Looking for a puppet show for your school, your library, or your birthday party? Interested in puppet workshops — puppet-making, writing, performing — for educators, therapists, community centers, summer camps, school or church groups?
Seeking skilled collaborators for a theatre piece? Needing a TV commercial with puppets? A mask for a party? A giant creature for a parade?
We offer this as a service to members and the community. The Guild takes no responsibility for services contracted through this resource, but we think you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Guild members are invited to add themselves to the directory. Click here to add yourself to the list.
All Hands In Puppet Theater
Elizabeth Leonard
eo@elizabethandesign.com
9164754651
All Hands In puppet theater is bringing fun puppetry projects to a little theater near you in the Sacramento and Bay area! Established in 2007, we’ve been creating traditional and original plays for adult and family audiences to share our favorite stories and the joy of puppetry.
ADULT SHOWS, FAMILY SHOWS, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Apocutopia Puppets
Hank Pellissier
hedonistfuturist@aol.com
415 309 3505
Apocutopia Puppets produces 30-60 minute comic films with aggressive sock puppets debating philosophical, political and futurist topics like No Free Will, The Singularity, Wealth Redistribution, Kropotkin, and the Abolition of Suffering. Volunteers needed to help with design, voices, filming, editing, Email hedonistfuturist@aol.com
ADULT SHOWS
Artist-Maker-Designer of Puppets Costume Set Props
Lisa Zagone
http://www.lisazagone.com
lisa.zagone@gmail.com
5103065496
Offering art and design services in Puppets, Costumes, Set, Props and other oddball endeavors. Up for collaboration too!
ADULT SHOWS, PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM, DESIGN & BUILDING, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Benny & Bebe’s Magic Circus
Benny Bendini
https://MagicCircus.com
info@magiccircus.com
415.457.4386
Benny & Bebe’s Magic Circus offers in person and virtual online shows and programs for children and family audiences, as well as puppetry for corporate videos and film productions.
Our repertoire includes magic, mime, comedy/clown & puppet shows for schools, festivals, theaters, libraries and corporate special events.
School assembly programs (K-8) with educational science STEAM, multicultural, history and performing arts learning:“The Amazing Science Whiz Show” and “The Incredible Magic Hat Show”.
For young children (grades PK – 2) we perform puppet shows with animal and pirate themes:
“Little Rabbit’s Adventures”, “Pirates on Treasure Hunt”.
Our award winning, creative shows have enchanted US and European audiences since 1987.
“Bay City Best”, S.F. Chronicle
“Best Bets”, Marin Independent Journal
Winner of Northern California & Pacific Coast Comedy Stage Magic Contests,
Finalist, 2020 International Cyber Magic Contest,
Winner, 2021 Bay Area Virtual Magic Contest
Feature Film credits include:
Dr. Dolittle, The Bicentennial Man, How to Successfully Fail in Hollywood
TV and Corporate video puppetry credits include:
BBC Television, Twilio
ADULT SHOWS, CHILDREN’S SHOWS, FAMILY SHOWS, PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM
Bok Choy’s Puppets
C E Choy
http://bokchoyspuppets.com
bokchoyspuppets@gmail.com
7073655663
Bok Choy’s Puppets specializes in making high quality professional puppets for educators, entertainers, puppeteers, ventriloquists, film, live theater, and television. We accept custom orders and create puppets from your own images, or those we create based on your project and input. We also create sets and props upon request. Our puppets are well-made, easy to operate, and can be adapted for both amateur and professional performers.
PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM, DESIGN & BUILDING, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Charlemagne Press
Luman Coad
www.charlemagnepress.com
coadpuppet@telus.net
604-883-0445
Books on advance level puppetry, mime, mask, Commedia dell’arte.
Books
Chase Woolner • Puppeteer
Chase Woolner
www.ChaseWoolner.com
ChaseWoolner@gmail.com
7345163087
SAG/AFTRA Puppeteer – Puppetry workshops and classes for all ages.
DESIGN & BUILDING, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES, PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM
Create, Minister, Teach! | Creative ministry for the family
cmtministries.org
gabriel@cmtministries.org
Create, Minister, Teach! communicates positive messages in an unforgettable way. We tap into audiences’ curiosity and imagination with an explosion of creative arts. We captivate with dynamic stories filled with laughter, wonder and heart. Visit cmtministries.org to learn more!
