Touring & Teaching Artist
Sarah Nolen became Puppet Showplace Theater's third-ever resident artist in September 2017. As the Resident Artist, Sarah develops puppet shows and stays busy teaching puppetry workshops to all ages from pre-k to adult! She consults on puppetry projects for theaters and cultural institutions; runs the theater's "Hatchery" program for new works development; and co-hosts a monthly “Gym Jam” for anyone interested in honing their TV puppetry skills.
Touring Shows
Below are the solo and group shows Sarah has available for touring through Puppet Showplace Theater. While she’s based in the Boston area, Sarah travels all around New England, and beyond!
Judy Saves the Day!
After being pushed around for over 400 years, the famous hand puppet heroine Judy, has had enough! Cheer for her as she goes on a quest for respect, justice, and a well-deserved nap. This modern interpretation of the traditional "Punch and Judy" show is a hilarious, timely, hand-crafted farce that the whole family will enjoy!“Judy Saves the Day” is available for both indoor and outdoor performances!
Recommended for all ages 4 and up. Hand Puppets. Length: 45 minutes.
Lisa the Wise
When Lisa, a brave young girl with a heart of gold, meets Baba Yaga, the most famous witch in the woods, an epic battle of wits ensues. Dancing houses, enchanted dolls, and hilarious "ghost servants" bring this classic Russian fairy tale to life with a contemporary twist. Imaginative shadow puppetry lights the way in this hilariously spooky story about the experiences that make us wise.
Recommended for ages 4 and up. Shadow puppets. Length: 40 minutes.
The Fairy Tailor
Magical beings are known for their great sense of fashion. But who stitches together all of their stories? Meet the Fairy Tailor, hard at work in her enchanted shop. Watch as everyday garments become extraordinary characters, and share stories of bravery, from “Little Red Riding Hood(ie),” to “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” With the audience’s help, the Fairy Tailor summons the courage to take a stand against a giant, crafting a solution that combines cleverness with creativity. This colorful, interactive production is guaranteed to inspire audiences of all ages.
Recommended for all ages 4 and up. Length: 50 minutes.
Company Touring Shows
Word Play
"Word Play" uses clowning and puppetry to take audiences on an adventure through the alphabet. Words come to life in the hands of two skilled performers, who clown around with sounds and letters to create dozens of interactive characters and imaginative scenes. Audiences can make friends with vowels, teach tricks to a “C-A-T” and “D-O-G,” and visit a whole ZOO full of surprises. It’s the perfect blend of education and entertainment—a play on words, literally!
Recommended for ages 3 and up. Length: 45 minutes. Also available in shorter versions and with live music.
My Night in the Planetarium
Best-selling author Innosanto Nagara’s true story of artistic resistance comes to life as a dynamic pop-up puppet show. Created and performed by Inno’s friend and fellow artist/activist, Tanya Nixon-Silberg, the piece transports audiences to Jakarta in the 1970s, where young Inno learns firsthand how a play has political power. The piece, designed by puppeteer Sarah Nolen, is brought to life with a rich soundscape, visual transformations, and kid-centered lessons about social justice.
by Tanya Nixon-Silberg, Wee The People
based on the book by Innosanto Nagara
production design by Sarah Nolen
Recommended for everyone 5 and up. Performed by Tanya Nixon-Silberg of Wee the People. Sarah Nolen tours with this show as technical director.
Teaching Puppetry to All Ages
Sarah is available to teach puppetry workshops and consult on puppetry projects.
Puppets for Kids!
Workshops in Glove Puppetry, Shadow Puppetry, Object Puppetry, and so much more! Includes extended residencies, school visits, or shorter craft-type workshops for any event.
Adult Classes & Workshops
Residencies, Workshops, and Professional Development in all areas of Puppetry!
Introduction to Puppetry (Building & Performance)
Puppet Improvisation 101
Shadow Production Lab
Micro-Theater Production
The Paper Shaper Workshop
TV / Monitor Puppetry Performance & Building
Puppet Consulting
Available for short or long-term consulting on any size puppetry project. Includes building, performance, or even a day with your Avenue Q cast!
The Hatchery
Monthly Drop-In Night at Puppet Showplace Theater for professional, amateur, and aspiring artists. Join fellow puppeteers, crafters, and interdisciplinary theater makers to share works-in-progress, brainstorm ideas, rehearse scenes, or build characters somewhere other than your bedroom floor or kitchen table. A great spot for puppet class alumni, aspiring slam performers, or anyone who is puppet-curious.
Gym Jam
Gym Jam is a monthly TV puppetry workout night led by experienced on-camera performers and “personal trainers” Jon Little, Harry LaCoste, and Sarah Nolen. Once a month we gather for a 2-hour workout, usually on a Saturday from 6-8pm. Bring your own puppet, or use one of ours!