Debra Disman

Artist

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Storybook Theater

We made a “Storybook Theatre” at Craft Contemporary!

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On January 11, 2026, I had the great pleasure of leading a “Storybook Theater” bookmaking workshop at the Craft Contemporary Museum for their all ages Craft Lab, entitled, “Make a Storybook Theater with Debra Disman“!

Participants were encouraged to:
“Become the author of your own story and create a one-of-a-kind storybook theater book. Combine stories, books and theater with a dramatic flair using a variety of recycled paper materials.”

So. Much. Fun!

A vibrant group gathers.


The dynamic Dr. KATE ZANKOWICZ, Ph.D., Craft Contemporary’s Director of Education, introduces the program, and encourages participants.

Focus and concentration.


Cutting without a template, freehand…to create the year of the horse (hello) and the snake (bye bye).


Book within book, to explore a theme.


Care and communication, sharing ideas.

Even the stairs were used as a work surface, by choice!



Mothers and daughters,

Partners and friends, worked together.

  Hollywood was an inspiration,



As well as Zebras!

Such a beautiful group creating beautiful, thought-provoking and whimsical works.

HERE are the Step-by-step HOW-TO instructions to create the STORYBOOK THEATER:
StorybookTheaterProgram_FINAL_PowerPoint

ENJOY!

Create a STORYBOOK THEATER at Craft Contemporary

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Craft Lab: Make a Storybook Theatre with Debra Disman 

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Become the author, illustrator, and set designer of your own imaginative world as you create a one-of-a-kind storybook theatre. This hands-on workshop invites participants to bring stories to life by combining books, storytelling, and theatrical elements with dramatic flair.

Using a variety of recycled paper materials, you’ll craft layered scenes, characters, and settings that transform the page into a miniature stage.

Recommended for ages 7 and up. All adults and children ages 3 and up must have a ticket to participate.

Craft Lab Family Workshop:

Make a Storybook Theatre with Debra Disman

Sun, Jan 11 | 1:30 – 3:30 PM

$10 public / members Free
REGISTER

 

Held in conjunction with the exhibition:

Material Curiosity by Design: Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman

 

“WE Write the Book”: Two-Signature Bookmaking at the Northridge Branch Library!

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I am thrilled to serve again as a 2025-26 “NEAR” Artist in Residence at the Northridge Branch Library!
The participants here are finding combination style books, folding accordion structures and pockets, and sewing in signatures, or gatherings of folded pages into the folds. 


These books are perfect for recording and holding treasured family recipes!


Stickers remain a perennial favorite of the younger set…


and a lovely time of learning and making was had by all. 


This Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR) is supported by the wonderful City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

JOIN US for MORE BOOKMKAING FUN and LEARNING!
All programs free and open to the Public, All materials provided!

“WE Write the Book”: “Storybook Theater” Bookmaking at the Northridge Branch Library!

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I am thrilled to serve again as a 2025-26 “NEAR” Artist in Residence at the Northridge Branch Library!

This Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR) is supported by the wonderful City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

On October 18, 2025,  participants of a diverse ages and backgrounds gathered to learn how to create the “Storybook Theater” structure, which integrates books, stories and theater into one delightful form. A bit more advanced, this bookmaking process challenged our participants in a fun and engaging way, opening their minds and imaginations to greater bookmaking possibilities!


 


JOIN US for MORE BOOKMKAING FUN and LEARNING!
All programs free and open to the Public, All materials provided!

Make Your Own “Storybook Theater” at the West Valley Regional Branch Library!

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Join us to express yourself and learn how to create the fabulous Storybook Theatre which combines books, diorama drama and stories into one project.
All materials provided.

For ADA accommodations, call (213) 228-7430 at least 72 hours prior to the event.

Para ajustes razonables según la ley de ADA, llama al (213) 228-7430 al menos 72 horas antes del evento.

Learning Online: Storybook Theater

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I have been honored to serve as Artist in Residence at the Granada Hills Branch Library, supported by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

In concert with the Library Staff I created several online bookmaking workshop presentations, including, below:

Learn How To Make A “Storybook Theater”!

Combine books, stories and theater into one really fun project, and learn folding, cutting, gluing and collaging skills along the way!

Celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month, the month of May,  by creating stories and plays drawn from richness of these cultures!

Explore, learn, play, enjoy!