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2019 Spring Puppet Performance Series

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The Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut will host its Spring Puppet Performance Series on four Saturdays from February to May 2019, featuring outstanding works of puppet theater by professional puppeteers from across New England and beyond. Each show will be performed twice, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. All performances will take place at the Ballard Institute Theater located at 1 Royce Circle in Downtown Storrs.

The schedule of the Spring Puppet Performance Series includes the following:

February 16: The Three Little Pigs by Liz Joyce & A Couple of Puppets

In this version of The Three Little Pigs, BB (a reformed wolf with allergies) sells real estate to the new pigs in town. This puppet show by acclaimed Long Island puppeteer Liz Joyce features hand-carved marionettes, musical numbers, and lots of laughs. This show is 35 minutes and is recommended for ages 3+.

March 30: Go Home Tiny Monster by The Gottabees

One day, Sylvie and her family of handmade creatures suddenly find themselves in need of a new home. Luckily, they have an audience full of people who can help them out. Go Home Tiny Monster by the Boston-based Gottabees features the company’s trademark mix of puppetry, joyously absurd silliness, physical theater, live music, and surprising poignancy. This show is 40 minutes and is recommended for ages 3+. 

April 27: Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Stevens Puppets

In an enchanted Alaskan forest, join a family of bears as they encounter different perspectives and values, ultimately sharing a common purpose with a salmon and resolving their conflict with a golden-haired trespasser, who learns precious lessons from them as well as from her bald eagle companion about respect, kindness, apologizing, and forgiveness. This show by Indiana’s famed Stevens Puppets is 45 minutes and is recommended for ages 3+.

May 11: Everybody Loves Pirates by Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers

Eight-year-old Lucy and her goofy pal, Little Chucky, are searching for buried treasure, but a gang of bumbling pirates keeps getting in the way! The kids get some help from their new ocean-dwelling friends, including enthusiastic superhero Lobster Boy, his reluctant sidekick Crabby, and an overgrown sea monkey. This show by Maine’s popular Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers is 50 minutes and is recommended for ages 4+.

Ticket Prices: Adults: $12; Members/Seniors: $10; Students: $8; Kids: $6 (12 years and under)

Tickets can be purchased in the near future at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, by calling 860-486-8580, or online at bimp.ticketleap.com. A surcharge will be added to any purchases made online. Tickets may also be purchased at the Ballard Institute on the day of performance starting at 10 a.m. There will be open seating and no reservations. Visitors can park in the Storrs Center Garage located at 33 Royce Circle. Parking is free for the first two hours and $1 per hour thereafter, with a daily maximum charge of $8. For more information about these performances or if you require an accommodation to attend an event, please contact Ballard Institute staff at 860-486-8580 or bimp@uconn.edu.

“African American Puppetry in New York City” with Nehprii Amenii and Brad Brewer

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For its final installment of the 2018 Fall Puppet Forum Series, the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut will host Nehprii Amenii and Brad Brewer for African American Puppetry in New York City on Thursday Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Ballard Institute Theater, located at 1 Royce Circle in Downtown Storrs. This forum is co-sponsored by UConn’s Africana Studies Institute.

In conjunction with the Ballard Institute’s Living Objects: African American Puppetry exhibition, this forum will bring together two noted New York-based puppeteers to talk about the past, present, and future of African American puppetry, and the dynamics of aesthetic and artistic choices in this field.

Nehprii Amenii is a Brooklyn-based artist, writer, puppeteer, director and educator, and the founder and Artistic Director of Khunum Productions. Her 2013 play Food for the Gods was honored with the Stanley and Evelyn Lipkin Prize for playwriting, and this year she received the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s Creative Engagement Award. In addition to writing and producing theatre, she uses multimedia-arts and storytelling to teach English and provide catharsis to young immigrants through the New York City Department of Education.

Brad Brewer is the founder of New York City’s Brewery Puppet Troupe. As a child in the Soundview projects in the Bronx, Brad was obsessed with the art of puppetry, which he learned from puppeteers Kermit Love, Jim Henson, and Frank Oz. Through the creation of his puppet singing group the Crowtations, Brad and company have worked with Melvin Van Peebles, Chaka Khan, Spike Lee, Harold Nicholas, David Brenner, the Four Tops, Mr. Rogers, Ron Carter, Oscar Brown, Jr., and Ron Howard, to name a few. His troupe is the only African American puppet company to appear on Broadway, in a major motion picture, and on network television. Several of his puppets are in the collection of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.

Admission to this event 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. For more information, or if you require an accommodation to attend a forum, please contact Ballard Institute staff at 860.486.8580 or bimp@uconn.edu.

