PuppetPalooza is BACK at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, coming to you on Saturday, January 31st from 10:00-4:30 with FREE, family-friendly puppet-based entertainment all day. We have invited some of the best puppetry troupes from the East Coast to perform, with shows starting every fifteen minutes, all day long, as well as puppet parades, karaoke, workshops, games, and crafts.
Here is a list of the shows that will be running, so that you can pick and choose:
LURNSTERS: All Day Roving Entertainment
All Ages, Entryway
Meet your favorite characters, snap a photo at our exclusive stations, and join us for a groundbreaking crossover show with the legendary Ed's Dinosaurs Live! It's a prehistoric party where courage roars, creativity hatches, and every feeling is part of the fun!
ED’S DINOSAURS LIVE: All Day Entertainment
All Ages, StoryJar
Ed's Dinosaurs Live are the Dinosaur Entertainers for your party, corporate event, festival, parade or any appearance of your needs. Started in 2011, with Mr. Ed, a homemade dinosaur, some balloons, and a few tricks up his sleeve, the company is now one of the largest dinosaur entertainers in the country. They will be at PuppetPalooza all day in the StoryJar for Reading, Riding, and Rawring, and keep your eyes peeled for some dinosaur egg hatchings throughout the day!
CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CHARLOTTE: All Day Display
All Ages, Balcony
From their humble beginning in 1948, Children's Theatre of Charlotte has grown to become one of the most respected arts and education organizations in the country. As creators of high-quality professional theatre for young audiences, they are committed to the mission that children have the right to explore the wonder of their world safely and confidently with kindness at its core. Explore the balcony all day at PuppetPalooza to get a close-hand look at some of the master puppets that have graced the CTC stage, from Gingy in Shrek to the Pigeon in Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG LIBRARY: Puppet Games & Crafts
All Ages, Transportation Station & Spangler Library
If you’re taking a break between puppet shows, work together or independently to construct a monster puppet on our massive flannel wall, play puppet cornhole, or make a simple puppet to take home with you.
PUPPETEERS OF AMERICA: Information Booth
Ages 12+, Teen Loft
Puppeteers of America (PofA) is a national non-profit organization founded in 1937 to provide information, encourage performances, and build a community of people who celebrate puppet theatre. PofA supports puppeteers and advances the art of puppetry by presenting knowledge, providing inspiration and promoting preservation.
9:45: PUPPETEER PROCESSION!
To kick off the festival, watch our Puppeteer Procession march through the building to present the day’s shows and activities.
10:00-10:20: Puppet Storytime
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Ages 0-5, Spangler Library
Your whole family can enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy skill development and help foster a love of books and reading in your child. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate. Today’s storytime will feature songs and activities with bonus puppets popping in to visit!
10:00-10:30: Tiny & Large: Big Friends
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Ages 3+, Wells Fargo Playhouse
Come be the first audience for a new preschool puppet show being developed by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte! A chance meeting during a storm leads to an unlikely friendship between Tiny and Large, inhabitants of a hidden forest far, far away. While trying to find Tiny’s family, they stumble upon lots of things that look almost-but-not-quite the same, and form a bond that proves that in all the ways that matter, we are more alike than different. This sweet story is a poignant reminder that when we put kindness first, joyous and unexpected connections abound.
10:00-11:00: Roving Puppet: Alice Guy-Blache
VisArt Video
All Ages, Roving
A 10-foot-tall puppet of Alice Guy-Blaché, the first female film director and first director of a narrative film will roam PuppetPalooza this year. A once forgotten figure of early cinema, over the course of her life she headed her own film studio and directed over 1000 films, from silent short films to longer length sound pictures. Her tall stature and large hoop skirt (which also functions as a backdrop for projection and shadow puppetry) remind us of the enormity of her accomplishments. When not at PuppetPalooza, Alice serves as the mascot for VisArt Video.
10:00-11:30 (drop-in): Party Blower Puppet Workshop
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Ages 5+, MakerSpace
Join Library staff for a fun, hands-on craft at PuppetPalooza! Kids can transform simple party blowers into colorful puppets with stickers, googly eyes, and plenty of imagination. Give them a blow and watch your puppet come to life!
