We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from our friends at Beverley Puppet Festival 🎭

They are currently working on the 12th edition of the festival, which they hope to present (funding dependent) from Friday 17 – Sunday 19 July 2026.

The Beverley Puppet Festival is a much-loved celebration of puppetry in all its forms — and this is your chance to be part of it!

📌 Artist Opportunity

The festival is now open for artist applications.

👉 Deadline: 30 September 2025
👉 Apply here: Artist Application Form
👉 More info: beverleypuppetfestival.com/artist-opportunities

As with every edition, programming is run through an open call, ensuring a wide range of voices, styles, and approaches are represented.

They particularly welcome applications from artists who feel under-represented in the puppetry and wider creative industries.

Why Apply?

Beverley Puppet Festival has long been recognised for its inclusive, diverse, and inspiring programme. Past festival artists have said:

“This was our first experience of Beverley Puppet Festival and we had an incredible time. The event more than lived up to our expectations, and we would love to come back in the future.” – 2018 Festival Artist

“It was great to be part of such an inspiring event, to see wonderful work, and to meet and connect with other practitioners.” – 2016 Festival Artist

“10 out of 10. We have only positive things to say about the experience.” – 2016 Festival Artists

Take a look at the 2024 festival here

Get Involved

If you’re an artist interested in performing, sharing, or creating work for Beverley Puppet Festival 2026 — don’t miss this chance!

👉 Apply by 30 September 2025
👉 Submit your application here

And if you’d like to keep up with future opportunities, make sure you join their mailing list or follow @BeverleyPuppetFestival on social media.

Get ready for a fun-filled day of puppetry, games, and creativity at the upcoming Summer Puppet Event! Whether you’re a seasoned puppeteer or just curious to give it a go, there’s something for everyone — perfect for the whole family! Come for the puppets, stay for the fun!

🎭 Puppetry Extravaganza
Step into a welcoming environment where you can try your hand at puppetry with professional kits and puppets. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you'll find yourself surrounded by fellow puppet enthusiasts. Who knows? You might end up learning a few tricks from someone with years of experience or making new friends who are also trying puppetry for the first time!

🎉 Fun and Games
What’s a puppet event without a little fun? Get involved in puppet charades, exciting games, or try out some lip-sync karaoke and belt out your favourite tunes! Plus, there might be a surprise craft activity — it’s all about having fun and unleashing your creativity. 😉

🍕 Pizza, Ice Cream, and More!
All that puppetry fun can work up an appetite! Our lovely hosts at EPK Social will have pizza, drinks, and ice cream available throughout the event. So you can take a break, enjoy some treats, and then jump right back into the action. Just make sure not to feed the puppets — they’re too busy to snack! 😜

🛍️ Makers Market
Are you a creator with your own merchandise? Bring your creations to the Makers Market! Whether you’re shopping or selling, you’ll find unique and fun items to enjoy or gift. From quirky buttons to charming stickers, there’s something for everyone.

🩹 Puppet Hospital
Got an injured puppet? Is your favourite puppet in need of some repairs? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Bring your puppets to the Puppet Hospital where talented puppet-maker Emily will be on hand with her trusty needle, thread, and glue to help your puppets heal. You can also check out her incredible work on Instagram at @adec_tupholmeart.

Event Details:
🗓 Date: August 24th
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: EPK Social, 1 Walworth Road, London SE17 1GA
💰 Entry: FREE

This is a fantastic day out for everyone — whether you're a puppet lover, a creative spirit, or just looking for a fun, family-friendly activity. For more information or any questions, feel free to follow the event on Instagram at @puppetthings and @wanskermonster.

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Our friends at Smethwick Puppetry Festival have flung open the stage curtains for 2026 — and they’re looking for brilliant artists and companies with shows that involve puppetry to join their magical line-up.

Whether you’re a seasoned festival favourite or stepping into the spotlight for the very first time, this year’s open application process is your chance to bring your creativity, characters, and craft to an audience ready to be enchanted.

📅 Festival dates: 14th–22nd February 2026 (half-term holiday)
📅 Application deadline: Friday 29th August 2025

How to Apply:

1. Log in or sign up for a free account at: Eventotron

2. On the homepage, click Festivals and Seasons

3. Search for Smethwick Puppetry Festival 2026

4. Click Apply and fill out the form

Need a hand? Drop a line to laura@bctouring.co.uk or call 0121 533 7129.

More info and Apply

The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival has just launched something magical for our community, People in Puppetry: A Global Gallery!

