SUMMERTIME SATURDAY PUPPET SHOWS

July 12, July 26, & August 2, 2025

Co-sponsored by the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry and the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, the Summertime Saturday Puppet Shows bring free, family-friendly puppetry to Betsy Paterson Square. Performances take place at 11:00 AM.

Reservations are not required. Chairs will not be provided, and audience members are encouraged to bring their own blankets and seating. Seating space will be first come, first served. In case of rain, the shows will take place in the Ballard Institute Theater at 1 Royce Circle in Downtown Storrs.

The Summertime Saturday Puppet Show Series is co-sponsored by the Mansfield Downtown Partnership and supported by a generous gift from Phillip Mairorana in memory of his wife Theresa Mairorana and donations by Ballard Institute supporters to UConn Gives.

  • In this fun-filled production created and performed by UConn Puppet Arts alum Anthony Sellitto-Budney, join Hour the Clown, who carries their life on their back but keeps encountering hilarious problems and mishaps. Enjoy a variety of stunts, tricks, juggling, and puppetry in this funny, nonverbal, and interactive clown show. Recommended for all ages. Read more here.

 

  • WonderSpark company member (and UConn Puppet Arts program alumna) Julia Darden presents the classic story of a Hen who needs YOUR help to make some bread. The Little Red Hen is an interactive tabletop puppet show that gets kids moving their bodies, calling out and laughing. Every animal on the farm wants to eat the Hen’s bread, but no one wants to help make it. The audience learns the benefits of helping and teamwork while exercising and singing along! Read more here.

 

  • It’s the aquarium that comes to you! As part of this musical puppet show the audience will meet a bevy of creatures that live in the sea, including a walrus, a seahorse, a giant beluga whale, a horseshoe crab, and many more. The show features whimsical songs by acclaimed children’s musician Brent Holmes. Read more here.

 

LOCATION

Betsy Paterson Square

2 Dog Lane, Storrs, CT 06268

Click here for public transportation information.

PARKING

Parking is available in the Downtown Storrs Parking Garage (33 Royce Circle), which is FREE for your first two hours and just $1/hour thereafter

WEATHER

In the case of inclement weather, the performances will take place indoors at the Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry (1 Royce Circle)