10:15-10:45: Ed’s Dinosaurs Live Show
Ed’s Dinosaurs Live
PreK+, StoryJar
Ed Bounds brings with him a gang of prehistoric friends including Dakota, Baby T, Little Quon and of course, those Triceratops Triplets- Trixie, Trey and Trouble. Pet a baby dinosaur, interact with a Stegosaurus, and maybe even see a dinosaur being hatched!
10:15-10:30: Barnyard News
InReach Troupe 801 Puppeteers
All Ages, McGuire Woods Board Room
Come enjoy “Barnyard News” presented by InReach's Troupe 801. Troupe 801 is a professional touring puppet troupe comprised of individuals with special needs. The show “Barnyard News” teaches a message of acceptance of all and that our uniqueness is what makes each of us special!
10:30-11:15: Bathtub Pirates
Grey Seal Puppets
PreK+, Spangler Library
Some of the best times in a child’s life are spent playing in the bathtub. Surrounded by aquatic toys and a sea of bubbles, the imagination runs wild with adventure stories. What child hasn’t pretended to be a pirate, sailing on his own bathtub ship? Captain Blackbeard, one of the Carolinas most infamous pirates, is without his ship. So a child’s bathtub will have to do. His motley crew outfits the bathtub with rudder, sail and a Jolly Roger pirate flag. At first the child is delighted to be part of the gang. However, once at sea, the pirates put the “kid” to work. The life of a pirate proves to be less than romantic, and the adventure continues from there!
10:45-11:30: A Wild Goose Chase
Sandbanks Shadow Factory
Ages 4+, Studio i
Poetry springs hilariously to life as soon as shadow puppets hit the screen! A Wild Goose Chase comprises a series of interactive vignettes and verses that illustrate key poetic devices to elementary audiences.
10:45-11:45: International Puppetry Presentation
Center for Puppetry Arts
Ages 5+, Rehearsal Room B
See the Global Art of Puppetry at the Center for Puppetry Arts International Puppet Presentation! Learn about different puppet traditions from around the world in this entertaining and interactive International Puppetry Presentation! Celebrate the intersection of geography, history, social studies, and the arts and experience the magic of puppetry through demonstrations, stories, music and more.
11:00-12:00: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Ages 3+, McColl Family Theatre
A little egg lay on a leaf ... a tiny caterpillar emerges, awakening with it an appetite to explore the world. From that moment on, The Very Hungry Caterpillar inches its way into our hearts as the literary classic comes to life along with three of Carle’s other stories: Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, and The Very Lonely Firefly. More than 75 puppets are featured in this colorful spectacle for the senses that’s sure to delight the child in all of us. *NOTE: Tickets are required for this performance. PuppetPalooza attendees can walk up to the Box Office for a 20% discount the day of the festival.
11:00-11:15: Lubna and the Pebble
UNC Charlotte Theatre
Ages 4+, The Round
Based on the picture book Lubna and the Pebble by Wendy Meddour, this sweet piece uses original bunraku puppets (a form of traditional Japanese puppet theatre) created by UNCC professor Tom Burch to tell a story about the friends we make, and the friends we find, and how a small act of kindness can provide hope in the direst of circumstances.
11:15-11:30: Barnyard News
InReach Troupe 801 Puppeteers
All Ages, McGuire Woods Board Room
Come enjoy “Barnyard News” presented by InReach's Troupe 801. Troupe 801 is a professional touring puppet troupe comprised of individuals with special needs. The show “Barnyard News” teaches a message of acceptance of all and that our uniqueness is what makes each of us special!
11:30-11:45: Bunny Hop
Liza Newell
All Ages, Seedpod Area
A curious little bunny is exploring her surroundings and comes upon a river that she doesn’t know how to cross! Once the bunny discovers she can hop across the river by jumping from rock to rock, her journey becomes one of dance, rhythm and percussion.
11:30-12:00: Tiny & Large: Big Friends
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Ages 3+, Wells Fargo Playhouse
Come be the first audience for a new preschool puppet show being developed by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte! A chance meeting during a storm leads to an unlikely friendship between Tiny and Large, inhabitants of a hidden forest far, far away. While trying to find Tiny’s family, they stumble upon lots of things that look almost-but-not-quite the same and form a bond that proves that in all the ways that matter, we are more alike than different. This sweet story is a poignant reminder that when we put kindness first, joyous and unexpected connections abound.
