Puppeteers from around the world will gather at the University of Connecticut for the 2015 National Puppetry Festival, organized by Puppeteers of America. This biennial festival, celebrating the art of puppetry, will feature workshops, master classes, performances, exhibitions, and more. The festival will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of the UConn Puppet Arts Program, founded by Frank W. Ballard.
Highlights of the Festival
- Performances: Over 25 national and international puppeteers will showcase their talents in 20 public performances, featuring various puppetry styles, including shadow puppets, bunraku, hand-puppets, and rod puppetry.
- Workshops: Attendees can participate in 30 professional workshops led by experienced puppeteers, providing valuable learning opportunities.
- Visual Art Exhibitions: Six visual art exhibitions will be held, showcasing the creativity and artistry of puppetry.
- “Puppetry in Film” Series: A special series will explore the relationship between puppetry and filmmaking.
- Giant Puppet Parade: The festival will feature a vibrant parade with larger-than-life puppets, adding a touch of spectacle to the event.
- Festival Pub Showcase: Each evening, participants can enjoy the Festival Pub Showcase, a lively gathering of puppeteers and enthusiasts.
Honoring Master Puppeteers
The festival will pay tribute to four distinguished puppeteers: Caroll and Debbie Spinney from “Sesame Street,” Peter Schumann from Bread & Puppet Theater, and Chuck McCann, a renowned children’s television star and voice actor.
Commemorating UConn Puppet Arts Program
UConn’s Puppet Arts Program, founded in 1965 by Frank W. Ballard, has played a significant role in advancing puppetry as an art form. Today, the program offers BFA, MA, and MFA degrees in puppetry, and its alumni have contributed to the establishment of the Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry.
Support and Sponsors
The Festival is made possible through support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the New England Foundation for the Arts. Additional sponsors include UConn School of Fine Arts, UConn Asian and Asian American Studies Institute, UConn El Instituto, UNIMA-USA, Jane Henson Foundation, and Bob’s Discount Furniture.