RESCHEDULED FOR 11/29 AT 7 P.M.: “Night Fall: Community Puppetry in Hartford” with Anne Cubberly

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Due to inclement weather, this forum has been rescheduled for November 29 at 7 p.m.

For its second installment of the 2018 Fall Puppet Forum Series, the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut will host Anne Cubberly for Night Fall: Community Puppetry in Hartford on Thursday November 29 at 7 p.m. at the Ballard Institute Theater, located at 1 Royce Circle in Downtown Storrs. This forum will discuss the origins, aims, techniques, and aesthetics of this dynamic community performance event that has redefined the cultural life of Connecticut’s capital.

Over the past seven years as the Artistic Director of Night Fall, Anne Cubberly has created annual performances in Hartford parks celebrating seasonal change with spectacles combining art, music, dance, and her trademark giant puppets. Cubberly is a visual artist with more than 30 years of experience creating kinetic sculpture, giant puppets, installations, and performances. She has exhibited steadily in solo and group exhibitions, and created performances for the Cleveland Museum of Art and The Wadsworth Atheneum. She has also led school and community groups with a focus on creativity, process, and community, all while utilizing repurposed materials.

The final Fall Puppet Forum of the semester is:  

December 6: “African American Puppetry in New York City,” with Nehprii Amenii and Brad Brewer
In conjunction with the Ballard Institute’s Living Objects: African American Puppetry exhibition, this forum will bring together two noted New York-based puppeteers to talk about the past, present, and future of African American puppetry, and the dynamics of aesthetic and artistic choices in this field.

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. For more information, or if you require an accommodation to attend a forum, please contact Ballard Institute staff at 860.486.8580 or bimp@uconn.edu.

“The Gingerbread Man” by WonderSpark Puppets on 12/1 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

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As part of its 2018 Fall Puppet Performance Series and Mansfield Downtown Partnership’s sixth annual Winter Welcome, the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry is pleased to present The Gingerbread Man by WonderSpark Puppets on Dec. 1, 2018 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Ballard Institute Theater, located at 1 Royce Circle in Downtown Storrs.

“Run, run, as fast as you can–you can’t catch me I’m the Gingerbread Man!”  The Gingerbread Man is the classic story of a little running cookie–with a Christmas twist. Watch as the Gingerbread Man outwits and outruns various hungry animals–and figures out what he really wants for Christmas. This handpuppet show is performed in a traditional puppet booth. This show is 40 minutes long and is recommended for ages 3+.

WonderSpark Puppets performs highly interactive puppet shows throughout the NYC area and beyond! Since 2009 they have been entertaining family audiences at NYC landmarks like Central Park, the New York Public Library, Mt Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, Bryant Park, and more. Fusing puppetry and storytelling with memorable characters and silly songs, WonderSpark performs at public and private venues.

Ticket Prices: Adults: $12; Members/Seniors: $10; Students: $8; Kids: $6 (12 years and under).

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, by calling 860-486-8580, or online at bimp.ticketleap.com. A surcharge will be added to any purchases made online. Tickets may also be purchased at the Ballard Institute on the day of performance starting at 10 a.m. There will be open seating and no reservations. Visitors can park in the Storrs Center Garage located at 33 Royce Circle. Parking is free for the first two hours and $1 per hour thereafter, with a daily maximum charge of $8. For more information about these performances or if you require an accommodation to attend this event, please contact Ballard Institute staff at 860-486-8580 or bimp@uconn.edu.

“The Fairy Tailor” by Sarah Nolen on 11/10 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

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As part of its 2018 Fall Puppet Performance Series, the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut is pleased to present The Fairy Tailor by Puppet Showplace Theater’s Resident Artist and UConn Puppet Arts Program alumna Sarah Nolen on Nov. 10, 2018 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Ballard Institute Theater, located at 1 Royce Circle in Downtown Storrs.

Meet the Fairy Tailor, hard at work in her enchanted shop, where dressing racks and laundry baskets are known to have minds of their own. Watch as she transforms everyday garments into extraordinary characters, and shares stories of bravery, from Little Red Riding Hood(ie), to The Emperor’s New Clothes. With the audience’s help, the Fairy Tailor summons the courage to take a stand against a giant, crafting a solution that combines cleverness with creativity. This colorful, interactive production is guaranteed to inspire audiences of all ages. This show is 50 minutes long and is recommended for ages 4+.

