FERRUM, VA, September 22, 2025 – Ferrum College will present Pet-a-Puppet on Wednesday, September 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. outside Schoolfield Hall (weather permitting) as part of its weekly Inquiring Minds program. Faculty and students from the Music and Theatre program will showcase puppets made at the College alongside examples from different cultures. Members of the campus community and the public are welcome to attend.
Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts Rebecca Crocker, along with students and volunteers, designed and constructed over thirty puppets for the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre’s productions of the musical Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas in 2023 and 2024. Troy Smith ‘25, who worked closely with Crocker on making and refurbishing puppets for both productions, said, “It’s been a lot of fun working on the puppets.” They were inspired by, but not direct imitations of puppets created by Jim Henson for the television adaptation of the same story in 1971 (based on a picture book by Russell and Lillian Hoban) and his other productions.
Crocker also developed a course called Puppetry and Oral Interpretation that she taught last spring, and she collects puppets from different parts of the world. Puppets made and collected at the College vary widely in size and include many different kinds, such as hand puppets, marionettes, and sock puppets. Upcoming opportunities to build and perform puppets will be discussed at the Pet-a-Puppet event.
“At Ferrum College, we believe the arts are a powerful way to bring people together, spark creativity, and celebrate culture,” said President Mirta Martin. “The Pet-a-Puppet program not only showcases the talent of our students and faculty; it also opens the door for our community to engage with the joy and artistry of puppetry. We look forward to welcoming home to Ferrum College friends and neighbors for this unique and playful experience.”
Hosted by Stanley Library, the Inquiring Minds series offers lively, informal presentations and activities on a wide range of topics. Programs take place most Wednesdays throughout the academic year during the campus community hour.
Photograph courtesy of Dr. Bob Pohlad
Auditions for the restaging of Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas in December 2025 are also scheduled on September 24, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Rex Stephenson Theatre, on the first floor of Schoolfield Hall. Faculty, students, staff, and community members are encouraged to audition for roles in the cast or crew. For details about auditions and ticket reservations, see https://www.ferrum.edu/theatre-tickets/.
Click here for more photos of puppets on campus.
Click here for Cardinal News article by Lindsey Hull on making of the puppets and 2023 production of Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas.
Click here for Iron Blade article about 2024 production.
Click here for Iron Blade article about preparations for 2023 production.
