Speakeysie News Desk

ATLANTA m— School’s out and summer is on at the Center for Puppetry Arts,

which announces its 48th new season of programming through Spring 2027, beginning with AMERICAN TALL TALES on stage starting Wednesday, July 1, and a special Family Day event on Thursday, July 2, celebrating the Pioneers of Puppetry.

Ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, the Center for Puppetry Arts is named among 250 PLACES TO CELEBRATE AMERICA by Smithsonian Magazine — one of only three sites in Georgia to make the list. The Center also celebrates the arrival of FIFA World Cup 2026 to Atlanta and invites visiting families and fans to experience the Center’s shows, museum collection and workshops between games.

The 2026-27 season reflects the Center for Puppetry Arts’ mission to inspire audiences of all ages through the spirit, wonder and enduring relevance of puppetry. Highlights include the Center’s World Premiere adaptation of PINOCCHIO; a revival of PETER PAN produced by the Center; the return of the Suzi Bass Award-winning and UNIMA Citation of Excellence-winning TESLA VS. EDISON; eight shows from esteemed guest artists from across the country including THE WIZARD OF OZ and SHADOW QUEST; seasonal audience favorites THE GHASTLY DREADFULS and RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™; the innovative XPT: XPERIMENTAL PUPPETRY THEATER and more.

The Center is launching a new Family Day series, special events where families can enjoy crafts, storytimes and interactive educational activities throughout the museum galleries and classrooms. Pioneers of Puppetry is the inaugural Family Day event for the new season, showcasing the work and stories of visionary artists including Jim Henson, Shari Lewis, Tony Sarg and more.Artists, nostalgic fans and families can also enjoy our ongoing monthly Sketchbook Saturdays and Cereal Saturdays events, along with a diverse assortment of behind-the-scenes experiences, guest artist workshops and new puppetry classes.

Starting with this season, Members of the Center receive an increased discount of 20% off all Adult and Family Series shows (excluding Signature Series). Performance tickets for all audiences include free admission to all Museum Exhibitions —including the Jim Henson Collection, the Global Gallery and Special Exhibitions — as well as a hands-on Create-a-Puppet Workshop or available for all Family Series performances. The Center also offers free on-site parking for all visitors.

SUMMER 2026 — FAMILIES

● AMERICAN TALL TALES (July 1-August 2)

Stage Show | Ages 4+

Driven by live music and brimming with imagination, AMERICAN TALL TALES is a foot-stomping, whirlwind celebration of Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill and other famous stories that shaped a nation.

● FAMILY DAY: PIONEERS OF PUPPETRY (July 2 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Special Event | Ages 4+

The start of a new Family Day series throughout the year, Pioneers of Puppetry will feature hands-on art activities, storytimes and interactive experiences throughout the Center celebrating visionary artists including Jim Henson, Shari Lewis, Tony Sarg, Bil Baird, Willis O’Brien and Marjorie Batchelder McPharlin.

SUMMER 2026 — ADULTS

● TESLA VS. EDISON (August 5-23)

Stage Show | Ages 18+

TESLA VS. EDISON, recipient of the Suzi Bass Award and the UNIMA Citation of Excellence, transforms one of history’s most famous rivalries into a funny, fast-moving theatrical spectacle. Through large-scale puppetry, sharp comedy and spectacular stage effects, Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison battle over electricity, ambition, legacy and the future of the modern world.

FALL 2026 — FAMILIES

● THE WIZARD OF OZ (September 16-27)

Stage Show | Ages 4+From guest artists Frisch Marionettes, this production brings Dorothy’s journey to life through exquisite marionette puppetry, music and intricate puppet choreography. With dazzling puppetry and lively songs, THE WIZARD OF OZ is a magical adventure the whole family can enjoy.

