Monkeybear's Harmolodic Workshop

Monkeybear’s Harmolodic Workshop supports Native, Black, IPOC in developing creative and technical skills in contemporary puppetry. 

We’re especially proud of our artist-centric approach: artists don’t have to write applications or get chosen by panelists to receive support. Any Native, Black, IPOC can participate in our free weeklong Performance Intensive. Anyone that completes it can be in New Puppetworks, our mentorship program to create short puppet theater pieces. We have been operating in this radically welcoming way since our inception and have seen how empowering it is for artists.

Scroll down to the gallery to check out what we've been up to!

Puppetry has been practiced around the world since ancient times, but in the United States, the contemporary field is largely white, reflected in puppet theaters/companies: staff, board, performers and audience. It’s hard to have a point of entry when you don’t see yourself reflected. Founded in 2016, our goal is to empower Native, Black, IPOC artists to create contemporary puppet theater and develop artistry in areas of visual, narrative and performance technique. 

Monkeybear is building an ever-growing community of artists who explore, collaborate and support each other as they dive into this powerful form of visual storytelling!