HOBT 2019 Programming Announcement

Two former HOBT programs will now continue independently of the organization. During this period of organizational transition, HOBT is not able to continue hosting these programs, but the important work will continue under the same program leadership.

Alison Heimstead, Creator and Director of the Puppet Lab Program, will continue to lead Puppet Lab as an independent program separate from HOBT. HOBT sees the importance of Alison's work through Puppet Lab, and supports her in this transition. The 2019-2020 season of Puppet Lab will culminate in performances at Open Eye Figure Theatre in January 2020. If you are interested please watch their website for more details - http://www.openeyetheatre.org

Bart Buch, longtime HOBT Education Director and Creator of The Phillips Project, will continue the work of The Phillips Project as an independent program separate from HOBT. The Phillips Project is a partnership of Little Earth, Collaborative Village Initiative, Waite House and community artists providing year-round arts experiences to neighborhood youth. In the fall of 2018, HOBT lost funding to continue The Phillips Project. We are glad Bart and the community partners are continuing this important work with youth in the Phillips neighborhoods. Bart will begin a new phase of exploring with partner organizations, artists, youth, and their families to evolve the work and learn more about ways programming can best serve neighborhood youth. For more information, contact Bart Buch at [email protected].

Though Puppet Lab and The Phillips Project are no longer programs of HOBT, we are deeply committed to continuing to use the art of puppet and mask performance for the common good. We continue to work in community-based residencies where through the exploration of sculpture, visual art, movement, expression, music, and storytelling, participants gain a deeper understanding of empathy, collaboration, and content. For more information on HOBT’s work in the community email HOBT General Manager Naomi Campion at [email protected] 

Throughout the summer we have engaged one on one and with groups of artists to imagine and discern a future MayDay that is resilient, equitable, and decentralized. We look forward to sharing more about this process at our Public Meeting September 11th, 6pm - 8:30pm at HOBT. 

HOBT will continue to support artists through their ongoing artistic development and work with communities to design and deliver impactful puppetry experiences. If you have any questions, please feel free to be in touch with HOBT Executive Director Corrie Zoll at [email protected].