CHILDREN’S SHOWS , FAMILY SHOWS, DESIGN & BUILDING, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Creature Quads
Baron Von Jabba
https://www.facebook.com/BaronVonJabba/
Vonjabba@gmail.com
510-406-2871
The Creature Quads are animated and interactive contraptions you can ride.
CHILDREN’S SHOWS , DESIGN & BUILDING, PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM, Interactive “walk around” entertainment
Dalrymple and the Wild Daimons
Dalrymple MacAlpin
https://www.dalrympleandthewilddaimons.com/
dalrymplemacalpin@gmail.com
5307155041
HEADY LORE PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS:
Dalrymple and the Wild Daimons; a multi-media, musical theatre ensemble utilizing puppetry, music, storytelling and silhouette film projections in order to spark the seeds of human imagination to grow wild with:
PASSION, PURPOSE AND PLAY .
Each performance seeks to simultaneously educate, inspire and entertain by creating bridges between the intuitive dream world and waking reality. The enduring language of puppetry has become ever more relevant today, in a technologically driven society which isolates us from one another and from sometimes from ourselves, puppetry unhinges the door to the fantastic and reveals the instinctual need we have to believe in magic. The stories hidden in the shadows of our unconscious are there to remind us of the realm beyond words where we can once again allow ourselves to be enchanted with the wonder that is life.
Dalrymple and the Wild Daimons use the theatre as a sacred space where the audience can suspend disbelief and embark upon an immersive, interactive and participatory journey. The mystical quality of this shared experience has the power to transform our world for the better.
FAMILY SHOWS
DLUX Puppets
Derek Lux
http://www.dluxpuppets.com
dluxpuppets@gmail.com
Full service puppet production company in Las Vegas, Nevada. Theatrical shows, custom puppets, digital content creation, live event services, workshops and puppeteers.
ADULT SHOWS, CHILDREN’S SHOWS , FAMILY SHOWS, DESIGN & BUILDING, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES, PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM
Dusty’s Puppets
Dusty Dutton
http://www.dustyspuppets.com
dustyd2@aol.com
415-472-7079
Dusty is a talented and experienced puppeteer. She has Down syndrome, and uses her unique sense of humor to bring her puppets to life. She has formal training in entertainment for young children, and never fails to bring smiles to their faces.
CHILDREN’S SHOWS , Shows for younger children & children with disabilities
Esther de Monteflores
Esther de Monteflores
https://estherdemonteflores.weebly.com/puppetry.html
edemonteflores@gmail.com
5104883858
Puppeteer and puppet builder with a background in physical theater and circus arts.
ADULT SHOWS, CHILDREN’S SHOWS, FAMILY SHOWS, PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM, DESIGN & BUILDING
Fearless Puppetry
Greg Hayes
fearlesspuppetry.com
fearlesspuppetry@gmail.com
619-554-2459
No puppet is too big! Bring wearable creatures and giants to life for film, stage, television, theme parks & events with cheerful and tireless performer, designer, builder, wrangler, repair-er, teacher, producer & promoter. What are your puppetry and creature needs? Call for a free consultation!
DESIGN & BUILDING, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES, PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM, Consultant
Filmmaking for Puppetry
Alex U. Griffin
www.alexugriffin.com
alex.u.griffin@gmail.com
7142620342
Alex U. Griffin is a filmmaking and puppetry multi-hyphenate based in the Los Angeles area, with services worldwide. He has worked on a wide range of projects from branded content and digital media to short and feature films, often featuring puppetry. As a puppeteer, filmmaker (with an emphasis on cinematography and editing), and Producer for the 48hr Puppet Film Project as well as Heather Henson’s Handmade Puppet Dreams film series, Alex is in a unique position with his understanding of cinematic puppetry, and how to best bring it to life.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES, PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM
Giant Puppets Save the World
Toni “Tone” Mikulka-Chang
http://giantpuppetssavetheworld.com
Giantpuppetmaven@gmail.com
15103852155
Giant Puppets Save the World is an innovative collective that brings storytelling to life through the art of puppetry. Founded by Toni Tone Mikulka-Chang, this group combines creativity, environmental activism, and community engagement to create unforgettable public performances. With a mission to inspire, educate, and entertain, their larger-than-life puppets are made from eco-friendly materials and depict themes of hope, resilience, and unity. From majestic Phoenix birds symbolizing renewal, to whimsical butterflies representing transformation, each puppet is a masterpiece designed to provoke thought and spark conversation. Whether parading through city streets or gracing festival stages, Giant Puppets Save the World captivates audiences of all ages, proving that art can indeed change the world, one puppet at a time.