11:45-12:00: Lubna and the Pebble
UNC Charlotte Theatre
Ages 4+, The Round
Based on the picture book Lubna and the Pebble by Wendy Meddour, this sweet piece uses original bunraku puppets (a form of traditional Japanese puppet theatre) created by UNCC professor Tom Burch to tell a story about the friends we make, and the friends we find, and how a small act of kindness can provide hope in the direst of circumstances.
11:45-12:30: Bathtub Pirates
Grey Seal Puppets
PreK+, Spangler Library
Some of the best times in a child’s life are spent playing in the bathtub. Surrounded by aquatic toys and a sea of bubbles, the imagination runs wild with adventure stories. What child hasn’t pretended to be a pirate, sailing on his own bathtub ship? Captain Blackbeard, one of the Carolinas most infamous pirates, is without his ship. So a child’s bathtub will have to do. His motley crew outfits the bathtub with rudder, sail and a Jolly Roger pirate flag. At first the child is delighted to be part of the gang. However, once at sea, the pirates put the “kid” to work. The life of a pirate proves to be less than romantic, and the adventure continues from there!
12:00-12:45: A Wild Goose Chase
Sandbanks Shadow Factory
Ages 4+, Studio i
Poetry springs hilariously to life as soon as shadow puppets hit the screen! A Wild Goose Chase comprises a series of interactive vignettes and verses that illustrate key poetic devices to elementary audiences.
12:15-12:30: Bunny Hop
Liza Newell
All Ages, Seedpod Area
A curious little bunny is exploring her surroundings and comes upon a river that she doesn’t know how to cross! Once the bunny discovers she can hop across the river by jumping from rock to rock, her journey becomes one of dance, rhythm and percussion, told through body puppetry.
12:30-1:30 (drop-in): Puppet Karaoke
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
PreK+, The Block
This fun, inclusive activity will be facilitated by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Frontline Puppeteers and will be an opportunity for children (and adults) at the festival to take the “stage” with their puppet of choice and let their inner rock star out to a variety of Kids’ Bop, Motown, and Disney classics. It’s a great opportunity to learn and practice basic puppetry skills like mouth manipulation and expressive movement of puppets.
12:30-1:30: International Puppetry Presentation
Center for Puppetry Arts
Ages 5+, Rehearsal Room B
See the Global Art of Puppetry at the Center for Puppetry Arts International Puppet Presentation! Learn about different puppet traditions from around the world in this entertaining and interactive International Puppetry Presentation! Celebrate the intersection of geography, history, social studies, and the arts and experience the magic of puppetry through demonstrations, stories, music and more.
12:45-1:45: Cheralyn Lambeth
Finger Puppet Workshop
Ages 6-18 (cap at 20), MakerSpace
Cheralyn Lambeth is a degreed professional with over 20 years’ experience building costumes/costume crafts, props, and puppets for the entertainment industries (television, film, theatre, dance, and display). She was awarded the Guinness World Record for the Largest Collection of Finger Puppets in 2022, and this workshop (capped at 20) will give older youth and teens the opportunity to create specialty finger puppets to start your own collection!
1:00-1:30: The Wizard of Oz
CML Frontline Puppeteers
Ages 5+, Spangler Library
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Frontline Puppeteers perform a 30-minute puppet show based on the original Oz stories by L. Frank Baum. If you're expecting the movie, you may be surprised by all the differences but buckle up for a fun adventure! Hilarity and hijinks ensue as we travel on this classic adventure together.
1:00-1:45: Hansel and Gretel
Asheville Creative Arts
Ages 7+, The Round
There are things in life that never change: darkness belongs to the night, light to the day, and poverty has existed since the beginning of history. Based on the classic tale and told through marionettes, Hansel is a timid boy who suffers hallucinations of a white goose; Gretel is a brave girl, always speaking the truth. The stepmother doesn’t want them alive, the father never speaks up to defend them, and the witch wants to eat them. In the end, the white goose really does exist—it comes to rescue them, but to another world, a better one. [Content Warning: Not recommended for under age 7.]
