A special exhibit with puppets from an Emmy-Award winning epic series, in-person puppet shows and workshops, expanded online programming, special events and more. It’s all part of the new summer season at the Center for Puppetry Arts.

Coming in June 2021, the Center brings the excitement of The Dark Crystal world of Thra to audiences both in Atlanta and around the world through a new special exhibition and virtual programming.  On June 18, the Center will open the new special exhibit, Masterpiece of Puppetry: Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. Visitors will journey into the newly reimagined world of Thra with a behind-the-scenes look at how The Jim Henson Company recreated the fantastical inhabitants and landscapes for the 2019 Emmy Award-winning Netflix series, a prequel that further expands the epic world of the 1982 beloved film.

Puppets, props and artifacts from the production will be on exhibit for the first time at the Center. Additional artifacts and information will provide context to the advancements in puppetry and the mechanics of performance that have emerged since the making of the original film. Longtime fans and those new to puppetry will get an up-close look at the artistry and craftsmanship behind the creation of the critically-acclaimed live-action epic. Excited fans will not want to miss The Dark Crystal merchandise available for purchase in our Museum Store once the exhibition opens.

In advance of opening, the Center presents A Reunion of Puppeteers on June 13. Performers from the Netflix production The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance will join the Center and its audiences via Zoom to share and take questions about what it was like to be a part of this award-winning production. Tickets available for purchase on the Center’s website. Center for Puppetry Arts members can celebrate the new exhibit early with a sneak peek of the gallery and reception the evening of June 17. 

Starting June 16, the Center’s Family Series opens with their in-person production of The Ugly Duckling, adapted by Michael Haverty and directed by Dolph Amick. This beloved classic by Hans Christian Andersen follows a young bird who simply doesn't fit in with the other ducks in the pond. On his journey, he meets a cast of colorful characters and braves the changing of the seasons to discover his true self.  On August 18, Mother Goose takes the stage with some assistance from your favorite nursery rhyme characters Humpty Dumpty, Little Bo Peep, and Jack & Jill. Adapted and directed by Amy Sweeney, this family-friendly production features bright colors, music and familiar stories to engage and interact with children in a creative experience that supports learning and social development. Both performances are for 2-year-olds and up. 

The Center’s Family Series ticket includes admission to the performance, the Worlds of Puppetry Museum and the Create-A-Puppet Workshop™. In the workshop, guests are invited to build, decorate and perform with their own puppet on the Center’s classroom stage. The puppets are based on the characters and style of puppetry in each individual production. This summer’s Create-A-Puppet Workshops™ feature the Sweet Swan Rod Puppet to accompany The Ugly Duckling and the Shy Sheep Hand Puppet to accompany Mother Goose.

“As we anticipate our new summer of in-person productions and the opening of the Age of Resistance exhibit, we are pleased to continue our over 42-year history of immersive experiences with puppetry arts at the Center,” said Beth Schiavo, Executive Director. “With a pandemic pivot expanding our digital programming beyond its award-winning classroom offerings, we are now able to better reach our audiences around the world in over 87 countries with more digital offerings that both enhance our in-person experiences and engage our fans unable to visit the Center in person.”

Building on the success of their online offerings this year, the Center is presenting new digital programming this summer for its worldwide audiences, including the debut of Puppet Playdates on June 19. This new online programming has been created specifically for individuals and families who enjoy the Center online. The Juneteenth celebration is an exploration of folktales from the African Diaspora: Stories of Color. Using music, song, movement and puppet-building, our teaching artist will lead participants in the retelling of three folktales: The First Music, Abiyoyo, and Anansi the Spider. The second summer Puppet Playdate is an interactive puppet show: Aesop’s Fantastical Fables, scheduled for July 17. Our Puppet Playdates are designed for the entire family to enjoy together in the comfort of their homes.

What is summer without baseball AND puppets? On June 27, the Center celebrates summer and baseball season with the opening of a special pop-up exhibit, Root, Root, Root for the Home Team. Believe it or not, sports mascots are puppets. Bonnie Erickson, designer of the glorious Muppet Miss Piggy, also designed the Phillie Phanatic and many other mascots. Learn about sports mascots and body puppetry in this exhibit featuring former Atlanta Braves’ Mascot: Homer.  After you visit our pop-up exhibit, make sure to check out the work of mascot-maker, Bonnie Erickson, in our Worlds of Puppetry museum. Our pop-up opening day will also include Meet the Mascot.  Current Braves’ mascot and body puppet, Blooper, will be at the Center for selfies and to give away some free baseball memorabilia. All festivities are included with museum admission.

Discovery Days are back! These in-person, interactive programs are a hands-on exploration of puppetry traditions from cultures around the world. Discovery Days include storytelling from page-to-stage with puppet performances, a puppet creation station, and a discover puppetry cart (a mobile museum experience). This year’s sessions are focused on different cultures across Africa and Europe. The program is crafted for children ages 2-12 and their accompanying grown-ups.

The Center maintains its dedication to a safe environment for its staff and guests by requiring masks, encouraging social distancing, limiting capacity and frequent cleanings.

TICKETING

Ticket prices vary for performances and other programs. Prices are available at puppet.org or by calling 404-873-3391. Based on availability.

SUMMER 2021 PERFORMANCES - Ages 2 & Up

The Ugly Duckling June 16-Aug. 1 

Mother Goose Aug. 18-Sept. 26 

SUMMER 2021 MUSEUM PROGRAMMING – All Ages

Special Exhibit

Masterpiece of Puppetry: Jim Henson’s
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance June 18-Oct. 31 

                   
Pop-Up Exhibit

Root, Root, Root for the Home Team June 27-Aug. 1 

SUMMER 2021 VIRTUAL EVENTS

A Reunion of Puppeteers June 13 

Puppet Playdate: 

• Juneteenth Puppet Playdate: Stories of Color June 19 
• July Puppet Playdate: Aesop’s Fantastical Fables July 17 

SUMMER 2021 EDUCATION PROGRAMMING – Ages 9-14

Discovery Days: 

• Africa Aug. 17
• Europe Aug. 31 

SUMMER 2021 SPECIAL EVENTS – All Ages

Member Preview: 

Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance June 17