ADULT SHOWS, CHILDREN’S SHOWS, FAMILY SHOWS, PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM, DESIGN & BUILDING, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES, Parades
Hanford Multicultural Theater Company
Silvia Gonzalez Scherer
http://www.HanfordMTC.com
info@HanfordMTC.com
559-997-3838
‘Theater for all people’
ADULT SHOWS, CHILDREN’S SHOWS , FAMILY SHOWS, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Images In Motion Inc.
Lee Armstrong
http://www.imagesmedia.com
images@vom.com
Images In Motion is a full service puppet production company, specializing in puppets for TV and film. From preproduction, to shooting (including a fully equipped studio) to final edit, they have an experienced staff able to guide clients through the unique needs of a puppet video. Related services include animation, 3D modeling & printing, design & illustration, prototyping, sculpture, molding, casting, masks, walkarounds, etc.. Images In Motion sometimes provides quality puppet shows. They teach puppetry workshops for conferences, schools, libraries and universities. Credits include Disney, Henson and PBS. Awards include 6 Regional Emmys and 6 National Tellys.
FAMILY SHOWS, PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM, DESIGN & BUILDING, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES, 3D Scan & Print
Joel Schechter, Puppetry
Joel Schechter
jschech@sfsu.edu
Perform political satire with handpuppets. Street theatre and protest puppets for special occasions: elections, peace marches, impeachment trials
ADULT SHOWS
Josh Herman Magic Circus
Josh Herman
http://www.joshhermanmagiccircus.com
Joshhermanmagiccircus@gmail.com
9732464762
Shows for children of all ages. Puppets, ventriloquism, magic, music, clowning, and circus arts.
ADULT SHOWS, CHILDREN’S SHOWS , FAMILY SHOWS
Kennedy Puppets
Ilene and Mike Kennedy
hope922000@yahoo.com
707-731-3232
Kennedy Puppets is a family run group that enjoys making people laugh and show a good time.
And when I am not performing and creating new designs and making them come to life,I’m restoring ones and breathing Life back into them.
Kennedy Puppets love’s to design,create and perform with our designs.
When I am done restoring puppets. I enjoy performing with them to see how they come back to life again for many years to come.
Kennedy Puppets
CHILDREN’S SHOWS, FAMILY SHOWS, DESIGN & BUILDING, Puppet Restoration and Back drop designing
Lil’ Bit
Heather Gobbee
hgyogi@me.com
6464362689
actor, puppeteer, yogi, educator
ADULT SHOWS, CHILDREN’S SHOWS, FAMILY SHOWS, PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM, DESIGN & BUILDING, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES, Puppets & yoga therapy/special needs
Magical Moonshine Theatre
Michael & Valerie Nelson
707-363-4573
PERFORMANCES: Founded in 1979 by Michael & Valerie Nelson, Magical Moonshine Theatre is an award winning, internationally acclaimed touring company that specializes in music, mask and puppet performances for family audiences. Audience size can range from 6 to 1000, depending on the show. Specialties are folktales, bilingual/multicultural shows, and “green” themes.
BUILDING: Giant parade puppets, opera and theatre services, puppets and stages for performances and education.
WORKSHOPS/EDUCATION: Michael & Valerie are currently California Artists in the Schools, teaching drama and puppetry to the state content standards. In 2010 they joined the faculty of the Tenn. Arts Academy, teaching puppetry in the classroom to teachers.
FAMILY PERFORMANCES — DESIGN & BUILDING — EDUCATION
Nao Puppet
Nao Kobayashi
www.naopuppet.com
619-917-9582
NaoPuppet works in puppet and costume design&construction for theatre, entertainment, education and more. Originally from Japan, she adopts her martial art and butoh background for puppetry movement.
ADULT SHOWS, DESIGN & BUILDING
Napa Valley Puppetry Festival
David Garden Jr.
http://thewhitebarn.org
dgarden1@sbcglobal.net
707-337-0199
Call to Artists: Napa Valley Puppetry Festival – July 26-27, 2024
Children/Family/Adult – Marionettes, Hand Puppets, Shadow, Demos, Workshops, Street Buskers, etc.
Please send info and performance rates to: dgarden1@sbcglobal.net Memo line (NVPF)
ADULT SHOWS, CHILDREN’S SHOWS, FAMILY SHOWS, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Pearl & Jerry’s Puppets
Pearl Kruss
bluepearl171717@gmail.com
650 996-7892
Living Puppets now available in the USA.
