Nancy Smith
CEO/Artistic Director |
Nancy is a graduate of Arizona State University and Florida State
University. She is co-founder of the Great Arizona Puppet Theater and writes
and directs most of our shows and music. |
Ken Bonar
Puppet Designer |
Ken came to puppetry as a visual artist. He and Nancy co-founded Puppetpower in Florida in 1976 and
Great Arizona Puppets in 1983. |
Gwen Bonar
Assistant Artistic Director |
Born into puppetry, Gwen has been performing
since she was six. She has performed at three puppetry festivals and has
toured internationally. As lead puppeteer, Gwen takes pride in overseeing all puppet productions. |
Franc Gaxiola
Office Manager |
Franc is the Artistic Director for Soul Invictus Performance Space as well as the founder & director of The Sic Sense Sketch Comedy Troupe.
He has over 10 years experience in acting and directing with numerous theater companies around the valley. He also has numerous commercial, voiceover and film work to his credits. Most likely, if you call us, you’ll be talking with him. |
Lisa Haslbauer
Head Puppeteer | After studying for a Master's degree in the Puppet Arts program at the University of
Connecticut, Lisa began working at Great Arizona Puppet Theater in 1993. In 2010, Lisa moved to Seattle
where she worked as a puppeteer with Thistle Theater and the children's band The Bears Upstairs, as well as
helping to found and performing with the Fussy Cloud Puppet Slam. Lisa returned to Phoenix in 2012 and resumed
her role as Head Puppeteer. She's happy to be back with GAPT! |
Aubrey Watkins
Puppeteer | Aubrey Watkins has been a puppeteer for
almost two years. She began her training during a summer theatre camp internship. Aubrey graduated from
The University of Arizona with a BA in Theater Arts. She loves puppeteering and working with kids every day.
Aubrey also works around the valley as a freelance director and stage manager for youth theater programs. |
Glen Starrett
Webmaster |
Glen has
been our volunteer webmaster since June 2001. He has two young puppet fans
(also known as his daughters), ages 7 and 5. |
