Center for Puppetry Arts Celebrates 35th Anniversary

This September, the Center for Puppetry Arts is celebrating 35 years as an institution in both the puppetry community and the Atlanta attraction scene. Since 1978, the Center has introduced millions of visitors to the wonder and art of puppetry and has touched their lives through enchanting performances, interactive workshops and museum exhibits, as well as Distance Learning and Outreach Programs.

“We are so excited to be celebrating our 35th Anniversary,” said Vince Anthony, the Center’s founding executive director. “Who could imagine back in 1978, when Kermit the Frog and Jim Henson cut the ribbon, that we would grow into such an amazing institution. We are very proud to celebrate this milestone, but even more honored that Atlanta has not only welcomed us but championed us as we strive to touch more and more lives through the global art form of puppetry. What once was simply a dream is now a reality, helping to shape the dreams of countless children and the young-at-heart. Thank you for supporting us for all of these years and here’s to the next 35!”

In honor of this momentous occasion, there are a variety of activities planned for Saturday through Monday, September 21-23. Puppet enthusiasts of all ages are invited to join the festivities.

Saturday, Sept. 21

·         Cinderella’s Tightrope: Adapted Childhood Tales (Museum Exhibit): Did you know that Cinderella spent some time as a circus performer or that the Little Mermaid dreamed of being a pirate? Those are just two of the many ways that classic childhood tales can be adapted for the puppet stage. This new exhibit features some of your favorite characters from the Center’s own productions.

o    10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Part of the all-inclusive ticket; FREE for Members without the all-inclusive ticket, $8.25 for Non-Members without the all inclusive ticket

o    Exhibit is appropriate for all ages.

·         Peter Rabbit (Performance): Thistle Theatre of Seattle, WA, captures the beloved world of Beatrix Potter in this endearing tale. One lovely morning Peter’s sisters Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail obediently pick berries but Peter goes on a daring adventure in Mr. McGregor’s garden. After losing his clean blue jacket in a narrow escape, Peter Rabbit and his cousin Benjamin Bunny venture once more into the garden to retrieve it. Will Peter and Benjamin make it out of the garden safely?

o    11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.; $9.25 for Members and $16.50 for Non-Members; All-inclusive tickets include performance, museum entry, and Create-A-Puppet Workshop.

o    Performance is recommended for ages four and up.

·         The Muppet Movie Sing-Along, LIVE with Heather Henson (Interactive Film Screening): With a goodie bag full of props, you’ll become a part of the show at this special "sing-along" screening hosted by Jim Henson’s daughter, Heather Henson! A lovingly made, touching story for kids of all ages, this film debut for The Muppets chronicles their rise to fame, beginning in a swamp and ending in Hollywood. Fun for your kid and fun for your inner child!

o    4:00 p.m.; $8 for Members and $15 for Non-Members; Tickets include museum entry.

o    Film is rated G.

o    All guests will also receive a commemorative audience participation prop bag.

·         Reception to follow the Sing-Along

o    5:30 p.m.; FREE to Center patrons attending the day’s events

Sunday, Sept. 22

·         Cinderella’s Tightrope: Adapted Childhood Tales

o    12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

·         Peter Rabbit

o    1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 23

·         Community Building Through Puppetry (Workshop): Join artists from Heather Henson’s IBEX Puppetry as they celebrate the power of puppetry as a way to communicate, inspire and connect. IBEX will share some stories, images, and artifacts from their favorite puppetry and multimedia projects that have empowered communities to take care of each other and of the Earth—and invite participants to work together to create some puppetry and movement magic of their own.

o    7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; On-site participation $20 for Members and $30 for Non-Members; Recorded Playback through LearnItLive.com $10 for Members, $15 for Non-Members.

o    Workshop recommended for ages 14 and up.

For tickets to any of these events, call 404-873-3391 or visit www.puppet.org/35thAnniversary.