● EVERYBODY LOVES PIRATES (September 30-October 11)

Stage Show | Ages 4+

Set sail for high-seas hilarity with eight-year-old Lucy and her goofy sidekick, Little Chucky! Bursting with hand-crafted puppets, a towering papier-mâché pirate ship and the signature zany comedy of guest artists Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers, EVERYBODY LOVES PIRATES is a rollicking, family-friendly voyage full of laughter, imagination and swashbuckling fun.

● SPOOKHOUSE ANNIE (October 14-November 1)

Stage Show | Ages 4+

Annie lives in a haunted house, so when Dave is invited over for a playdate, he’s more than a little nervous. Each room brings silly surprises, spooky laughs and mischievous characters in a playful Halloween adventure for young ghouls and their grown-ups.

● RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™ (November 11-December 27)

Stage Show | Ages 4+

Based on the classic stop-motion animation TV special and adapted by Jon Ludwig, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™ is an annual holiday tradition for generations of Atlanta families. Fans can also view Rudolph and Santa puppets from the original special as part of the Center’s special Festive Features holiday exhibition, included with all show tickets.

FALL 2026 — ADULTS

● NATIONAL PUPPET SLAM (September 4-5)

Stage Show | Ages 18+

For one weekend only, experience the beauty, ingenuity, and hilarity of original short-form puppetry by talented artists from across the United States. Presented in partnership with Heather Henson and Beau Brown, these contemporary pieces for adult audiences have been nominated by their respective slams and curated for an evening of short works as varied as the vast national network of independently produced puppetry slams it celebrates.

● THE GHASTLY DREADFULS (October 7-31)

Stage Show | Ages 18+

It’s not spooky season in Atlanta without THE GHASTLY DREADFULS. This supernatural ensemble of musicians, dancers and puppeteers rises from the dead to lead audiences into a world beyond this mortal plane, delivering a deliciously old-schoolcocktail of death and humor, a reminder of what has always made Halloween so delightfully creepy and fun.

WINTER 2027 — FAMILIES

● SHADOW QUEST (January 6-17)

Stage Show | Ages 4+

In this interactive puppet adventure presented by guest artists Mr. Damon’s Shadow Puppets, the audience helps shape the story and no two performances are the same. Guided by a magical talking cloud, a group of curious hot-air balloon travelers is swept into a rapidly unfolding journey where every audience choice redirects their path intonew surprises, encounters and unexpected turns.

● PETER PAN (January 27-March 7)

Stage Show | Ages 4+

In this classic production from the Center’s repertoire, Neverland shines through breathtaking blacklight effects and innovative video magic, transforming the stage into a radiant landscape where shadows dance, ships sail and children soar through the night sky.

● PENGUIN IN MY POCKET (March 10-21)

Stage Show | Ages 4-12

What happens when a penguin scientist crash-lands in the jungle and has to rely on an artistic monkey to help find her way home? Presented by guest artists Hunter Marionettes, this quirky tale features audience participation and highlights the importance of imagination in both art and science.

WINTER 2027 — ADULTS

● WOOL STORY (January 21-24)

Stage Show | Ages 18+

Presented by guest artists RAUXA CIA, WOOL STORY is a poetic journey where a simple woolen thread becomes the spark for a world in constant transformation. Carried by wind and imagination, this humble thread transports you into a realm where fantasy reigns and the unexpected is always near.

SPRING 2027 — FAMILIES

● THE AMAZING STORY MACHINE (March 24-April 4)

Stage Show | Ages 4+Steam, sparks and storytelling magic collide in this inventive, interactive adventure presented by guest artists Doppelskope and Sandglass Theater. When the Grimm family’s astonishing story machine — powered by steam and dreams — malfunctions, the Grimms invite the audience to help reimagine some of their favorite fairy tales.

● PINOCCHIO (April 6-May 16)

Stage Show | Ages 4+

The Center presents a world premiere adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s classic tale. In this touching adventure story, a wooden puppet and his lonely maker are swept into a world of strange inventions, dangerous choices and unexpected friendships. Created especially for the puppet stage, PINOCCHIO brings the ultimate puppet story to life with humor, heart and theatrical magic.