Sarah Nolen is a puppeteer and filmmaker originally from Austin, Texas. As Puppet Showplace Theater’s resident artist, she performs regularly for youth and family audiences and teaches puppetry in camps, workshops, residencies, and evening adult classes. Sarah earned her BFA in film from Southern Methodist University, and an MFA in Puppet Arts from the University of Connecticut. Known nationally for her versatile, witty, and innovative work across multiple puppetry styles, she has appeared in the National Puppet Slam, at the Puppets in Paradise Festival, and the Out of Bounds Comedy Festival. Sarah has toured internationally as part of the ensemble for Reverse Cascade, and has performed as principal puppeteer for the immersive multi-media show Pip’s Island in NYC. In Boston, she has worked closely with the Boston Pops Orchestra, performing as a puppeteer/narrator in A Visit From St. Nicholas, and again as a designer/builder of the Arthur Fiedler puppet for Puppets Take the Pops. In addition to her work in puppetry, Sarah is an experienced filmmaker with credits that range from reality shows and commercial television to Indie features and web ads. In 2015, she received the Mister Rogers Memorial Scholarship in support of her television pilot Treeples, a show geared towards empowering girls, which screened at film festivals across the United States.

Upcoming Fall Puppet Performance Series shows include:

Dec. 1: The Gingerbread Man by WonderSpark Puppets

“Run, run, as fast as you can–you can’t catch me I’m the Gingerbread Man!”  The Gingerbread Man is the classic story of a little running cookie–with a Christmas twist. Watch as the Gingerbread Man outwits and outruns various hungry animals–and figures out what he really wants for Christmas. This hand puppet show is performed in a traditional puppet booth. Recommended for ages 3+.

Ticket Prices: Adults: $12; Members/Seniors: $10; Students: $8; Kids: $6 (12 years and under).

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, by calling 860-486-8580, or online at bimp.ticketleap.com. A surcharge will be added to any purchases made online. Tickets may also be purchased at the Ballard Institute on the day of performance starting at 10 a.m. There will be open seating and no reservations. Visitors can park in the Storrs Center Garage located at 33 Royce Circle. Parking is free for the first two hours and $1 per hour thereafter, with a daily maximum charge of $8. For more information about these performances or if you require an accommodation to attend this event, please contact Ballard Institute staff at 860-486-8580 or bimp@uconn.edu.

“Sir George and the Dragon” by Pumpernickel Puppets on 10/27 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

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As part of its 2018 Fall Puppet Performance Series, the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut is pleased to present Sir George and the Dragon by Pumpernickel Puppets of Worcester, Massachusetts on Oct. 27, 2018 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Ballard Institute Theater, located at 1 Royce Circle in Downtown Storrs.

Join an adventurous princess as she journeys to Mystery Mountain to visit the Great Green Dragon. Along the way you’ll meet Zelda the babysitter, a silly bat, Sir George and his clumsy dog, and of course the lovable dragon. Will Sir George slay the dragon? Not to worry—everything ends happily in this fun show. Presented with large colorful hand puppets and live voices and sound effects. This show is 40 minutes long and is recommended for ages 3+.

For nearly forty years the Pumpernickel Puppets have captivated audiences of all ages with humorous and colorful adaptations of classic folk and fairy tales. John McDonough and his puppets present over two hundred fifty shows a year at schools, libraries and private parties throughout the New England area.

Upcoming Fall Puppet Performance Series shows include:

Nov. 10: The Fairy Tailor by Sarah Nolen

Meet the Fairy Tailor, hard at work in her enchanted shop, where dressing racks and laundry baskets are known to have a mind of their own. Watch as she transforms everyday garments into extraordinary characters, and shares stories of bravery, from Little Red Riding Hood(ie), to The Emperor’s New Clothes. With the audience’s help, the Fairy Tailor summons the courage to take a stand against a giant, crafting a solution that combines cleverness with creativity. Recommended for ages 4+.

Dec. 1: The Gingerbread Man by WonderSpark Puppets

“Run, run, as fast as you can–you can’t catch me I’m the Gingerbread Man!” The Gingerbread Man is the classic story of a little running cookie–with a Christmas twist. Watch as the Gingerbread Man outwits and outruns various hungry animals–and figures out what he really wants for Christmas. This hand puppet show is performed in a traditional puppet booth. Recommended for ages 3+.

Ticket Prices: Adults: $12; Members/Seniors: $10; Students: $8; Kids: $6 (12 years and under).

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, by calling 860-486-8580, or online at bimp.ticketleap.com. A surcharge will be added to any purchases made online. Tickets may also be purchased at the Ballard Institute on the day of performance starting at 10 a.m. There will be open seating and no reservations. Visitors can park in the Storrs Center Garage located at 33 Royce Circle. Parking is free for the first two hours and $1 per hour thereafter, with a daily maximum charge of $8. For more information about these performances or if you require an accommodation to attend this event, please contact Ballard Institute staff at 860-486-8580 or bimp@uconn.edu.

