Since 1937 Puppeteers have proudly been members of this organization.  You could be too!

JOIN TODAY | RENEW NOW

Don’t want to do it online? No problem! Mail in your membership dues by downloading the membership form. There are many benefits that come with a membership to Puppeteers of America. As a member you will have access to:

PUBLICATIONS

Puppetry Journal

• The magazine of Puppeteers of America appears four times a year. Each issue contains photographs and articles covering all aspects of puppet theater. Entertaining and newsworthy articles about puppeteers, puppet theatres, exhibitions, touring companies, technical tips, new books, films, television, and puppet festivals, help to keep the membership informed.

Membership Directory

• The Membership Directory offers members’ contact information alphabetically, and is searchable right here on the web site.

INSURANCE

Liability Insurance

• Very often performers are required to carry liability insurance. Members may purchase a million dollars of liability coverage at a very nominal annual cost through the Puppeteers of America. This service is only for members of Puppeteers of America.
• Both members and non-members can purchase this insurance though the Puppeteers of America, however, members may enroll at a significant discount!
  Coverage is provided from October 6th through October 5th of each year. The annual premiums are as follows: Members $350.00; Non Members $600.00
  *All certificates of insurance are included in the above cost.

RESOURCES

Audiovisual Library

• Puppeteers of America Audiovisual Library was established as a resource center and archive for the recorded history of puppets. There are two archive collections, one at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, 1 Royce Circle, suite 101B University of Connecticut, Storrs CT 06268. The curator is John Bell. To view the collection contact program assistant, Emily Wicks. emily.wicks@uconn.edu
• The second collection is at the PofA office. You may request DVD’s on loan from the AV Library. To request a catalogue listing, contact the PofA office. The only requirement is that you pay for shipping both ways.

Puppetry Store

• Puppetry Store is available at all National festivals and some Regional festivals.  It is a great source for books, DVD’s, and instructional materials. Consigned goods are a great way to help pay for festival expenses as well as pick up incredible puppets and accessories.

PUPPETRY FESTIVALS

National & Regional Puppetry Festivals

• National Festivals, sponsored by the Puppeteers of America, are intensive, week-long conferences held every other year in a different region of the country.
• Regional Festivals conducted in alternate years are usually hosted by local Guilds and are of shorter duration. There may be several regional festivals happening around the country in any given year.
• Puppet theatre productions of many styles are performed by award winning artists and newly discovered talent. Late evening events provide a venue for anyone to show brief performance pieces. All are welcome.
• Festivals typically feature workshops on all aspects of puppetry, exhibits of contemporary and historic puppets, and a puppetry store.
• The highlight for many puppeteers is the opportunity to reunite with old friends, make new friends and network.
• Members of the Puppeteers of America enjoy a discounted registration to all puppetry festivals.

SCHOLARSHIPS & ENDOWMENT GRANTS

Scholarships

• The Puppeteers of America offers two scholarships that cover registration at National Puppetry Festivals to assist those members who might otherwise not be able to attend.
• The Emma Louise Warfield Memorial Fund provides assistance to adult members.
• The Mike & Frances Oznowicz Youth Scholarship was created to help our younger members to attend a festival.

The Rufus Rose Endowment for New Works

• The fund was established in 1975 to honor Rufus Rose and is available to all members. Members are eligible to apply for small project grants. Awards range from $100 – $1,000 and are made every two years at the National Festival.