A personal story about food, memories, and my mom's kitchen. Storytelling isn't just for the stage; it is in the everyday moments and memories that connect us across generations.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/68da7e82-8625-4bf9-b86c-652aff69fb65) ## About Behind the Curtain: Tips & Reflections People often ask me how I handle a restless room or my own pre-show jitters. The secret isn't a perfect script, but the connection I build before the puppets even come out. I always take thirty seconds to introduce myself directly to the audience, eye-to-eye, turning strangers into partners in the story we are about to create together. ### Handling the Nerves We all get nervous, whether presenting at work or standing before a room full of children. When I feel that familiar flutter, my natural instinct used to be to speed up or go flat. I learned that the best fix is to do the opposite: pause, take a breath, and tell the next few lines slowly. It gives the audience a chance to settle in and gives me a moment to ground myself in the space. ### Why I Introduce Myself First Before the curtain rises and the puppets start talking, I always take that moment to say hello as me, Shreedevi. Introducing myself helps the little ones feel safe and curious. They see the person behind the character, which builds trust. Once that connection is established, they are ready for the magic. ### The 'Messy' Philosophy My workshops are not about becoming a master puppeteer overnight. They are about movement, rhythm, and playing with characters. Whether you are an educator looking to teach STEM through stories or a parent wanting to make bedtime more engaging, the goal is simple joy. I bring the kits, the puppets, and the practice to your space, so you can focus on the laughter. ### Reflections on My Craft Storytelling happens in the everyday, not just on the stage. It is in the memories of a mother's kitchen or the way a child gasps at a surprise twist. These reflections are part of why I do what I do across India. If you are curious about bringing a performance or a workshop to your school, office, or community, let's talk about making it happen. ## About Talking Turtles Storytellers I am Shreedevi, a storyteller who believes that a puppet is just an extension of the heart. Whether I am in a classroom with kids or a corporate boardroom, I use simple, interactive puppetry to help people find their own voice and spark. 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