Strings of Inspiration: My Night at Puppets in Prague’s New Year Puppet Party
An Hour of Creativity, Connection, and Puppetry Magic
On the 3rd of January, 2025, I found myself immersed in something truly special: the Puppets in Prague New Year Puppet Party Online. This free, hour-long event wasn’t just a celebration of puppetry—it was a celebration of creativity, connection, and passion shared across the globe.
As someone who has always admired the artistry of puppetry, this was a chance to see what’s possible when tradition meets innovation. From intricately designed automata to enchanting marionettes, the evening offered a feast for the imagination.
A Celebration of Talent
The heart of the evening was the incredible showcase of work by Puppets in Prague students and alumni. Each presentation was a testament to the craft, and every artist brought something unique:
Chelsey Cannon’s automata: Imagine hands that appeared to float, delicately playing an invisible piano. It was all 3D-printed, yet it felt alive, almost breathing with elegance.
Adriana Hollenbeck (Brazil/USA): Her marionettes and automata, designed for very young children, were as imaginative as they were inspiring. The thoughtfulness in her work sparked ideas about how puppetry can be a tool for early learning and play.
Cara Jay Hayman: Her automata pieces were simply stunning—a mesmerising interplay of mechanics and art.
Susie Boeselt (Australia): Sharing an excerpt from The Goblin Fair, created during the 2024 Miniature Marionette Workshop, Susie’s boundless energy and passion were contagious, even through the screen.
Jackie Penrod (USA): Her piece, Cotton Dragon, beautifully explored the history of the cotton trade, blending storytelling with intricate craftsmanship.
The Spirit of Puppets in Prague
What stood out to me most was the warm, open nature of the Puppets in Prague community. Even after the event ended, the organisers stayed online to chat with participants, answering questions and creating an environment where everyone felt welcome. It was clear that this wasn’t just about puppets—it was about people coming together to share their love for an art form that transcends borders.
Exciting New Announcements
The team also used the event to unveil exciting projects for 2025, including:
A newly published book for puppetry enthusiasts.
Online articles and recipes, such as guides for creating family puppet theatres.
Scholarships for three lucky students in 2024, thanks to generous donor support.
But what really caught my attention was their Mastering the Marionette course.
Led by Czech puppet expert Mirek Trejtnar, this course dives deep into the art of creating professional-quality marionettes. Drawing from the centuries-old tradition of Czech puppetry, you’ll learn to design and carve marionettes with exceptional craftsmanship, all while exploring the storytelling techniques that bring them to life on stage.
The best part? The first film in the course is free to download, and there’s already a teaser available here:
This isn’t about making a marionette to hang on a wall—it’s about creating a puppet that feels alive, ready to tell a story on stage. I can’t wait to dive in myself and see what this course has to offer!
Why I’m Excited for More
I came away from the evening not only inspired but eager to get more involved. Puppets in Prague is just one of many incredible organisations working to keep puppetry alive and evolving. I highly recommend connecting with them, checking out their workshops, and exploring what they’re up to.
There’s something magical about puppetry—it’s tactile, tangible, and endlessly creative. After this event, I’m already looking forward to diving deeper into this world, learning more, and seeing what new ideas and collaborations 2025 will bring.
Whether you’re a lifelong puppetry fan or just curious about what’s possible with a bit of string and imagination, Puppets in Prague is a great place to start.