At Puppet Showplace Theater, we believe that it is vital for all children — and grown-ups! — to have access to the arts, especially art made by artists that look like them. However, systemic issues, including a racial wealth gap, historically unwelcoming spaces, and limited funding for puppeteers in general, have limited opportunities for Black puppeteers in America. Puppet Showplace’s Creative Residency for Black Puppeteers is one step towards changing this — and it is the only program of its kind in the United States.
Now in its 5th year, Puppet Showplace’s Creative Residency for Black Puppeteers has invested in 20 Black artists since 2020 by supporting creative research at the earliest stage of production development. In the 2025 Creative Residency, each artist will receive a $1,000 grant and meet virtually with their cohort and program mentor, attend skill-building seminars, receive individual support and guidance, and build a community centered on sharing works-in-progress.
The 2025 Creative Residency will welcome a cohort of 5 artists, who will be supported by Program Mentor Charlotte Lily Gaspard of Midnight Radio Show and Community Curator Tanya Nixon-Silberg of Little Uprisings. The Creative Residency seeks to diversify representation on our stage and in our field by welcoming Black artists from across the country.
"I am so happy to have the opportunity to continue to be a part of this intentional space for Black puppeteers.. Being able to help shepherd the new narratives — for us and by us — through puppetry, is truly exciting."
— Tanya Nixon-Silberg, Community Curator
Help us spread the word! Please forward this to an artist who would benefit from community, mentorship, and funding for their vision.
Donate to support Black puppeteers
Your gift of $1,000 covers one artist’s grant in full.
Your gift of $250 sponsors one of the six monthly cohort meetings.
Your gift of $125 underwrites a co-working session in which artists can mutually support each other through the highs and lows of the creative process.
Your gift of any amount invests in Black artists, and gives audiences the opportunity to see a diverse world depicted on stage.
Give today to help create a future where puppetry arts — at Puppet Showplace and beyond — reflect the rich diversity of our city, our country, and our world!
