For its 2018 Spring Puppet Forum Series, the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut will host four free scintillating discussions with puppeteers, historians, directors, and builders on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in Feb. through April at in the Ballard Institute Theater, located at 1 Royce Circle in Storrs Center. These forums will illuminate new perspectives on the creation, history, aesthetics, and performance of puppetry today. The Spring Puppet Forum schedule will include the following talks:
Feb. 8: Nurturing New Work for Puppet Theater: the Jim Henson Foundation with Cheryl Henson, Richard Termine, Z Briggs, and Leslee Asch
Join Jim Henson Foundation President Cheryl Henson, board members Leslee Asch and Richard Termine (a Puppet Arts Program alumnus), and foundation manager Z Briggs (also a Puppet Arts alumna) in a discussion about the foundation’s dynamic methods of supporting innovative new puppet productions across the United States.
March 1: American Puppet Modernism: The Early 20th Century with Steve Abrams, John Bell, and Bart. P. Roccoberton, Jr.
In conjunction with the Ballard Institute’s new American Puppet Modernism exhibition, Puppetry Journal editor Steve Abrams, Puppet Arts Program Director Bart. P. Roccoberton, Jr., and Ballard Institute Director John Bell discuss the fascinating history of early 20th-century puppetry in the U.S., from cross-country touring shows to giant inflatable puppets, avant-garde operas and other ground-breaking innovations.
April 12: Direction and Collaboration: Making Theater with Actors and Puppets with Madeline Sayet and Zach Broome
Exciting young director, writer, performer, and educator Madeline Sayet, together with puppet designer and Puppet Arts graduate student Zachary Broome discuss puppetry and the collaborative process in the making of Connecticut Repertory Theatre’s Spring 2018 production of She Kills Monsters. This forum is co-sponsored by the Connecticut Repertory Theatre.
April 26: Puppets and Film: Paul Spirito’s Ancestral with Paul Spirito
Director, puppeteer, and Puppet Arts technical supervisor Paul Spirito discusses the process and dynamics of his new puppet film Ancestral, shot entirely on UConn’s Depot Campus.
Admission to these events is free (donations greatly appreciated!), and refreshments will be served. Come early, and experience our puppet exhibitions, as well as the video resources in our library nook. Forums will be broadcast via Facebook Live. Visit bimp.uconn.edu or call 860-486-8580 for more information.
The Jim Henson Foundation was founded in 1982 by Muppets creator Jim Henson to promote and develop the art of puppetry in the United States. Each year the Foundation introduces thousands of adults and families to the magic of puppet theater through grant-making and public awareness efforts. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over 900 grants to more than 300 American puppet artists for the creation and development of new work. As the only grant-making institution with a mission to promote puppetry in the United States, The Jim Henson Foundation has become a major advocate and resource for puppet artists.
Cheryl Henson is the President of The Jim Henson Foundation and a member of the Board of Directors of The Jim Henson Company. Cheryl was Executive Producer for the Henson International Festival of Puppet Theater.
Lindsey “Z” Briggs is the Foundation Manager of The Jim Henson Foundation, Co-Artistic Director of WonderSpark Puppets, and has been working as a professional puppeteer since 2004.
Richard Termine has served as a trustee of The Jim Henson Foundation since 1987 and is currently its Vice President. He worked as a puppet designer and builder for The Jim Henson Company, and is currently a performing arts photographer who has photographed many of the world’s leading performers and puppet artists.
February 24: Plastic by Puzzle Theatre — What is more surprising than a plastic-bag world, where funny and colorful creatures are born and transform themselves as much as they like? In this special international performance, Montreal-based Puzzle Theatre offers an original, multicolored performance with unusual puppets created on the spot with plastic bags, filled humor and unexpected situations. Recommended for ages 5+.
March 24: I Spy Butterfly by Faye Dupras — How does a nature-loving explorer kid become a bug’s best friend? Find out in this delightful eco-story by UConn Puppet Arts alumna Faye Dupras about the ways we all grow and change. When Trudy’s caterpillar friend Harold suddenly transforms into a chrysalis, she’s determined to do the same. Live music, colorful critters, and oodles of audience interaction make this show a fun ecological romp in the wild! Recommended for ages 3+ (but all ages are welcome to attend!). 
April 14: The Pied Piper of Hamelin by CactusHead Puppets — The town of Hamelin has a rat problem, and there’s only one person who can help! CactusHead Puppets, comprised of UConn Puppet Arts alumni Megan and John Regan, brings the story of The Pied Piper to life in this comedic, updated adaptation of the traditional folktale told with multiple puppetry styles and plenty of dancing rats! Recommended for ages 4+ (but all ages are welcome to attend!).
May 12: Rumplestiltskin by Stevens Puppets — Performed by famed marionette theater company Stevens Puppets, Rumplestiltskin is a fast-paced, action-filled, rhyming rendition of the classic tale, following the Miller as he weaves a web of lies to convince the King that his daughter can spin straw into gold! Enter the outrageously outspoken and never-happy villain, Rumplestiltskin, whose preposterous demands create even more mayhem in the land of Stiltskin. Recommended for all ages.