Join in the fun on Tuesday, September 29th from 7:00 pm-9:00pm.
We meet at Artspace, located at 2833 Hathaway Road, Richmond, VA 23225
(Lots of free parking!)

 

Join us for the first, real, and local Puppet-Athlon!
What is a Puppet -Athlon? It's a fun and exciting Puppet sporting event. Think Ninja Warriors, but with fully jointed table top puppets operated by a team of three.  And you can be the contestants!

Puppet-Athlon puppets will be supplied by Mary Nagler. The first hour will be a training session to get your athlete in shape. Each team will choose a name, attributes and a small back story that will introduce their athlete to the cheering crowd. 

The second hour we will unveil the obstacle course and have the teams run the timed course. The teams are judged on a 1-5 scale for the following:

• Speed in completing the course.

• Creativity in the execution

• Showmanship and entertainment value

• Staying in character

• Showing the (required!) injury element

 

Prizes will be awarded!

Puppet-Athlon was conceived in Oregon by Cheri Panek with Many Nagler, who helped with the building of the athletes. It was first performed at Dragon -Con, then at the regional festival in Seattle , WA. Several guilds in CA picked it up and held a workshop to make their own athletes! Last time was in Ithaca at a Regional puppet Festival.

Enthusiasm for the competition is on the rise!

We are hoping to have a Puppet - Athlon at the National Festival in 2027, and plans are afoot. Perhaps you can represent VA at the next big National competition!
Here is a review penned by the then president of the San Francisco Bay Area Puppet Guild after a Puppet – Athlon was performed at their anniversary Holiday party!

“Perhaps the most entertaining segment of the party was the "Puppet - Athlon," a creative competition that put puppeteers' skills to the test. Three teams of volunteer puppeteers maneuvered Bunraku-style puppets through an obstacle course inspired by the popular TV show "American Ninja Warrior." This whimsical challenge not only showcased the puppeteers' dexterity and teamwork but also provided plenty of laughs for spectators. True to the guild's inclusive spirit, all participants were celebrated as winners, emphasizing the joy of participation over competition.”

Talib Huff, Tinker’s Coin Productions                                                                                       Jan 28, 2025
President, San Francisco Bay Area Puppeteers Guild

Not feeling very athletic? No worries! We need spectators, judges, and a few people to man the course when it is in play. Come on out for a fun evening and to cheer on your team!!

Any questions contact Mary Nagler mary.nagler@gmail.com  (707) 303 0093.​​​