Imagine a living, growing map of puppeteers, designers, builders, curators, teaching artists, directors, filmmakers, everyone who makes puppet theatre possible. Now imagine your face in it. Yup, this is your moment.

Jump in now → Check out the Gallery
Add yourself. Share it. Tell your puppet friends in every corner of the globe. Let’s make this gallery overflow with creativity.

Bonus Perk for Joining In

Once you’ve added yourself, you’ll get an invite to take a short, anonymous Survey of Puppeteers — helping the Festival learn how to support artists like you even better.

And… as a thank-you, you could win a 2026 Festival Artist Button — your golden ticket to free entry (pending available seats) at any show in the 2026 Festival.

P.S. You don’t have to be in the gallery to take the survey — but why wouldn’t you want to?

What if the River Avon could speak? What would she say?
This July, a new community-led art project invites you to help find out.

Join a Bristol-based, female-led collective for the first in a series of creative workshops to bring the Avona puppet to life. A giant goddess inspired by the River Avon, built by many hands, and powered by a shared message: to raise awareness of water pollution and environmental care through art.

The project is hosted at Puppet Place, the beating heart of puppetry in Bristol and one of the UK’s leading creative hubs for visual and object theatre.

More info | Book Now

Avona Puppet Workshop · Part 1

📅 Date: Friday 25 July 2025, Friday 25 July 2025, Friday 8th August and Monday 11th August
📍 Location: Puppet Place Rehearsal Studio
🔞 Ages: 18+
💸 Tickets: Pay what you can (suggested £12)
🎟️ Click here to book

In this first session, you’ll help shape the vision of Avona through scale drawings and willow frame-building, no prior puppet-making experience required. Just bring your creativity, an open mind, and a willingness to get hands-on.

You’re welcome to attend one, or several, of the workshops, each one builds on the next as Avona comes to life.

About Puppet Place

Founded as a hub for puppetry, animation, and visual theatre, Puppet Place Trust Ltd is a registered charity dedicated to expanding access to the arts and championing innovative practice in puppetry.

Their work includes:

• Hosting the Bristol Festival of Puppetry, which has welcomed over 30,000 attendees.

• Supporting a community of 25 Resident Artists and over 50 Associates.

• Running workshops, scratch cabarets, film challenges, and public engagement programmes throughout the year.

• Collaborating with cultural and education partners to promote inclusion, accessibility, and mentorship across the arts.

Located at Spike Island on Bristol’s historic harbourside, Puppet Place is a centre of excellence in puppetry and home to makers, performers, designers, and technicians working locally, nationally, and internationally.

You may have seen Puppet Place artists performing live with Coldplay on their Music of the Spheres tour, or featured in recent pieces by BBC West, Nearside Magazine, and Bristol 24/7.

They’ve also just launched their first podcast, recorded live in April 2025 — a panel discussion with UK-based puppeteers about practice, inspiration, and the realities of the puppetry world.

Available now on Spotify:
"Have You Ever Wondered About Puppetry?"

Featuring @beanpigpuppets, @izzleb, @scarletoaktheatre
Chaired by @mattwgibbs | Recorded by @jonathanevefilm

Stay Connected

Holly Likes... Puppets regularly features brilliant events like this in the monthly newsletter, alongside training opportunities, behind-the-scenes highlights, and creative calls-outs from across the puppetry world.

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Introducing: The Visual Performance and Puppetry Fund 2025

This newly reimagined fund, delivered by Manipulate Arts in partnership with Vanishing Point Theatre Company and supported by Creative Scotland, offers seed funding of up to £5,000 for artists developing bold, imaginative, and image-led live performance projects.

Whether you're creating something entirely new or pushing an existing idea in a fresh direction, this is a chance to try out your creative vision.

What’s Included:

• Up to £5,000 in project funding

• 1 week of rehearsal space

• Optional public sharing of work-in-progress

• Mentorship and professional development support

• Access to wellbeing resources throughout the process

⚠️ Note: This fund no longer supports animation-only projects. A dedicated fund for animation R&D will be announced later in 2025.

Applications are welcomed in written or video formats, including BSL and first-time applicants are strongly encouraged to apply!

Deadline to apply: Friday, 11 July at 12 noon.

Download the full guidelines and application materials here

Artist Callout: Freelance Trust & Foundation Fundraiser

Manipulate Arts is also on the lookout for a freelance fundraiser to help support their year-round programme, artist development, and flagship festival. If you’re someone with strong grant-writing experience and a passion for supporting Scotland’s creative ecology, this is a great fit.

