July 12: An Hour of Clown by BreakFAST Puppets In this fun-filled production created and performed by Anthony Sellitto-Budney, join who carries their life on their back but keeps encountering hilarious problems and mishaps. Enjoy a variety of stunts, tricks, juggling, and puppetry in this funny, nonverbal, and interactive clown show.
July 26: The Little Red Hen by WonderSpark Puppets Julia Darden of New York City-based WonderSpark Puppets performs the classic story of a Hen who needs YOUR help to make some bread. The Little Red Hen is an interactive tabletop puppet show that gets kids moving their bodies, calling out and laughing. Every animal on the farm wants to eat the Hen’s bread, but no one wants to help make it. The audience learns the benefits of helping and teamwork while exercising and singing along!
August 2: Whale Tales by Talking Hands Theatre In Massachusetts-based Talking Hands Theatre’s Whale Tales it’s the aquarium that comes to you! As part of Anna Sobel’s musical puppet show you’ll meet a bevy of creatures that live in the sea, including a walrus, a seahorse, a giant beluga whale, and many more.
Reservations are not required. Chairs will not be provided, and audience members are encouraged to bring their own blankets and seating. Seating space will be first come, first served. In case of rain, the shows will take place in the Ballard Institute Theater at 1 Royce Circle in Downtown Storrs.
The Summertime Saturday Puppet Show Series is co-sponsored by the Mansfield Downtown Partnership and supported by a generous gift from Phillip Mairorana in memory of his wife Theresa Mairorana, and by UConn Gives donations by Ballard Institute supporters.