1:00-1:45: Prehistoric Party
Ed’s Dinosaurs Live & Lurnsters
PreK+, StoryJar
Join the Lurnsters for a groundbreaking crossover show with the legendary Ed's Dinosaurs Live! It's a prehistoric party where courage roars, creativity hatches, and every feeling is part of the fun!
1:00-1:45: Jeghetto’s Workshop
Jeghetto Entertainment
All Ages, Wells Fargo Playhouse
Bring family and friends to enjoy a magical and interactive live performance while learning the art, history, and mechanics of puppetry from teaching artist Tarish “Jeghetto” Pipkins. Pipkins is master builder and puppeteer residing in North Carolina and his puppets are made of mostly found and recycled materials.
1:15-1:30: Bunny Hop
Liza Newell
All Ages, Seedpod Area
A curious little bunny is exploring her surroundings and comes upon a river that she doesn’t know how to cross! Once the bunny discovers she can hop across the river by jumping from rock to rock, her journey becomes one of dance, rhythm and percussion, told through body puppetry.
1:15-1:30: The Dot Toy Theatre
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
PreK+, McGuire Woods Board Room
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Frontline Puppeteers invite you to experience the book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds using puppetry and artwork. Join us for a magical toy theatre experience that unfolds from a trunk as we follow a young girl’s journey of artistic expression and self-discovery that starts with a painted dot on a blank piece of paper.
1:30-2:15: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Shepherd Shakespeare
PreK+, Rehearsal Room A
Mischievous fairy. Group of friends. Feuding King and Queen of the fairies. All lost and mixed up in the woods. Find out what midsummer madness and magic happen in this one-man show with puppet characters!
1:30-2:00: The Frank and Betty Show
FAB Puppetry
Ages PreK+, Rehearsal Room B
Join Ms. Melanie for a family puppet show filled with laughs and literacy on trying your best! Best friends, Frank and Betty are learning about practicing patience in a hilarious show for all ages.
2:00-2:15: The Dot Toy Theatre
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
PreK+, McGuire Woods Board Room
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Frontline Puppeteers invite you to experience the book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds using puppetry and artwork. Join us for a magical toy theatre experience that unfolds from a trunk as we follow a young girl’s journey of artistic expression and self-discovery that starts with a painted dot on a blank piece of paper.
2:00-3:00: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Ages 3+, McColl Family Theatre
A little egg lay on a leaf ... a tiny caterpillar emerges, awakening with it an appetite to explore the world. From that moment on, The Very Hungry Caterpillar inches its way into our hearts as the literary classic comes to life along with three of Carle’s other stories: Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, and The Very Lonely Firefly. More than 75 puppets are featured in this colorful spectacle for the senses that’s sure to delight the child in all of us. *NOTE: Tickets are required for this performance. PuppetPalooza attendees can walk up to the Box Office for a 20% discount the day of the festival.
2:15-2:30: Bunny Hop
Liza Newell
All Ages, Seedpod Area
A curious little bunny is exploring her surroundings and comes upon a river that she doesn’t know how to cross! Once the bunny discovers she can hop across the river by jumping from rock to rock, her journey becomes one of dance, rhythm and percussion, told through body puppetry.
2:30-3:00: The Wizard of Oz
CML Frontline Puppeteers
Ages 5+, Spangler Library
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Frontline Puppeteers perform a 30-minute puppet show based on the original Oz stories by L. Frank Baum. If you're expecting the movie, you may be surprised by all the differences but buckle up for a fun adventure! Hilarity and hijinks ensue as we travel on this classic adventure together.
2:30-3:30: Behind the Curtain: The Making of a Puppet Performance
Dancing Hand Puppets
Ages 12+, Studio i
Step into the creative world of a working puppeteer for a behind-the-scenes look at how art, engineering, and imagination combine to create stage magic. From designing and building the puppets to preparing the sets and backgrounds for performance this workshop is perfect for anyone ages 12+ who is curious about the art and craft of puppetry. Participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship, creativity, and planning that culminates into a polished storytelling experience.
2:45-3:00: The Dot Toy Theatre
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
PreK+, McGuire Woods Board Room
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Frontline Puppeteers invite you to experience the book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds using puppetry and artwork. Join us for a magical toy theatre experience that unfolds from a trunk as we follow a young girl’s journey of artistic expression and self-discovery that starts with a painted dot on a blank piece of paper.
