Nappy's Puppets

Nappy's Puppets: Shadow shows for young and old....

For thousands of years, man has manipulated puppets for a variety of reasons: religion, education, and entertainment. One of the oldest and most wonderful forms of puppetry is shadow puppetry.

Jim Napolitano offers a variety of educational and entertainment possibilities; private parties, school assemblies, workshops, fund raisers and professional development days.

Jim Napolitano is a native of Milford, Connecticut, and a graduate of the University of Connecticut's Puppet Arts Program. After completion of his degree, Jim worked with Bits and Pieces Puppet Theater. He performed around the country and around the world, including The National Culture Center in Japan and The National Theater in Taiwan.

Jim is now working as a freelance artist and performer. Jim's work can be seen on the PBS show, Between The Lions. Other television credits include The Book Of Pooh, The Weinerville Chanukah Special, A Show of Hands and Stick Stickly . Jim has also worked on programs for Scholastic Home Video and HBO Pictures.

Jim's teaching experience includes five years as Performing Arts Counselor at St. James Summer Camp, four years at Saturday Academy teaching puppetry to middle school students, and creating professional development workshops for the Milford school system. In addition Jim has led workshops at the New Victory Theater in New York City and taught Adult Education for the Milford Continuing Education Program.

Nappy's Puppets is dedicated to presenting quality puppet theater to audiences of all ages. The goal of each performances is to entertain, inspire and educate the audience on the range and scope of puppetry as an art form.


"Jim is a master artist and educator whose knowledge and dedication to his craft is infectious. His teaching style is friendly, energetic, and accessible... And a lot of fun!"
The New Victory Theater Education Department

"Jim is probably one of the most genuine, relaxed, funny and generous performers around. No one goes away disappointed. Happily, Jim has a good time too."
Fred Thompson, Connecticut Guild of Puppetry

"It is a wonderful experience to watch a former student develop a professional career with depth and breadth and the respect of his peers. Jim has grown to become a resource to the Puppet Arts Program."
Bart Roccoberton, Professor of Puppet Arts
University of Connecticut


"Jim takes an ancient and extremely challenging form of puppetry and comes up with shows that are hysterically funny and amazingly skillful. It is rare to see this style of theater done so well."
Crabgrass Puppet Theater


"Jim was swamped with accolades from kids and parents after the show. He was professional, easy to work with and a real joy. I could promote this show as an "all Ages" event and really mean it."
Suzane Thomas, Milford Public Library

Anniversaries, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Restaurants, Reunions, Sweet 16 Parties, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

• The whole audience, young and old, were laughing the whole time. Many parents come to me after the performance to tell me how much they enjoyed Nappy and his shadow puppets. I am so glad that we found him through gigmaster. Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!! -- Frances G, Worcester, MA, 11/6/2011
• The kids were so excited, they all interacted with him and enjoyed the show. The kids could not get enough of his puppet show. We would love to hire him again. Thanks for sending him our way. -- Estela K, Northford, CT, 2/11/2012
• Excellent show! Everyone enjoyed the performance - we were extremely pleased. I would definitely recommend this performer. -- Sharon C, Farmington, CT, 3/31/2012

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