• 📅 Start date: Ideally September 2025

• 💷 Fee: £3,500 per year (2-year contract)

• 📬 Apply by: 24 July 2025 (cover letter + CV to sadie@manipulatearts.co.uk)

Download the Fundraiser brief here

Ongoing Call for D/deaf and Hard of Hearing Creatives

Manipulate Festival is always seeking new visual theatre, puppetry, and physical performance work by D/deaf and Hard of Hearing artists from across the UK. Whether you’re Edinburgh-based or working further afield, they’re eager to hear from you — even if your work is still in development.

If you or someone in your creative team identifies as D/deaf or Hard of Hearing and you're working in visual theatre, puppetry, circus, object theatre or dance-theatre, please reach out.

Let’s amplify these voices and keep this vital, boundary-pushing work on the map.
Start a conversation via email with Manipulate’s Artistic Director at: hello@manipulatearts.co.uk

Let’s keep celebrating, supporting, and elevating visual performance in all its rich and radical forms. Huge thanks to Manipulate Arts for their commitment to pushing boundaries and creating space for artists to thrive.

Share this widely – applications close 11 July!

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If you've got a show that works outside, or you’ve been dreaming up something that would come alive in a park, playground or town square, this one’s for you.

Applause is looking to support up to six new small-scale shows to tour across Kent, Sussex and Essex next summer. They’re after artists and companies with experience of outdoor work who can bring bold, fun and engaging performances to all kinds of community events.

They’ve been doing this for over 15 years now and have built a fantastic network of village fetes, town festivals and everything in between. It’s a great way to get your work in front of new audiences in interesting, real-life places.

What they’re offering

There are two ways to get involved:

New commissions — up to £5,000 to create something brand new
Development support — between £500 and £2,500 to reshape an existing outdoor show

In both cases, you’ll also get a guaranteed number of tour dates, mentoring during the process, and options for rehearsal space.

What they’re looking for

Shows should be ready for the outdoors. That means flexible, easy to set up, and something that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

They’re especially interested in work that:

• connects with the environment or sustainability

• involves communities or has a participatory element

• reflects rural life or responds to cultural moments in 2026

Your show could be a short static performance (up to 25 minutes), a walkabout, an installation or something more interactive or durational. You’ll need to be able to perform it up to three times a day in all sorts of outdoor settings, and provide your own tech and set-up.

Key info

• Deadline to apply: 29 August 2025

• Shortlisted artists notified: by 9 September

• Interviews: between 22–26 September

• Shows need to be ready to tour by end of April 2026

• Touring takes place between May and October 2026

• Applause aims to offer at least six bookings per show

Fees per show range from £450 to £900, depending on the size of your team and the location. Dates outside the core region might attract a higher fee.
Click here for more information and to contact Applause

A few practical things

You’ll be performing in a real mix of places — bumpy fields, high streets, seafronts, playgrounds. So shows need to be easy to transport and not too reliant on venue support. Some hosts will be volunteers with little or no theatre experience, so good communication and flexibility are key.

Applause is also keen to work with artists from underrepresented backgrounds, including those from minority ethnic or migrant communities and d/Deaf and disabled artists.

They’re also asking companies to think about touring sustainably — that includes travel, materials, waste and how you can reuse or recycle parts of your show.

How to apply

Applications are open now via Eventotron.
If you’re already signed up, just search for Applause Outdoor Season 2026.
If not, head to www.eventotron.com and register first.

Apply here

This is a lovely opportunity to get your work seen, meet new audiences and be part of a much-loved outdoor programme that celebrates creative, accessible, community-minded shows.

Got an idea? Go for it.

From our friends at Applause

Follow Applause on Instagram
Click here for more information

Subscribe now

Location: North East
Salary: £20k - £25k (Full-time, Contract)
Start Date: June 23rd, 2025

The role runs on a short-term, one-month contract (4 weeks), with a fixed fee of £2,320 (£580 per week). It involves 3 weeks of rehearsals (10am-6pm) and 1 week of performances (9am-4pm), with the potential for additional work in late August at the National Theatre.

Responsibilities:

• Assisting the Director with production and rehearsal duties.

• Managing the rehearsal room and cast.

• Creating and maintaining props/puppet lists, setting lists, and show bible.

• Ensuring Health & Safety protocols are followed.

• Operating Qlab (sound, light, and AV) during rehearsals and performances.

• Maintaining and repairing puppets under the Director’s guidance.

Essential Experience:

• Technical/stage management experience, ideally on tour and in non-traditional spaces.

• Experience with puppets in performance.

• Proficiency working with materials like wood, metal, plastic, and foam.

• Ability to think creatively and problem-solve.

