Center for Puppetry Arts World Premiere of Owl at Home to feature partnerships with Chattahoochee Nature Center and The Breman
ATLANTA (July 2024) – The Center for Puppetry Arts is proud to move another classic tale from the page to the stage with the world premiere of Owl at Home. This new Theatre for the Very Young production is based on the beloved 1975 book by Arnold Lobel, author and illustrator of the renowned Frog and Toad children’s book series.
The script was adapted by Center for Puppetry Arts Resident Artist, Dolph Amick, who also composed an original score for the production. Owl at Home invites audiences into the cozy world of Owl, showcasing the simple pleasures and humorous moments of domestic life. The story follows him throughout his everyday adventures as he meets new friends and encounters whimsical characters inside his comfortable nest.
The Center for Puppetry Arts is excited to celebrate the world premiere of the new Theatre for the Very Young production Owl at Home with two new community partnerships with the Chattahoochee Nature Center and The Breman. The Center’s partnership with the Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) features an onsite appearance of an Eastern Screech Owl and animal ambassador at the Center for Puppetry Arts on Friday, Aug.16, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The visit from the CNC will showcase its animal rehabilitation efforts and will be accompanied by interactive displays about the Screech Owl. This program is for all ages.
The Center will also partner with its Midtown neighbor, The Breman to contribute to their full schedule of family events for Grandparents Day, onsite at The Breman on the final day of Owl at Home, Sept. 8, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. This event will feature programming from PJ Library and a storytelling session of Arnold Lobel’s tales facilitated by the Center for Puppetry Arts puppeteers. This event will also have various activity stations, including crafting, collaborating on family stories, and playing classic games and puzzles.
Featuring five enchanting episodes, Owl at Home combines nostalgic storytelling with unique melodies composed for the production and performed live with cello and bassoon. The production also showcases a variety of puppetry styles, including Tabletop, Rod Marionette, and Shadow puppets, ensuring a magical experience for all viewers. Designed for children as young as two, this performance is part of the Center’s “Theater for the Very Young” series, fostering creativity and storytelling and runs Aug. 13 through Sept. 8.
“Adapting Arnold Lobel’s beloved book into a stage production has been an exciting journey. Our challenge was to capture the book’s warmth and whimsy while adding a new dimension through puppetry.” ~ Jason Hines, Co-Artistic Director
On Sept. 1, the Center will host Owl at Home performances as part of its Sensory-Friendly Sunday. These performances will be adapted for individuals with sensory sensitivities (such as Autism Spectrum Disorder) and other developmental differences. This brand-new production was created in part with the generous support of The Jim Henson Foundation
All-inclusive performance tickets to Owl at Home include admission to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, the Down in Fraggle Rock exhibit, and free onsite parking. To learn more about Owl at Home and purchase tickets, please visit: https://puppet.org/programs/owl-at-home/
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.