Elizabeth Dapo Resigns as Artistic Director of The Puppet Co. After 4 Years

Elizabeth Dapo

Puppeteer Elizabeth Dapo has departed the Puppet Co. after four years as Artistic Director. Elizabeth “Liz” Dapo produced 25 shows, including bringing in two guest artists’ shows to the Puppet Co. Playhouse at Glen Echo Park. One of the Puppet Co.’s fan-favorite productions is Dapo’s original script/concept, Witch Wartsmith’s Halloween Spooktacular. “Seeing the audience's reactions was my favorite part of the ‘Spooktacular.’ At every show, patrons were blown away,” said Board President Kenzy Hinkel.

Dapo served as Artistic Director through the transitions of the founders’ retirement and the Covid-19 pandemic. Her leadership, creativity, and dedication to puppetry arts fostered a community of dedicated artists, and her work brought joy, magic, and wonder to audiences at Glen Echo Park. Her hand-crafted original puppets and sets for the premiere productions of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins and The Fantastic Tale of Rumpelstiltskin delighted theater patrons of all ages. Dapo’s original adaptation of Alice in Wonderland is currently running through May 19.

“Elizabeth helped transform the culture at the Puppet Co. to a place where artists can share ideas and have creative input,” said Isabel Dawson, Puppet Co. Executive Director. “We are so grateful for all of her tireless work, creativity, and leadership. We look forward to seeing her continued work with puppet and property creation and on future television and film projects.” The public can hear Dapo’s voice work and see her puppet fabrication skills on Albie’s Elevator on PBS.

For the remainder of the season, the Puppet Co. will collaborate with guest directors as originally scheduled. The Puppet Co. is developing a plan for future artistic leadership. Upcoming productions include Pinocchio, directed by Ingrid Bork; The Wizard of Oz, directed by Mollie Greenberg; and Dinosaur Babies, presented by DinoRock.