• Experience operating Qlab and working under pressure.

Desirable Experience:

• Previous experience as a Puppet Tech.

• First Aid qualification.

• Experience editing sound, light, and AV cues on Qlab.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone based in the North East (Newcastle or within commuting distance) to join a growing, creative company with the possibility of further work beyond this contract.

More info | Apply

How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter/video and CV to William Steele at will@lifeandlimbpuppets.co.uk.

Deadline for applications: Monday, 19 May 2025.

This is a great chance to work on an innovative theatre production while contributing your technical skills to a passionate team. Don’t miss out!

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THE SEX LIVES OF PUPPETS
by Ben Keaton and Mark Down

We are seeking a puppeteer to join the cast of The Sex Lives Of Puppets for a tour in Denmark and the USA in November 2025 and January/February/March 2026.

More info | Apply

The Sex Lives Of Puppets is a puppet theatre show written by Mark Down and Ben Keaton, inspired by the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles. In it, a series of puppets tell stories in the form of mock interviews about their sex lives. The puppets are operated by two people at a time, one controlling the hands and the other the head and bum. The puppets are placed on a table, and the style is super-realistic documentary/verbatim theatre.

The role involves being on stage throughout the show, operating puppets, puppeteering signs that introduce the characters, and performing the head (i.e., the voice) for one of the puppet monologues.

You will need acting experience, particularly in comedy. Puppetry experience is a bonus but not necessary. The role will require physical acting and puppetry, and you will work closely with the rest of the cast. You must be a fast learner.

Due to US visa restrictions, applicants need to have no criminal record, no drug record, or previous US visa refusals.

Dates:

• 2025

  • 3 Nov (or 27 Oct) – 8 Nov: Rehearsals in Central London

  • 10–22 Nov: Tour in Denmark

• 2026

  • 20 Jan – 2 Mar: Tour in the USA

To Apply:
Please send a CV, photo, and a brief note about why you are applying. In your note, include anything you know about Blind Summit, the show, things you would like us to pay special attention to, and your future ambitions (maximum 200 words).

Send applications to Charlina Lucas at charli@blindsummit.com

Application Deadline: Friday, 16 May
Auditions: 26 May in London

More info | Apply

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Key Dates & Times:

• Event Starts: Friday, April 25, 2025, 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT)

• Event Ends: Sunday, April 27, 2025, 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT)

• Film Submission Deadline: Sunday, April 27, 2025, 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT)

This exciting event, organised by Handmade Puppet Dreams (a program of IBEX Puppetry), challenges you to create a puppet short film in just 48 hours! At 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT) on Friday, April 25, they’ll announce a random theme, item, and action on their Facebook page—and from there, you’ll have until Sunday evening to build, film, edit, and submit a 3-minute (or less) puppet film.

Ready for the challenge? Submit your film for a chance to win cash prizes and recognition from an esteemed panel of judges! Whether you’re working solo or as part of a team, registration is now open.

About Green Feather Foundation
While this event is hosted by Handmade Puppet Dreams, the Green Feather Foundation (founded by Heather Henson) supports and amplifies artistic initiatives like this. As a non-profit dedicated to the health and healing of the planet, Green Feather uses puppetry and art to reconnect individuals with the land, promoting environmental and cultural education. Through their efforts, they bring transformative, immersive experiences that make a global impact.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to push your creativity to the limit!

Click here for more information and to REGISTER

View the Handmade Puppet Dreams Trailer below

UPDATE - SCREENING ONLY - 48Hr Puppet Film Project 2025

Sun, May 18 | Virtual Event
The films have been submitted and the judges have scored them. Let's watch them!

For more info and to register

Want to get your work in front of programmers, producers, and venues planning for 2026? Let’s build something powerful—a go-to list of touring-ready puppetry productions that makes it easier for everyone to discover and share great work.

The best part? It’s completely FREE!
Complete the form here

This isn’t just about getting booked—it’s about visibility, connection, and helping each other. By bringing productions together in one place, we create a stronger, more accessible resource for those looking to programme puppetry in 2026.

How It Works:
✅ Fill out a quick sign-up form (just a few minutes!)
✅ Your production gets added to a shared list launching in June
✅ The more we grow it, the more useful it becomes for programmers & peers

🗓 Deadline to be included in the first wave: 31 May
(But don’t worry—new additions will be highlighted even after launch!)

🔗 Sign up now & let’s build a resource that helps us all—at no cost to you!

Complete the form here

While I can’t guarantee direct access to producers, those who subscribe to my newsletter will have this list at their fingertips. The more we share, the more we amplify each other’s work—so let’s make 2026 a year of amazing touring puppetry!