BIMP Main Galleries Closed 10/8-10/24

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From October 8 through October 24, 2018, Ballard Institute staff will be installing our new exhibitions Living Objects: African American Puppetry.  While the main galleries at the Ballard Institute will be closed during this process, the museum will remain open during normal business hours, and The World of Puppetry: From the Collections of the Ballard Institute will be on display in the lobby.

We  invite you to join us for the grand opening of Living Objects: African American Puppetry on October 25 at the Ballard Institute. The opening events will include refreshments at 6:30 p.m. and a free tour at 7 p.m.

“The Fairy Circus” by Tanglewood Marionettes on 9/29 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

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As part of its 2018 Fall Puppet Performance Series, the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry is pleased to present The Fairy Circus by Massachusetts’ famed Tanglewood Marionettes on Sept. 29, 2018 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Ballard Institute Theater, located at 1 Royce Circle in Downtown Storrs.

Tanglewood Marionettes’ presentation of The Fairy Circus begins with a brief demonstration of the art of puppetry. Through humorous interplay, the audience will learn about various forms of puppets, from simple glove puppets to sophisticated marionettes. Then it’s on with the show! Featuring over twenty beautifully handcrafted marionettes, The Fairy Circus is a showcase for turn-of-the-century-style trick puppetry. The puppets will dance, play instruments, juggle, contort, transform, and fly through the air with the greatest of ease, all to the best-loved music of favorite composers! This show is 45 minutes long and recommended for ages 4+.

Founded in 1993 by Anne Ware and Peter Schaefer, Tanglewood Marionettes is a nationally touring marionette theater based in New England. Their repertoire consists primarily of classic tales performed by skilled puppeteers who have spent many years perfecting their art. The company’s large, beautifully handcrafted marionettes, colorful sets, and integrated lighting and sound create a fully immersive theatrical experience. Tanglewood Marionettes has received two Citations for Excellence in the Art of Puppetry from UNIMA-USA (the American center of the Union International de la Marionette).

Peter Schaefer was born into a family of puppeteers, and has been performing with hand puppets, rod puppets, and marionettes since he was knee-high. After refining his skills with a local puppet company for several years, he decided to join forces with a fellow puppeteer and form a new company – Tanglewood Marionettes. Since its inception in 1993, Tanglewood Marionettes has toured nationally with great success.

Upcoming Fall Saturday Puppet Shows include:

Oct. 27: Sir George and the Dragon by Pumpernickel Puppets

Join an adventurous princess as she journeys to Mystery Mountain to visit the Great Green Dragon. Along the way you’ll meet Zelda the babysitter, a silly bat, Sir George and his clumsy dog, and of course the lovable dragon. Will Sir George slay the dragon? Not to worry–everything ends happily in this fun show. Presented with large colorful hand puppets and live voices and sound effects. Recommended for ages 3+.

Nov. 10: The Fairy Tailor by Sarah Nolen

Meet the Fairy Tailor, hard at work in her enchanted shop, where dressing racks and laundry baskets are known to have minds of their own. Watch as she transforms everyday garments into extraordinary characters, and shares stories of bravery, from Little Red Riding Hood(ie), to The Emperor’s New Clothes. With the audience’s help, the Fairy Tailor summons the courage to take a stand against a giant, crafting a solution that combines cleverness with creativity. Recommended for ages 4+.

Dec. 1: The Gingerbread Man by WonderSpark Puppets

“Run, run, as fast as you can–you can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread Man!”  The Gingerbread Man is the classic story of a little running cookie–with a Christmas twist. Watch as the Gingerbread Man outwits and outruns various hungry animals–and figures out what he really wants for Christmas. This handpuppet show is performed in a traditional puppet booth. Recommended for ages 3+.

Ticket Prices: Adults: $12; Members/Seniors: $10; Students: $8; Kids: $6 (12 years and under).

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, by calling 860-486-8580, or online at bimp.ticketleap.com. A surcharge will be added to any purchases made online. Tickets may also be purchased at the Ballard Institute on the day of performance starting at 10 a.m. There will be open seating and no reservations. Visitors can park in the Storrs Center Garage located at 33 Royce Circle. Parking is free for the first two hours and $1 per hour thereafter, with a daily maximum charge of $8. For more information about these performances or if you require an accommodation to attend this event, please contact Ballard Institute staff at 860-486-8580 or bimp@uconn.edu.