On behalf of UNIMA-USA, we lengthen our warmest congratulations to Dr. John Bell on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the College of Connecticut. This honor is a testomony to his exceptional contributions as a scholar, artist, and mentor within the subject of puppetry. John’s dedication has not solely superior educational examine however has additionally enriched the worldwide puppetry group. We have a good time this recognition of his lifelong influence.
John is a puppeteer and theater historian who started working in puppetry with Bread and Puppet Theater within the Nineteen Seventies, persevering with as an organization member for greater than a decade. He went on to review theater historical past at Columbia College and has since taught at New York College, Rhode Island Faculty of Design, Emerson School, and the College of Connecticut, the place he now serves as Affiliate Professor of Dramatic Arts and Director of the Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry.
As Director, John has made the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry a novel useful resource for understanding the previous, current, and way forward for puppets and materials efficiency. As a part of the College of Connecticut’s Faculty of Tremendous Arts, the Institute enhances UConn’s world-renowned Puppet Arts Program in constructing and sharing information about puppetry. The Institute presents exhibitions, performances, workshops, boards, and on-line sources that spotlight puppetry across the globe. With a group of greater than 3,000 puppets and intensive archival holdings, it stands as one of the crucial necessary facilities for scholarship, creativity, and public engagement within the subject.
Past his management at UConn, John is a founding member of the theater firm Nice Small Works, famend for its progressive productions that draw on well-liked theater varieties to handle up to date social points. He’s additionally the writer of many books and articles about puppetry, together with “Puppets, Masks, and Performing Objects,” “Strings, Fingers, Shadows: A Trendy Puppet Historical past,” and “ American Puppet Modernism.” Alongside his spouse, Trudi Cohen, additionally a puppeteer and member of Nice Small Works, John has made immeasurable contributions to the vitality of the sphere — together with their long-standing service to UNIMA-USA.
John can be a longtime member of UNIMA-USA and has performed a useful half in our group for many years. For greater than 30 years, he has been a devoted contributor to Puppetry Worldwide, enriching the journal with perception and information. He has served as a Board Member, Councilor, and, along with Trudi, as an lively and dedicated member of our group. His devotion to advancing puppetry each nationally and internationally displays the best beliefs of UNIMA.
For his artistry, information, creativity, and lifelong service to the puppetry group, we honor Professor John Bell with gratitude and admiration. We look ahead to his persevering with inspiration within the years forward.
