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PUPPET OF THE YEAR
Thomas Tavarez
2024 Puppet of the Year
by Roberto Ferreira​
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Anyone who has spent time around Thomas Tavarez knows that the most captivating part of his personality is his unapologetic self-centeredness. Yes, in his own words, he's "the center of the puppet universe." So, it’s no surprise that when he requested we create the 2024 Puppet of the Year Award, he fully intended to give it to himself.
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But how can you not love him? He has a way of tapping into that part of us that whispers in the back of our minds: "It's all about me, me, and meee!" And somehow, we can't help but laugh and admire him for it.
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When I asked Thomas about his plans for the future, he shared that he's working on launching a new Puppetry Plus News Channel on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. This platform will give both members of the puppetry community and puppet enthusiasts a chance to hear from the shining star himself as he discusses his favorite subject—himself.
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Get ready for many adventures, plenty of laughter, and an endless stream of Thomas's sparkling wit. It’s sure to be an entertaining ride!
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Stay Connected and Get Involved in the Puppet of the Year Award
Follow Puppetry Plus on social media or join one of our classes to get inspired and participate in next year’s Puppet of the Year Award! Whether you're an aspiring puppeteer or an experienced creator, staying engaged with us can help you elevate your craft and give you the opportunity to be part of this exciting annual celebration of puppetry excellence.
The Puppet of the Year Award is a prestigious honor given to the most outstanding and innovative puppets created in a given year. This award recognizes excellence in puppet design, craftsmanship, and performance, celebrating puppets that have made a significant impact in the world of entertainment, film, television, theater, or other creative mediums.
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The award is typically judged based on several criteria:
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Design & Craftsmanship: The overall aesthetic quality and creativity of the puppet’s design, including materials, detailing, and artistic vision.
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Performance Potential: How well the puppet works within its intended context, considering its functionality, expressiveness, and ability to bring a character to life.
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Innovation: The use of new techniques, technology, or unique approaches in the creation or manipulation of the puppet.
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Cultural Impact: The puppet’s influence on audiences, whether through emotional connection, humor, or its contribution to the art form.​
The Puppet of the Year Award celebrates both traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge advancements in the field, and it is often given by industry organizations, festivals, or puppet advocacy groups. It highlights the skill and creativity of puppet builders and performers, as well as the ongoing evolution of puppetry as an art form.
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Recipients of this award can range from iconic characters used in major productions to lesser-known but exceptionally well-crafted puppets that have captured the public's imagination. Whether handmade or technologically enhanced, the award showcases the magic that puppetry brings to storytelling.
