Hi

I’m Ricki but you can call me Geppetto...I’m a puppeteer. When I tell people that I’m a puppeteer they have a hard time trying to wrap their minds around the statement, until I show them something wonderful. Then, as if by magic, my chosen profession makes perfect sense to them. Since my full time return to puppetry in 2000 I've performed thousands of street shows, produced a popular puppet TV show from 1999 to 2001 that ran on several Public Access/ college stations, and created/performed commissioned works for the stage, and film.

 On top of this I have spent hundreds of hours teaching free and paid workshops to both children and adults on puppet design/construction/performance. As well as creating an award winning workshop on designing puppets from recyclable and found items. I am currently working on my latest piece “A Night at Miss MiMi’s” an all puppet burlesque show which was funded by private contributors and a substantial grant from the Creative Capital Foundation.

With money from that Grant and Private contributions I've formed a non-profit puppet theater company  in Austin, TX.

My plan is to raise money through the grant process, sales of my work, live events, and of course, private contributions.  The company three major functions, first and foremost a commitment to exposing the community to the many different styles of puppet theater from it’s ancient beginning to the more contemporary styles of the 20^th century. Next, the center will provide a venue for new work from emerging puppeteers, touring acts, and offer artist residencies. And last, but certainly not least, Education.

The company's goal will be to offer theater internships, as well as all-ages workshops, puppet camps, and other theater courses such as music set design and dance for free for those who qualify or on a sliding scale to those who can afford it.  By doing this I feel that this wonderful art form will ensure that the next generation will have an appreciation of the role that the performing arts has in a modern society. And there you have it, the master plan. If this sounds like something you’d like to support or be a part of please feel free to contact me at admin@geppettodreams.com

 

Thank you for your time

Geppetto

 

 

 

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Mission Statement

The Geppetto Dreams Puppet Company’s mission is to integrate puppetry into the lives of the Austin community through art education, experimental opportunities for the public, and nurturing the creative process of other puppetry artists by giving them a venue to share their visions.

"Making the world a cooler place... one puppet at a time"

 

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