Puppetmongers Theatre

Overview

Puppetmongers Theatre is a Canadian nonprofit organization registered with the Canada Revenue Agency under the business number 104347042RR0001. Established in 1974 by Ann Powell and David Powell, it is renowned for advancing the art of puppetry as a form of theatre.

History and Activities

Initially, Puppetmongers extensively toured North America and internationally, including Europe and Iran, with family-friendly shows. From 1990 onwards, they focused on more theatrical and adult-oriented productions, often collaborating with other artists. Notable collaborations include work with composer R. Murray Schafer and productions like Charles Dickens’s Hard Times.

Education and Community Engagement

In 1996, Puppetmongers founded The School of Puppetry, offering courses for adults. This educational initiative is now integrated into Humber College's Puppet Intensive Program, furthering their mission to disseminate their vision and foster puppetry as a significant theatrical art form.

Mission

Puppetmongers aim to explore and innovate puppetry's theatrical possibilities, pushing the boundaries of what puppetry can achieve in theatre. They define puppetry broadly, encompassing not just traditional puppets but also any objects manipulated for theatrical purposes.

Fresh Ideas in Puppetry Festival

The organization hosts the annual "Fresh Ideas in Puppetry" conference and festival, which showcases groundbreaking innovations in puppetry. The event features presentations, demonstrations, discussions, and a final evening cabaret of new performances. This platform serves as a key gathering place for artists and enthusiasts exploring the cutting edge of puppetry.

Grants and Support

Puppetmongers is accredited as a Recommending Company for the Ontario Arts Council's Theatre Creators Grants. They support the development of puppetry projects, focusing on integrating puppetry into theatre, creating new forms of puppetry, and nurturing professional and culturally diverse artists. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $3,000 and are designed to aid artists in the early stages of creative development.