SPRING 2027 — TEENS AND ADULTS

● XPT: XPERIMENTAL PUPPETRY THEATER (April 28-May 2)

Stage Show | Ages 18+

Celebrating over 40 years of experimentation, XPT: XPERIMENTAL PUPPETRY THEATER showcases artists of all disciplines employing puppetry in startling new ways. From traditional forms of puppetry to films and installation pieces, XPT offers an array of stories guaranteed to inspire, surprise, amuse and provoke.

● ARCTIC TALL TALES (May 27-June 6)

Stage Show | Ages 13+

At the dawn of the 1950s, a handful of intrepid hunters are scattered along the northeast coast of Greenland. Solitude, rationing and harsh weather shape their days, but so do imagination, companionship and the unbelievable stories they carry with them. Presented by guest artists La ruée vers l’or and based on the best-selling comic bookseries and novel by Jørn Riel, ARCTIC TALL TALES is a larger-than-life adaptation filled with wit, wonder and the enduring warmth of shared storytelling.

● KAYFABE (June 24-27)

Stage Show | Ages 13+

Table-top puppetry meets pro wrestling in the high-flying, bone-rattling action of Puppetmania. The term “kayfabe” (KAY–fayb) refers to the portrayal of characters and storylines in wrestling as real and true, and KAYFABE is a frenetic, absurdist meta-fictional love letter to both puppetry and professional wrestling, presented by guest artists Josh Rice Projects.

EVENTS, WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES

● SKETCHBOOK SATURDAYS (First Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)Special Event | Ages 12+

Museum guests are invited to practice their observational drawing skills with items on display in our galleries. We supply sketch paper, pencils and clipboards — all you need is your creativity and talent.

● CEREAL SATURDAYS (Third Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

Special Event | All ages

Get your monthly nostalgia fix as we present a specially curated 2-hour block of your favorite puppet TV shows from years past. A selection of cereal, milk, juice and coffee is available for purchase so you can properly relive your childhood Saturday mornings and introduce your own kids to a few all-time classic shows and characters.

● PUPPET CAMP (Select weeks June-July)

Camp | Grades K-12

Spend the summer with us and bring your imagination to life! We invite your young artist, performer, doodler, singer, engineer, computer designer and everyone in between to embark on a week (or two!) of creative confidence-building, culminating in a puppet showcase for family and friends.

● ARTIST-LED WORKSHOPS (Offered throughout the year)

Classes | Ages vary by class

Whether you’re a puppetry rookie, an artist expanding your skills, or a maker looking for a new project, the Center introduces a new series of individual workshops teaching the art and craft of puppetry. Workshops will be offered with both in-person or virtual class options. Each guest artist presenting at the Center throughout the season will also lead their own featured workshops.

● PUPPETRY PRO CURRICULUM (Sessions throughout the year)

Classes | Ages 18+

For current or aspiring puppetry professionals, the Center introduces a new Puppetry Pro curriculum of intensive skill-building classes. This linear series of 4-week sessions offers a deeper, more advanced learning experience for artists pursuing a career in puppetry.

For tickets, event details and the full season schedule, visit http://www.puppet.org.

About the Center for Puppetry Arts

The Center for Puppetry Arts, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2028, is the largest nonprofit in the U.S. dedicated solely to puppetry, offering live performances, interactive workshops and a world-class museum. Home to the Jim Henson Collection, featuring original Muppets, Fraggle Rock characters and Sesame Street icons, the Center provides a rare, behind-the-scenes look at beloved TV and film favorites. With over 4,000 puppets in their collection, the Center immerses visitors in diverse cultural traditions, making it a must-visitdestination for families and fans of all ages. The Center is proud to serve Atlanta’s vibrant arts No scene and recently gained national attention as one of Smithsonian Magazine’s 250 Places to celebrate America.