Share Holly Likes... Puppets

Here are some fantastic events highlighted by our friends at The Puppet Slam Network! From bold, experimental slams to Shakespearean sock puppets, there’s something for everyone—whether you're taking part, planning a trip, or just marvelling from afar.

The Eleventh Annual New Orleans Giant Puppet Festival

New Orleans, LA - April 3rd - 7th @ 10:00pm CT

✂️ The Eleventh Annual New Orleans Giant Puppet Festival
📍 New Orleans, LA – 3rd-7th April @ 10:00pm CT
A five-day celebration of the mysterious and wildly varied art of puppetry, with multiple venues and puppet slams happening each evening.
🎟️ TICKETS & INFO

🎭 2025 UConn Spring Puppet Slam
📍 Storrs, CT – Friday, 11th April @ 8:00pm ET
A showcase of new and experimental short works by professional puppeteers and UConn Puppet Arts students.
TICKETS & INFO

🔥 Just F*cking Do It Puppet Slam
📍 Jenkintown, PA – Saturday, 26th April @ 7:00pm ET
Back for another exhilarating night of short puppet performances! The theme? Good Luck—think superstition, lucky charms, and winning streaks. If you have any questions about submissions, the slam, accessibility of the space, etc. please email Sabrina DeWeerdt the slam coordinator at: justdoitslam@gmail.com
TICKETS & INFO

Ciphers to this Great Accompt
📍 Pittsburgh, PA – Sunday, 27th April @ 7:00pm ET
A night of puppetry inspired by Shakespeare—from sock puppet battles to dino drama! TICKETS & INFO

🎟️ Blood From A Turnip: A Puppet Salon for Grown-Ups
📍 Richmond, VA – Sunday, 27th April @ 7:30pm ET
An eclectic mix of seasoned professionals and first-time performers.
TICKETS & INFO

🏳️‍🌈 PUPPETQUEERS Vol. 5
📍 Chicago, IL – Sunday, 27th April @ 7:00pm CT
A DIY puppet slam celebrating queer artists working in puppetry.
Please email thepuppetqueers@gmail.com in advance for further accessibility information, questions, concerns, and/or volunteer opportunities day of show! Note that any accessibility requests must be emailed at least two weeks prior to the show to ensure we can honour the request. Tickets available soon.
TICKETS & INFO

Calls for Artists – Get Involved!

If you're a puppeteer looking to submit work for upcoming slams, here are the open calls:

• Just F*cking Do It Puppet Slam (Jenkintown, PA) – Submit by 2nd April

• Ciphers to this Great Accompt (Pittsburgh, PA) – Submit by 6th April

• Fussy Cloud Puppet Slam (Seattle, WA) – Submit by 10th April

• One Hardworking Night Only Puppet Show (Minneapolis, MN) – Submit by 15th April

• Insane Puppet Posse (Chicago, IL) – Submit by 20th April

• PUNCH Puppet Slam (Brooklyn, NY) – Submit by 30th April

📝 Want your slam featured? Submit here to be included in the next newsletter!

Submit Your Puppet Slams and Call for Acts

Submit your puppet slam or call for acts to have it added to the Puppet Slam Network calendar and newsletter!

Newsletter goes out around the first week of each month.

You can follow Puppet Slam Network here
Facebook
Instagram

A Unique Opportunity for Puppeteers, Educators & Performers!

2025 is set to be an extraordinary year as THE HERDS takes centre stage—blending puppetry, public art, and climate action in a once-in-a-lifetime global performance.

From April to August 2025, life-sized puppet animals will travel 20,000km from the Congo Basin to the Arctic Circle, symbolising wildlife migration in response to climate change. Created by Walk Productions, this initiative will make key stops in cities such as Kinshasa, Lagos, Barcelona, Paris, London, and Stockholm, culminating in a powerful final event in the Arctic Circle.

For those passionate about puppetry and performance, THE HERDS is an unmissable opportunity to explore world-class design, engage with leading artists, and integrate puppetry into creative education and storytelling with these FREE online webinars and downloadable resources.

Next Free Webinar – 11 April 2025

Join us for an informative and engaging session introducing:

• The writers and designers behind THE HERDS education resources

• Insights into the lesson plans and how to use them in your classroom

• The organisations supporting the ecosystems in each featured region

Reserve your spot here: Sign up for the webinar

Let the Wildness In – Free Education Programme

Let the Wildness In is THE HERDS’ interactive learning experience, exploring six diverse habitats with downloadable puppet-making guides and educational packs—perfect for workshops, performances, and interactive storytelling

First Release: The Congo Basin

• Discover the heart of the world's climate, home to the mighty Congo River

• Download the education pack & puppet guide to create your own Pangolin puppet!