Jerry and I are excited to introduce this well known European company to the West Coast. Used in homes, schools, kindergartens, Living Puppets become alive with the human touch.
It was love at first sight when Jerry and I first saw the Living Puppets fall 2015 in Germany. So much so that we had to buy several and play with them. Jerry is an entertainer who thrives on putting a smile on everyone’s face. I come from a background of education and art. I was thrilled by the opportunities these puppets bring with them.
We decided to share our enthusiasm. Living Puppets are full of personality. In addition to playing with them, we like the idea that your hand becomes the puppets hand. You can pick up things, clap, wave and you can also do sign language.
Dealer – Living Puppets
Possibly Puppets
Risa Lenore
http://www.possiblypuppets.com
risalenore@gmail.com
Possibly Puppets finds inspiration for puppet shows in all things- expanding them into artistic explorations and stunning visual shows for family audiences. This creative contemporary puppetry can brighten up your world!Risa Lenore is known for her creativity in arts education and in her puppet creations. She is the creator, writer, director, designer and builder for more than 8 family-friendly puppet shows which have toured the San Francisco Bay Area since 2013. She is the artistic lead for Possibly Puppets- a puppet company led by materials and committed to searching through the flotsam and jetsam of our over consumptive society to create beauty and meaning.
ADULT SHOWS, CHILDREN’S SHOWS, FAMILY SHOWS, DESIGN & BUILDING, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Puppet Art Theater Co.
Puppet shows for family audiences
Art Grueneberger
puppetarts.com/
puppetartssacramento@gmail.com
9164244736
Puppet Art Theater Co. specializes in performing shows where there’s a need for quality children’s entertainment including Preschools, Elementary Schools, Libraries, Corporate Events, and Conventions.
We can stream from our studio to many online platforms. We can also host private performances via webinar software.
CHILDREN’S SHOWS , FAMILY SHOWS, DESIGN & BUILDING, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES, PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM
Puppets Etc
Dennis Rexrode & Christina Schlosser
seeingi@sbcglobal.net
Shows feature hand, mouth, rod and shadow puppets.
ADULT SHOWS, CHILDREN’S SHOWS , DESIGN & BUILDING
The Puppetry Institute
Ricki Vincent
https://www.thepuppetryinstitute.org
the.puppetry.institute@gmail.com
831 601 9822
The Puppetry Institute is a non-profit art center located within
the Capitola Mall, in Capitola, California!
Our goal is to promote creativity and make it accessible to all; while teaching valuable skills and providing a safe space for exploration.
We are open to families, kids 8+, and adults alike!
Paid classes and donations help support our mission to bring art to under-served and at-risk youth, and to make the world a cooler place
one puppet at a time!
CHILDREN’S SHOWS, FAMILY SHOWS, DESIGN & BUILDING, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Puppentheater GRIMMbim
Herbert Lange & Martin Lessmann
lange.herbert@gmx.net
As a speech-language pathologist, I have been using fun puppet characters for a few years now to foster communication skills especially in children with Down-Syndrome, children with autism, children and youngsters with cerebral palsy in addition to regular children with mild to severe speech and language difficulties. On the side, I am doing fairytale based hand puppet shows.
ADULT SHOWS, CHILDREN’S SHOWS, FAMILY SHOWS
Quack and Wabbit Puppet Theatre
Yumi Ozaki and Tanya Crowley
http://www.quackandwabbit.com
quackandwabbit@hotmail.com
7074077154
We are Tanya Crowley and Yumi Ozaki, program directors and performers for the northern California puppetry troupe, Quack and Wabbit Puppet Theatre. Occupational therapists by trade, we cofounded Quack & Wabbit Puppet Theatre because of our love of puppetry and because we discovered the effectiveness of puppetry in therapy sessions. By using puppetry to teach, children learned the skills being taught more quickly while having fun. We use our professional quality, handmade puppets to teach children positive messages and life skills. Our humorous, musical, poignant and tender-hearted stories yield emotional responses in children, enhancing their learning experience. Our hope is that we will begin to make a difference in children’s lives by working together with teachers and students to create a safe, peaceful and compassionate climate in the schools and our community.
Visit our website www.quackandwabbit.com for a listing and description of our shows and workshops!!
