Center for Puppetry Arts Relaunches Touring Program with a Pilot Residency in Hall County

ATLANTA (APRIL 2026) – The Center for Puppetry Arts is proud to announce the relaunch of its touring productions, returning for the first time in 17 years to delivering high-quality puppetry experiences directly to communities across Georgia and beyond. This renewed effort will kick off in Hall County, where the Center will present “Owl at Home” to approximately 2,000 second grade students in an experience generously funded by the Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation.

With the Foundation’s partnership, the Center brings this fully staged production to young learners throughout Hall County free of charge during a two-week residency at Brenau University’s Hosch Theatre, from April 22-April 30, expanding access to arts education and live performance.

“We believe every child in Hall County deserves access to high-quality arts experiences,” said Lynn Darby, President of the Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation. “Supporting this traveling production ensures that students can experience the magic of live performance in a way that is both meaningful and memorable. The Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation is proud to support the Center for Puppetry Arts in their effort to reignite touring programs with this special engagement for Hall County students and Brenau University’s thriving theater program.”

Live puppetry theater plays a vital role in early childhood education by combining visual storytelling, movement, and imaginative play in a way that deeply engages young learners. Unlike passive screen-based experiences, live performance invites students to actively participate with their attention, emotions, and curiosity. Puppetry, in particular, helps children build empathy and social-emotional understanding as they connect with characters navigating challenges and discoveries.

To deepen the educational impact, the Center will also offer virtual Create-A-Puppet Workshops for participating classrooms. Delivered from the Center’s Digital Learning Studio, these interactive sessions will guide students in building their own Owl puppets while reinforcing the scientific and storytelling concepts explored in the performance.

Originally premiering at the Center in 2024, “Owl at Home” was intentionally designed with a modular set to allow for touring. Based on Arnold Lobel’s beloved early reader children’s book, the production follows a curious, endearing owl as he encounters five puzzling mysteries. Through engaging storytelling, a live musical score featuring cello and bassoon along with imaginative puppetry, students are encouraged to consider the value of contemplative time and think critically as they explore the causes behind each mystery, from the chill of winter winds to the movement of the moon.

“We are thrilled to reintroduce touring as a vital part of delivering on our mission,” said Beth Schiavo, Executive Director of the Center for Puppetry Arts. “This initiative allows us to reach students where they are and provide meaningful arts experiences that spark creativity, curiosity, and learning.”

The Center for Puppetry Arts has not launched a traveling production since 2009. As the organization grows this arm of programming, it is grateful to the Brenau University Theater Department and the Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation for their belief in and commitment to the pilot effort.

For questions about traveling opportunities visit: puppet.org/programs/touring-show/

About the Center for Puppetry Arts
 
The Center for Puppetry Arts is a one-of-a-kind cultural institution where children and adults are educated, enlightened and entertained through performances, workshops and a world-class museum. Since 1978, the Center has inspired millions of visitors onsite and through digital learning and outreach programs. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Center is supported by corporations, foundations, government agencies and individuals including major funding from the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the Georgia Council for the Arts, a partner of the National Endowment for the Arts. The Center is a member of TYA/USA/ASSITEJ and serves as the headquarters of UNIMA-USA.