  Download Now:

• Education Pack – The Congo Basin

• Puppet Guide – How to Make Your Pangolin

More habitats coming soon!

• The Arctic: Meet the Puffin

• The Sahara: Discover the Fennec Fox

• The Mediterranean: Learn about the Sea Turtle

• Northern Forests: Explore Hedgehogs

• Central African Mangroves: Celebrate Flamingos

These FREE resources are a goldmine for puppet artists, educators, and performers looking to bring environmental storytelling to life. Whether you run puppet workshops, work in theatre, or use puppetry in education, THE HERDS offers an exciting way to connect performance, craft, and climate awareness.

Ready to explore? Download your first education pack, sign up for the webinar, and be part of this global movement!

Visit the website
Follow on Instagram
See the route

Take a look at the Congo Basin Education pack below here

Copyright © The Walk Productions. All rights reserved. Say hello info@theherds.org
© The Walk Productions 2025
THE HERDS Let The Wildness In education resources are created by Jessica Dives (writer), Diala Brisly (illustrations) and Rachel Wild (graphic design), developed and conceived by Alice Evans, Amir Nizar Zuabi and Sarah Loader. The education producer is Yolanda Markopoulou. The education puppet animals are designed by Tyson Howard, Sean MacPherson and Althea Visagie.

Walk To The Horizon, UK Registered Charity 1199178, Richmond, Greater London, United Kingdom

This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your puppetry work to a dynamic festival that celebrates the art form in all its shapes and sizes. We are seeking a wide range of performances and workshops, including:

🎭 Indoor stage shows – for adults, teens, families, and early years audiences
🌍 Outdoor roaming and stage performances
🎪 Cabaret acts, sideshow oddities, and unique puppetry experiences
🎓 Masterclasses and workshops
🔮 Anything else that fits within the world of puppetry, object theatre, stop motion animation, kinetic art, and automata

💡 What You Need to Know:
✔️ All selected artists will be paid for their performances/workshops
✔️ Travel, food, and accommodation will be covered
✔️ Applications are welcome from artists worldwide, and we strongly encourage submissions from underrepresented groups in the creative industries

📅 Application Deadline: Monday, April 7, 2025, at 11 PM UK time

🔗 Apply now

Don’t miss this chance to be part of one of the most exciting puppetry festivals in the UK. We can’t wait to see your work!

If you’ve got a knack for puppetry, love entertaining kids and families, and want to tour across the UK, this gig is for you.

📅 The Details:

• Dates: 29th July – 29th August (28 dates) + 24th – 31st October (8 dates)

• Location: Touring across UK holiday parks

• Show: One 45-minute performance per day

• Salary: £3,750 (travel & accommodation provided)

🏡 Perks:

✅ All travel & accommodation covered
✅ Work with iconic characters from Rainbow
✅ Bring joy to audiences young and old

🎭 Who Can Apply?

• Puppeteers based in the UK (Nationwide applications welcome!)

• Those with experience in children’s theatre or live puppetry

• Performers who love engaging with family audiences

🎟️ How to Apply:

Email mnjproductionsltd@gmail.com with your details! Deadline: April 10, 2025.

Want a trip down memory lane? Watch Rainbow in action here:

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to be part of a classic children’s show brought to life – so don’t miss out! 🎉

Subscribe now

Key Dates

📅 World Puppetry Day 2025: 21st March 2025
📍 Global Celebrations: Events, performances, and discussions worldwide

Puppetry, AI, and the Future

For centuries, puppets have been vessels of storytelling, imagination, and tradition. But today, as artificial intelligence and robotics redefine creativity, we ask: is a puppet just a preliminary step towards autonomous robots? Can machines dream, think, or feel? These questions resonate deeply with classic myths and literature—from the Golem to Frankenstein, from Pinocchio’s longing for humanity to Philip K. Dick’s androids dreaming of electric sheep.

This year’s theme delves into these profound questions:
🔹 The Puppet as Puppeteer – Can an AI-driven puppet control its own performance?
🔹 The Object Becoming the Subject – When does artifice stop being artificial?
🔹 The Nature of Consciousness – Can algorithms develop creativity, intuition, or even free will?
🔹 The Role of Puppetry in a Digital Age – How can puppeteers embrace new technologies while preserving tradition?

