Educator Resources

UNIMA was founded in 1929 and is the oldest international theater organization in the world, with chapters in over 90 countries. UNIMA was adopted as a Member of the International Theatre Institute in 1959, and is a Member of the United Nation’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The Center for Puppetry Arts is the headquarters of UNIMA-USA, the United States branch of the international organization. In 1966, with more than one hundred Members of UNIMA in the United States, UNIMA-USA was formed with Jim Henson serving as its first chairman. The organization’s mission is to promote international understanding and friendship through the art of puppetry. To fulfill its mission, UNIMA-USA organizes conferences and symposia, curates a Puppetry Calendar and blog, gives the annual Citation of Excellence to recognize and reward the best of puppetry arts in the country, publishes the biannual Puppetry International magazine and distributes a quarterly newsletter packed with global and local puppetry news. Additionally, the UNIMA-USA Scholarship to study abroad is awarded annually to puppeteers who wish to expand upon their art.

Here you can find a listing of the many international UNIMA centers, with contact information and links to their websites.

UNIMA-USA strives to connect puppeteers both in the United States and abroad. In service to that goal, UNIMA-USA’s Puppetry Yellow Pages resource guide provides contact information, services provided, available performances, and more for over 80 companies. Their functions can encompass the following:  touring company, puppetry center, resident puppetry theater, puppetry museum, workshops, classes, design, construction services, and other activities (including birthday parties, festivals, puppet slams, etc.).

Puppeteers of America, a national non-profit founded in 1937, provides information, encourages performances, and builds a community of people who love puppet theatre. Along with sharing the enchantment of puppetry with others who are enthusiastic about the art form, Puppeteers of America offers resources to working puppeteers that include information on educational opportunities, opportunities to perform, information on regional festivals, and more. They also publish Puppetry Journal. Their Bulletin Board forum is a great place to find out about work opportunities, puppets for sale, performances and more. Members can create new topics.

Chartered in 1974, the Atlanta Puppetry Guild is a part of the national Puppeteers of America organization. The guild is dedicated to bringing together artists, educators, librarians, hobbyists, professionals, and everyday people who share an interest in the art of puppetry. Current activities include potluck socials, field trips to view and discuss adult and family puppetry presentations, occasional workshops, and participation in both the World Day of Puppetry on March 21 and National Day of Puppetry in April.  

The Jim Henson Foundation offers a myriad of resources for aspiring and established puppeteers, including grants, awards, and Puppet Happenings, a frequently updated list of festivals, events and performances held both nationally and internationally.

Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog cut the ribbon to open the Center for Puppetry Arts 40 years ago. Today, the Hensons remain strong supporters of the Center. Learn more about the Jim Henson Company’s projects and Jim Henson’s legacy on the Jim Henson website.

The Puppetry Home Page is a free resource for the puppetry community and is dedicated to helping people connect with the world of puppetry. This site is the place to start for research or if you have a question about a specific puppet. Lists link to numerous other puppetry sites and resources.

BIMP is a branch of the Department of Dramatic Arts, School of Fine Arts, at the University of Connecticut. It was founded in 1987 to preserve the puppets built by students under the direction of Frank Ballard, a professor in the Department of Dramatic Arts. The Museum now includes puppets of all types from all corners of the world.

PUPTCRIT, a mailing list created in 1994, is an electronic forum for the discussion of the aesthetics, history, experience, theory and praxis of puppet theatre. Visit the PUPTCRIT website to learn more about the list, how to join and what to expect from their emails.