For several decades, Red Herring Puppets have been producing high quality, curriculum-based “edu-tainment” for young audiences and compelling theatre for adults. They have been featured at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, the Puppet Showplace in Brookline, Ma., the 1st International Puppet Fringe Festival in NYC, and several national and regional conferences for the Puppeteers of America.

Artistic Director, Lisa Sturz, has worked with Jim Henson Productions, Lucasfilm, Walt Disney Imagineering, the Field Museum, the Children’s Museum of Tucson, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and many more.

Her film and TV credits include: Murphy Brown, Puzzle Place, Elmo in Grouchland, Muppets from Space, Howard the Duck, the Flintstones, Ninja Turtles III, Roger Rabbit, Gremlins II, RoboCop II, and Batman Returns.

Lisa has earned a California Emmy, an UNIMA citation of Excellence (the highest honor in American puppetry), a 2021 Telly Award and First Place from the Religion Communications Council for her adult production of “My Grandfather’s Prayers”.

Adventures in Folklore

Enjoy multi-cultural tales hosted by Rowby, a friendly green alien who loves sharing stories he collects from Planet Earth. Each show includes four stories:

• Jack and the Beanstalk: a Celtic rendition, with music and narration by world-renowned harpist Robin Williamson

• Dogs and Masters: a romp through the parks of Paris with animated cut-outs and music

• Kamala's Drum: a Himalayan folk tale about the spirit of generosity

• The Three LIttle Pigs: a fast-pased, rap version of the popular tale

The Los Angeles Times described Adventures in Folklore as: "Full of charm and creative whimsy."

Aesop’s Fables

Winner of the UNIMA-USA Citation of Excellence!

Red Herring Puppets received puppetry’s highest honor for our original rhymed adaptation of the classic tales.

These timeless stories are simple to understand and address relevant topics including bullying, selfishness, competition, ingenuity, and the affirmation that little beings can achieve great things.

The show is designed primarily for pre-K through 5th grade and includes “The Lion and the Mouse,” “The Tortoise and the Hare,” “The Owl and the Grasshopper,” “The Fox and the Crow,” “The Crow and the Pitcher,” and “The Stork and the Fox.”

The Barking Mouse and the Blue Frog

El Ratón que Ladra y La Rana Azul

Red Herring Puppets presents a charming bilingual musical production for the whole family! It’s a puppet double feature!

“The Barking Mouse” wittily champions the value of learning a second language. “The Blue Frog” is the Mayan version of the Legend of Chocolate

“El Ratón que Ladra” defiende con humor el valor de aprender un segundo idioma. “La Rana Azul” es la versión Maya de la Leyenda del Chocolate.

This bilingual production features original music by Diana Olivares and Salma Diaz from Las Azaleas and design elements by Ignacio Garcia, Isabel Wadleigh and Lisa Sturz.

Hansel & Gretel

This popular fairytale of empowerment, determination, and triumph is brought to life with traditional marionettes and classical music. Hansel and Gretel get lost in the forbidden forest while looking for food. They give in to the temptation of an enchanted candy house and find themselves trapped by an evil witch. They must use their wits if they are to escape her supernatural powers and be happily reunited with their family!

Little One-Inch

Little One-Inch is a popular Japanese story in the same vein as the English Tom Thumb and the Danish Thumbelina.

Little One-Inch tells the tale of a tiny child who, despite his size, possesses enormous intelligence, bravery, and heart. The life and adventures of Little One-Inch are full of magic, love, and the conviction that a little person can achieve great things.

This solo tour-de-force is performed by Red Herring Puppets’ Artistic Director Lisa Sturz, She has over forty years of experience in film, theatre, educational settings, and special events. Lisa has worked with Jim Henson Productions, Walt Disney Imagineering, Lucasfilm, NBC, PBS, Lyric Opera of Chicago and many more. Her production of Aesop’s Fables earned an UNIMA citation – the highest honor in American puppetry.

The Ugly Duckling

Red Herring Puppets has created an original musical version of the classic folktale!

A duckling is born who looks different than its siblings, and is deemed “ugly” as a result. The duckling is treated cruelly, and endures loneliness and hardship as it navigates the world. As this classic tale reminds us, though, real ugliness is not the duckling’s appearance, but in the mean and prejudiced behavior of others. His inner sweetness and determination are encouraged by an old woman, a cat, and a hen who help discover his true self.

Join us for this lively musical puppet journey in which an “ugly duckling”  finds the place where he belongs!