World Puppetry Day 2025 invites us to explore these ideas, engaging with the past, present, and future of our art form.

What is World Puppetry Day?

Launched in 2003 by UNIMA, World Puppetry Day (WPD) is a platform to promote puppetry arts while uniting puppeteers and enthusiasts worldwide. It celebrates both tradition and innovation, supporting puppetry as a tool for ethical and aesthetic education. Each year, events across the globe highlight the diversity of puppetry arts today.

Theme of 2025: Robots, AI and the Dream of the Puppet
UNIMA encourages participants to share their events on social media with the hashtags: #WPD2025 #UNIMA

And in multiple languages: #WorldPuppetryDay2025 #DiaMundialMarioneta2025 #JourneeMondialeMarionette2025

UNIMA will showcase a variety of these posts in video compilations and images throughout 2025.

📢 Social Media Frame 2025 – Coming Soon!

How to Celebrate World Puppetry Day?

This day is an opportunity to bring puppetry to life in various forms:
🎭 Festivals and shows
🎪 Puppet parades
🖼 Exhibitions and installations
🎨 Workshops for all ages
🎭 Behind-the-scenes tours, mini-performances, and readings of the WPD message
🌙 Night of the Puppet

World Puppetry Day is a collective effort! Connect with schools, cultural institutions, museums, and local governments to create a shared celebration of puppetry arts. Share your plans with UNIMA and on social media to be part of a global movement.

💡 Get involved! Keep an eye on our upcoming events and share your thoughts on AI, robots, and the puppet’s dream.

🌍 More info on UNIMA’s global initiatives: UNIMA International
📣 Share your thoughts: #WPD2025

Here is a look back at WPD 2024

We love discovering opportunities for theatre-makers, creatives, and puppetry artists, so this week, we’re sharing a few highlights from Linda J Bloomfield’s latest Opportunity Tuesday (4 February 2025). Huge thanks to Linda for curating these gems—be sure to check out her full blog post here!

For British East and Southeast Asian Theatre Artists

New Earth Theatre is offering a 9-month creative incubator opportunity for artists and companies interested in blending a heritage artform with contemporary practice. Participants receive £2,000, plus mentoring in fundraising, marketing, creative development, and a residency at Bush Theatre or Leeds Playhouse.

Deadline: 5 February 2025
Find out more and apply here

For Performance and Multi-Disciplinary Artists

Departure Lounge Festival, co-produced by In Good Company and Derby Theatre, is looking for work that fits this year’s theme: ‘Play’. Artists can submit performances, workshops, installations, or discussions, with guaranteed fees of £1,000–£2,000, plus festival passes and accommodation if needed.

“Departure Lounge is one of the most crucial dates on the annual theatre calendar”
– Lyn Gardner, Theatre Writer, Critic & Journalist

Event Date: 13 February 2025
Find out more and apply here

For Creatives with Lived Experience of Migration, Displacement & Seeking Sanctuary

Sheffield’s Migration Matters Festival, a 9-day theatre and arts festival, is recruiting guest curators for its 2025 programme. This role includes producing projects, curating a programming strand of multi-discipline art forms, and expanding ways to include migrant voices. Fee: £2,500 (part-time work between Feb–June 2025).

Deadline: 7 February 2025
Find out more and apply here

If any of these opportunities resonate with you, be sure to apply before the deadlines! And don’t forget to follow Linda J Bloomfield’s Opportunity Tuesday for more incredible chances to develop your creative practice.

Opportunity Tuesday

Happy Opportunity Tuesday! BUMPER EDITION

Hi folks…

Read more

a year ago · 1 like · Linda J Bloomfield

Join the Moving Parts Ambassadors and Be Part of Something Creative!

Are you passionate about creativity and meeting new people? Moving Parts Arts is looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our NEW Moving Parts Ambassadors group! This is your chance to shape the future of arts and culture in Tyneside while enjoying free events, workshops, and great company.

What is Moving Parts Arts?

Moving Parts Arts is an award-winning arts and community development organisation that brings people together through puppetry, celebration, and creativity. Founded in 2017, they engage over 20,000 people each year through their puppet festival, community projects, and outreach events. Supported by Arts Council England and the Garfield Weston Foundation, their work thrives on collaboration, accessibility, and inclusivity.

Why Become a Moving Parts Ambassador?

As a Moving Parts Ambassador, you will:

✅ Attend exciting shows and events for free
✅ Participate in creative workshops
✅ Enjoy free food during Ambassador sessions
✅ Meet and connect with like-minded people
✅ Share your thoughts and influence what we program
✅ Be part of a vibrant and creative community
✅ Receive travel expense contributions with a ‘no questions asked’ policy

Who Can Join?

