*NEW* See a video clip from Birds in Their Habitat.
Birds in Their Habitat uses masks to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the avian world. Captivated by Henry Lappen's beautiful masks and comic portrayal of birds, participants learn how animals adapt to their environment, and why they look and act the way they do.
Birds' beaks are compared with common tools.
Feathers and footprints are explored.
Science facts and anecdotes are shared.
Birds in Their Habitat covers several of the core curriculum standards for science. A curriculum guide is available.
Henry's combined love and knowledge of birds, and his extraordinary ability as a performer make for a very lively show.
Mark Sweeney, Refuge Manager, Mississquoi NWR, Swanton, VT
Great, effective, valuable lesson that tied directly in with our curriculum!
Patty Marquis, Teacher, Westminster Elementary, Westminster, MA
Throughout it all, Henry dances among the crowd demonstrating the form and motion of the different species. Learning some specific mime skills, and imaging more, the audience joins him, taking on the character of each bird while gaining additional knowledge about it. Participants don the masks, and soar as Eagles, stalk as Herons and swim as Puffins. Additional topics include nest building, preening and hiding from danger.
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Maskmaker
Naturalist
Entertainer
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Henry Lappen has been performing comic juggling for 25 years. He has been an avid student of nature since childhood. In this presentation, Henry combines his love and knowledge of birds, with artistry in maskmaking and performance. Henry is a graduate of California's Dell'Arte School of Physical Comedy, where he studied mime, mask and clowning. |
He has continued his development with classes in dance, voice, Tai-Chi and Feldenkrais. Henry is a member of the Hampshire Bird Club, Northeast Hawkwatch, and the Hats Off Performers' Guild. He is the producer of the New England Performers' Retreat. Henry was a Great Blue Heron in a past life. |