Courttesy of the International Puppet Festival
Puppetry is the epitome of a hands-on art form. Nonetheless, thanks to the pandemic, Pittsburgh’s newest puppet showcase is virtual, which is a big reason it s able to include performers from around the world. International Puppet Festival: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., Dec. 12
The International Puppet Festival takes place Saturday, with 32 performers contributing to separate programs for adults, children and all ages.
The festival grew out of the 2020 Virtual Puppet Residency run by Pittsburgh-based artist, educator and puppeteer Tom Sarver. The residency, backed by Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media and Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, gave about 50 artists on several continents, from beginners to veterans, the chance to hone their skills and develop new work.