Moving Parts are looking for 10 enthusiastic individuals—adults, teenagers, and children (aged 12 and above)—who are based in and around Tyneside. Whether you're an artist, performer, or just someone who loves being part of creative experiences, they’d love to hear from you!

How to Get Involved

If you're interested in becoming a Moving Parts Ambassador, get in touch with them at movingpartsengage@gmail.com.

This is your opportunity to make a difference, shape local arts programming, and be part of an inspiring community. Don't miss out—apply today!

Moving Parts Arts CIO (Charity No. 1194137) is dedicated to making the arts accessible to all. Join us in creating something extraordinary!

Good news for those of you looking to get involved in the exciting UNIMA Symposium – Borders: Puppetry Unborders! The submission deadline has been extended to 15th February 2025, giving you a little more time to send in your proposals and share your thoughts on how puppetry can challenge and transcend boundaries.

Taking place as part of the 2025 UNIMA Congress and the Chuncheon World Puppet Festival in South Korea, this symposium invites you to explore the question: How do puppets, animated objects, and related animants (yes, that includes all the things that move!) question, fracture, and even break down borders?

📝 Symposium Details:

• Dates: 22nd-23rd May 2025

• Location: Chuncheon, South Korea

• New Submission Deadline: 15th February 2025

🎤 What Are They Looking For?
The symposium is keen to explore how puppetry can challenge, cross, and disrupt boundaries, whether in art, culture, or society. Whether you’re exploring traditional puppetry’s impact or offering a modern take, your research or creative presentation is welcomed.

📋 How to Submit:

• How to Apply: Submit your proposal via email to unimakorea@gmail.com and research@unima.org.

• Languages: You can submit in either Korean or English.

• Submission Format: You can submit either an academic paper or a presentation of art practices, with a maximum length of 20 minutes.

🔗 Want More Info?
For full submission details and criteria, don’t forget to download the full call here.

Don’t miss out on this chance to share your ideas with a global puppetry community. Get your submissions in by 15th February 2025, and join the conversation on how puppetry can push boundaries and shape the future!

Click here for more information

🔗 More Info:
For full details and submission criteria, be sure to download the full call here.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the global puppetry research community. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or a new voice in the field, this symposium will allow you to share your work and ideas with a wider audience.

The UNIMA Research Commission is dedicated to promoting, encouraging, and supporting research into puppetry and related fields. Their mission includes:

• Collaborating with academic institutions to disseminate puppetry research and support new researchers.

• Promoting the visibility and accessibility of historical and theoretical puppetry research.

• Supporting practice-based and practice-led research in the puppetry community.

• Increasing participation of puppetry researchers in international conferences and symposia.

Discover the magic of puppetry and the warmth of community at Curious SOUP Nights, a series of enriching gatherings hosted by the Curious School of Puppetry. Running on select Thursdays this winter, these evenings offer an inspiring mix of talks, demonstrations, and networking over a hearty bowl of homemade soup.

🗓 Upcoming Dates

• 16 January 2025

• 23 January 2025

• 30 January 2025

• 6 February 2025

• 13 February 2025

• 20 February 2025

• 27 February 2025

• 5 & 6 March 2025 – Final Project Sharing’s

📍 Time & Place
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 St Barnabas, Dalston, London, E8 2EA
🎟 Entry: £6
More info

What Are Curious SOUP Nights?

Curious SOUP Nights are an opportunity to eat, relax, and engage with the wider puppetry community. Each evening includes a talk, film, or demonstration led by practitioners at the forefront of the art form, followed by informal conversations over a shared meal.

The highlight of the night? Making soup together! This communal activity brings attendees closer, blending flavours and ideas as a metaphor for the collaborative spirit of puppetry.

A Rich History of Speakers

Curious SOUP Nights have long celebrated puppetry's past, present, and future, with previous speakers including:

• Louise Gold (The Muppets, Dark Crystal)

• Andrew Kim (Thingumajig Theatre)

• Brian and Wendy Froud (Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal)

• Sue Buckmaster (Puppetry mentor and pioneer)

Don’t Miss the Grand Finale

The series culminates with Final Project Sharing’s on 5 and 6 March 2025, showcasing the creativity and dedication of the community.

Curious SOUP Nights are more than just events—they’re a celebration of artistry and togetherness. Whether you’re a puppeteer, designer, student, or just curious, join in to connect, learn, and share in the spirit of the Curious School of Puppetry.

Find out more about Curious School of Puppetry