Q: Where is Castle Creek, New York?

A: Just outside of Binghamton, about 3 hours from New York City.  Though we appreciate being able to perform near our home base, most of the time our appearances are far and wide.  Let's just say the puppets have logged a lot of miles.

Q: Do you make your own puppets?

A: Yes.  Most puppeteers do.  It's not a job requirement, but a person working in the field of puppetry gets the dual opportunity to express him or herself, not only as a performer on stage, but as a visual artist in the workshop.  For that matter, the play scripts and musical scores that accompany them are original too.

Q: What are the puppets made of?

A: There are no rules and regulations that determine how puppets should be made.  Unlike a violin or clarinet which conform to tried and true methods, puppets can be wildly experimental.  Most of Robert's puppets start out as sculpted clay, from which plaster molds are made.  Then they are cast in latex, painted with acrylics and decorated with all sorts of things - feathers, bangles, beads.  But many also have parts made of wood, metal, plastic, fabric...

Q: What is the difference between a puppet and a marionette?

A: There is really no difference.  Any inanimate object that is given the illusion of life is a puppet.  The word marionette is actually a French name for a puppet controlled by strings.  It refers to a character of centuries ago named "Little Mary."  Over time, the name has become a generic label.  But oddly enough, in some countries all puppets, no matter how they are "brought to life," are called marionettes, and in others they are all called puppets!

Q: How many puppets do you have?

A: After 30 years, the workshop is filled with trunks and trunks full of hundreds of puppets.  Most were created specifically for particular productions, some were made for special occasions, others are experimental prototypes.  Some are used quite often, others have been "retired."  But unlike people, they never age.  So, who knows when one might again be called upon to appear before an audience?

Q: What is your favorite puppet?

A: Puppets are creative wonders, but they are more like tools of the trade.  The answer to this question is: the one still being created, the latest project that represents a new artistic challenge.

Q: Do you enjoy your work?

A: Absolutely!