What iF Puppets presents How to Snag a Sea Monster
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What iF Puppets was founded by internationally recognized puppeteer Paul Mesner as Mesner Puppet Theatre in 1987 to provide innovative storytelling that captures children’s imagination and inspires communities. In 2022, the organization rebranded to become What iF Puppets with the mission of inspiring play and cultivating connections through puppetry.
Since its inception, the organization has captivated over 2 million people through their production and educational programming. Audiences delight in the craftsmanship of the puppets, which range from glove puppets to marionettes, to innovative shadow and object-based puppetry. The company holds the distinction of receiving five Union Internationale de la Marionette (UNIMA-USA) Citations of Excellence. The UNIMA-USA award was created by Jim Henson to promote high-quality puppetry in the United States and is considered the “Academy Award” of puppetry.
WiP uses humor and heart to present stories that connect to the complex social-emotional experiences of their young audience. Each year, WiP engages more than 30,000 young people and adults in the programs below:
- Puppets on Tour (local and national tour)
- Puppets in Education (pre-K-2nd grade arts-integrated learning)
- Puppets in Progress (artist cultivation)
- Premiere Production (annual original production)
- Professional Services (commission work)
WiP is led by a talented staff of artists, educators, and administrators:
Executive Artistic Director Amanda Kibler, Director of Puppetry Arts Mike Horner, Director of Production Erin Walley, Puppet Fabricator and Puppeteer Matt Hawkins, Puppet Apprentice Cooper Rasmussen, Operations Manager Jennifer Fenton, Director of Education Alex Espy, Education Manager Karese Kaw-uh, Arts Integration Specialist Mary Poggie.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.