Halloween comes to the Center for Puppetry Arts

Halloween comes to the Center for Puppetry Arts with a trick-or-treating extravaganza and performances for adults and families

ATLANTA (September 2023) – The Center for Puppetry Arts is excited to offer its Halloween programming all month this October with the return of “The Ghastly Dreadfuls” and a screening of ”Child’s Play” (1988) for adults, family performances of “The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Silly Hollow” and the return of the Center’s family-friendly, trick-or-treating dance party, Monster Mash.

“The Ghastly Dreadfuls,” by the Center’s Artistic Director Jon Ludwig and Resident Puppet Builder Jason Hines, has become an Atlanta cult classic that blends music and the macabre into a cabaret of uncanny vignettes for adult audiences. Since its 2006 debut, “The Ghastly Dreadfuls” has won awards and accolades such as the 2012 UNIMA-USA Citation of Excellence Award and the 2013 Suzi Bass Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical. This adult production combines live music, original songs, and intricate puppetry into a must-see Halloween tradition. “The Ghastly Dreadfuls” is on stage Oct. 11-28.

Continuing the Center’s adult programming this October is a screening of the 1988 film “Child’s Play.” This is also a unique opportunity to see the Center’s rare Chucky puppet from the 2021 TV series Chucky on Syfy and USA Network. The screening will be held on Oct. 21, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. Tickets include a special Create-A-Puppet-Workshop™ To-Go-Kit themed after a character from the film and admission to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum and Special Museum Exhibition.

For families, the Center is proud to bring back the ever-popular “The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Silly Hollow.” This comedic version of the classic Washington Irving tale follows schoolteacher Ichabod Crane as he helps the Headless Horseman find a new head and a “spookier” image. Performances run Oct. 18-29 and include a Create-A-Puppet Workshop™ where guests can make their own Hilarious Horse Rod Puppet based on a character in the show.

Also, for families, the Monster Mash returns for its fourth year. This family-friendly trick-or-treating event invites guests to wear their silliest and spookiest costumes as the Center’s atrium is transformed into a fun Halloween dance party. Activities include trick-or-treating candy stations, photo ops, a Halloween dance party with DJ Willy Wow and more. Guests can join in the fun by purchasing either Monster Mash tickets or performance tickets to see “The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Silly Hollow” on Oct. 28.

Center for Puppetry Arts® is a unique cultural treasure – a magical place where children and adults are educated, enlightened, and entertained. Since 1978, the Center has introduced millions of visitors to the wonder and art of puppetry and has touched the lives of many through enchanting performances, curriculum-based workshops, and the hands-on Museum as well as Digital Learning and Outreach programs. Center for Puppetry Arts is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization and is supported in part by contributions from corporations, foundations, government agencies, and individuals. Major funding is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. These programs are also supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA is a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. The Center is a member of Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA/USA/ASSITEJ). The Center also serves as the headquarters of UNIMA-USA, the American branch of Union Internationale  de la Marionnette, the international puppetry organization.