2:45-3:30: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Shepherd Shakespeare
PreK+, Rehearsal Room A
Mischievous fairy. Group of friends. Feuding King and Queen of the fairies. All lost and mixed up in the woods. Find out what midsummer madness and magic happen in this one-man show with puppet characters!
2:45-3:30: Hansel y Gretel (en Espanol)
Asheville Creative Arts
Ages 7+, The Round
There are things in life that never change: darkness belongs to the night, light to the day, and poverty has existed since the beginning of history. Based on the classic tale and told through marionettes, Hansel is a timid boy who suffers hallucinations of a white goose; Gretel is a brave girl, always speaking the truth. The stepmother doesn’t want them alive, the father never speaks up to defend them, and the witch wants to eat them. In the end, the white goose really does exist—it comes to rescue them, but to another world, a better one. [Content Warning: Not recommended for under age 7.]
2:45-3:30: Jeghetto’s Workshop
Jeghetto Entertainment
All Ages, Wells Fargo Playhouse
Bring family and friends to enjoy a magical and interactive live performance while learning the art, history, and mechanics of puppetry from teaching artist Tarish “Jeghetto” Pipkins. Pipkins is master builder and puppeteer residing in North Carolina and his puppets are made of mostly found and recycled materials.
2:45-3:45 (drop-in): Spoon Puppet Making Workshop
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
PreK+ MakerSpace
Attendees will be able to build and create a spoon puppet through a hands-on activity in our MakerSpace, brought to you by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Frontline Puppeteers.
3:00-3:15: Bunny Hop
Liza Newell
All Ages, Seedpod Area
A curious little bunny is exploring her surroundings and comes upon a river that she doesn’t know how to cross! Once the bunny discovers she can hop across the river by jumping from rock to rock, her journey becomes one of dance, rhythm and percussion, told through body puppetry.
3:00-3:30: The Frank and Betty Show
FAB Puppetry
Ages PreK+, Rehearsal Room B
Join Ms. Melanie for a family puppet show filled with laughs and literacy on trying your best! Best friends, Frank and Betty are learning about practicing patience in a hilarious show for all ages.
3:45-4:00: PUPPET PARADE!
Led by the Lurnsters
All Ages, Roving
Bring your own puppets or use one that you made today, and come join the Lurnsters and other participating puppetry troupes as we parade through the bottom floor of ImaginOn to celebrate our festival experience.
4:00-4:30 (drop-in): Puppet Karaoke
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
PreK+, The Block
This fun, inclusive activity will be facilitated by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Frontline Puppeteers and will be an opportunity for children (and adults) at the festival to take the “stage” with their puppet of choice and let their inner rock star out to a variety of Kids’ Bop, Motown, and Disney classics. It’s a great opportunity to learn and practice basic puppetry skills like mouth manipulation and expressive movement of puppets.
4:00-5:00: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Ages 3+, McColl Family Theatre
A little egg lay on a leaf ... a tiny caterpillar emerges, awakening with it an appetite to explore the world. From that moment on, The Very Hungry Caterpillar inches its way into our hearts as the literary classic comes to life along with three of Carle’s other stories: Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, and The Very Lonely Firefly. More than 75 puppets are featured in this colorful spectacle for the senses that’s sure to delight the child in all of us. *NOTE: Tickets are required for this performance. PuppetPalooza attendees can walk up to the Box Office for a 20% discount the day of the festival.
4:15-4:30: The Dot Toy Theatre
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
PreK+, McGuire Woods Board Room
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Frontline Puppeteers invite you to experience the book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds using puppetry and artwork. Join us for a magical toy theatre experience that unfolds from a trunk as we follow a young girl’s journey of artistic expression and self-discovery that starts with a painted dot on a blank piece of paper.
4:15-4:30: Bunny Hop
Liza Newell
All Ages, Seedpod Area
A curious little bunny is exploring her surroundings and comes upon a river that she doesn’t know how to cross! Once the bunny discovers she can hop across the river by jumping from rock to rock, her journey becomes one of dance, rhythm and percussion, told through body puppetry.