CHILDREN’S SHOWS, FAMILY SHOWS, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Randal Metz
The Puppet Company & Children’s Fairyland
(510) 569-3144
We specialize in “Fantasies in Miniature.” Having been the Puppet Theater Director for the past twenty years at Children’s Fairyland in Oakland, we know how to bring storybooks and fables to life! Over 40 years of continuous Bay Area performances in libraries, fairs & festivals, amusement parks, zoos, and countless birthday parties. I have been trained by The Muppets, Lewis Mahlmann, Bob Baker and have worked for Disneyland and circuses. Check out our website for other exciting options.
CHILDREN’S SHOWS — FAMILY SHOWS — DESIGN & BUILDING
Shadow Streak
Nina Oberlin
http://shadowstreak.com
Shadowstreak73@yahoo.com
5034571963
Small animation and puppetry studio.
ADULT SHOWS, PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM, DESIGN & BUILDING
FAMILY SHOWS
ST & Comp’ny
Mark Sage
s_tumbleweeds@hotmail.com
18013912403
Puppets and animation
PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM
Stinky Tales
Doug Zesiger
http://www.stinkytales.com
stinkytales@gmail.com
415-847-4792
Stinky Tales: a show for 3 to 10 year olds. We help kids navigate the many social challenges they face, bringing fun, music and puppet hilarity. To book a live show for your school, venue or private event, email us at stinkytales@gmail.com.
CHILDREN’S SHOWS , FAMILY SHOWS, PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM
Tinker’s Coin Productions
Olivia and Talib Huff
www.members.dcn.org/tahuff
ohuff@dcn.org
916-484-0606
Tinker’s Coin Productions, Talib and Olivia Huff, offers entertainment (shows, characters, workshops) for children of all ages (even adults who have childlike wonder)..
One of our shows is “The Garden Show or It Happened One Summer’s Day.” It tells the story of two gardeners who, through a series of misunderstandings, nearly come to blows but in the end join together to solve a common problem. It is told through movement and sound effects and therefore is appropriate for non-English speakers. Audience: 4 yrs and above
CHILDREN’S SHOWS , FAMILY SHOWS, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Tiny House Theater
Madrone D’Ardenne
https://www.tinyhousetheater.com
tinyhousetheater@gmail.com
831-535-8838
Nature-inspired puppetry and storytelling especially suited for young children. Gentle tales of warmth and wonder brought to life with beautifully handcrafted puppets and sets. Animal fables, wisdom stories, fairytales and original works by Madrone will delight the eye and the heart. Performances and classes offered.
CHILDREN’S SHOWS, FAMILY SHOWS, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Tools of Peace Puppets
Elyse Jacobs
http://www.toolsofpeace.com
elyse.jacobs@gmail.com
4153780410
I developed a program of conflict resolution for young children 1n 1986 using puppetry and the expressive arts. Currently housed in 2 San Francisco Preschools.
I work with private clients on developmental issues, developing social and emotional intelligence.
PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM, private clients developing social and emotional intelligence
Twinkie Dee Star Children’s Entertainment
Nina Dees
http://www.TwinkieDeeStar.net
TwinkieDeeStar@aol.com
650-464-6166
pls use prev description
CHILDREN’S SHOWS
Under The Puppet
Grant Baciocco
http://www.underthepuppet.com
grant@throwingtoasters.com
A monthly show that is Preserving puppetry through the personal stories of professional puppeteers. Available wherever podcasts are found.
Podcast
Whorls of Wonder Puppet Theater
Mary Nagler
http://www.whorlsofwonder.com
mary.nagler@gmail.com
7073030093
Our Mission, as a performing arts company, is to introduce our audience to natural forms and forces of nature they might not otherwise be exposed to. We aim to entertain through the thrill of discovery and to inspire action by imparting a growing respect for the earth and its many wonders! Knowledge inspires hope for the future!
FAMILY SHOWS, DESIGN & BUILDING, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES, PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM
One man silly ten minute weird comedy musicals for nerds!
Zeb L. West
elephantandpeanut.com
zebediah.west@gmail.com
5127655661
Zeb L. West is a writer, performer and comic puppeteer living in Berkeley, CA. He has a variety of mostly silly ten-minute, low-tech puppet musicals performed out of a small box. These fantasy and scifi nerdgasm shows are solo comedy nuggets that fit perfectly into cabaret, burlesque or other performance happenings where people want a deep laughs and big heart. Videos available on the website.
ADULT SHOWS, WORKSHOPS & CLASSES, PUPPET SERVICES FOR TV & FILM