A Century of California Puppetry: How the West was Strung

From before statehood California has boasted a continual succession of creative puppeteers. From rustic performances during the Gold Rush to large touring companies playing in vaudeville houses to smaller troupes during the depression to artists specializing in film and television to childrens theme parks with permanent puppet theaters and to todays multi-talented artists the puppeteers have inspired each other refining skills mastering new materials and incorporating technological advancements into their work. More than 180 biographies of theatrical performers film and television artists and technical innovators illustrate the states rich heritage and unique creativity in this ancient art