 Who says that art and business can't work together, The Puppet People have been doing it since 1994. Based in Schenectady, NY, this small local business has been delighting and inspiring audience for over 15 years. Founded by husband and wife team Mark Carrigan and Michelle Smith-Carrigan, they have brought their unique style of puppetry to schools, theaters, museums, libraries and festivals in NY, MA, CT, NJ, VT, RI and PA. The Puppet People are dedicated to inspiring imaginations and creativity, by introducing audiences to the ancient art of puppetry. Armed only with a degree in Theater from SUNY Albany and a degree in Sculpture from UMASS, Michelle and Mark have created a company that has become a beloved cultural staple in our community.  Though, The Puppet People are a "For Profit" company, they have never forgotten their goals and have always strived to bring excellence to their field. With the creation of shows such as The Bully Busters and The Last Dragon, they have been on the forefront of such critical issues as bully prevention and discrimination. In fact, Bully Busters has become the #1 bully prevention program in our local schools. Mark and Michelle work tirelessly to make sure all their productions are informative as well as entertaining. Designing, building, writing and developing 7 different shows, all created at their Schenectady workshop. Though some would scoff at basing a business strategy on "puppets", The Puppet People believe that even in this high tech day, puppetry still charms the young and old alike.  The past 2 years has been very exciting for Mark and Michelle. They have been contracted by the Moscow Ballet and also the Sonoma County Fair in CA. Both commissions called for the construction of puppets that will tour throughout the country. In January and September 2009, The Puppet People had the honor to have held workshops on puppetry at Union College. Another first for the puppetry duo was a week long contract at the Philadelphia Children's Theater in Philadelphia, PA in 2008, with a return engagement in December 2009.  Currently The Puppet People are gearing up for another full touring schedule. With family favorites such as A Christmas Carol, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, The Elephant Child and The Firebird, Mark and Michelle continue what they set out to do over 15 years ago, and that is, to entertain, delight and hopefully inspire.Upcoming Puppet People productions:
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