A Host with the Most!
Alex Papps is one of Play School’s multi-talented presenters, and he’s here to share some backstage info with all of us at KindiCare.
BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE
If you have an under-five, then Alex Papps probably feels part of the family!
Alex is a much-loved Play School presenter with amazing singing and storytelling skills, thanks to his drama school training.
He’s also really great at making art and craft accessible for pre-schoolers, parents and caregivers.
You’ll see this in the brand-new season of Play School: Make and Create, and to learn more about Alex’s creative projects (and funny fans), read our interview below.
Q&A WITH PLAY SCHOOL PRESENTER, ALEX PAPPS
KindiCare: What kind of creative projects did you love doing as a child?
Alex: I did a lot of drawing when I was little, and my mum has kept art from my childhood, which is very sweet of her, so I can actually look back on stuff I did.
Then when I was slightly older than five, I do remember being fascinated by papier-mâché, and I loved making stuff with paper and glue.
I remember making a puppet built around an old plastic bottle, with a papier-mâché head and I sewed a little costume for it.
KindiCare: That’s very impressive! Was there someone in the family who really inspired your creativity?
Alex: When I was growing up, I was always encouraged to make stuff and create stuff, and my grandmother was very influential.
She was one of those people who could turn her hand to pretty much any craft. She was an outstanding knitter, and could do lace-making. She also worked with pottery, and even had a giant loom at one point.
So, she was always very encouraging when it came to art and craft, and I used to like that kind of thing.
KindiCare: Your creative skills definitely come into good use as a Play School presenter, and this article explains why Make and Create is an inspiring show for families with under-fives. How does it feel to be part of a show with such great impact?
Alex: It really is a privilege and a gift, and doing the Play School Live in Concert show always reminds me of how beloved Play School is.
Thanks to its longevity, it’s a multi-generational experience, with grandparents, their children and their children coming to see the show, and when I sometimes meet kids after the show, some of the loveliest reactions are that they see you as their friend.
You are a part of family life in some way.
KindiCare: The children must be so excited to meet you. How do they react when they see Play School Alex in real life?
Alex: A funny reaction is that kids often say, “I didn’t know that you were real! How did you get out of the television?”
So, I have to jump into a very quick explanation of how television works!
KindiCare: Thanks for sharing some behind-the-scenes info with us as well, Alex, and we’re excited to see you making, creating, singing, moving and storytelling in the brand-new season of Play School on ABC iview.
Alex: My pleasure, and enjoy the show!
