Judy Saves the Day
A hilarious, hand-crafted farce inspired by the tradition of Punch and Judy puppet shows!
Artist: Sarah Nolen of Puppet Motion, Resident Artist of Puppet Showplace
Length: 45 - 50 minutes; or the show can be shortened to between 20 to 40 minutes
Age Group: 4 - 10
Puppetry Styles: Hand Puppets
Curriculum Connections: Courage, humor, standing up to bullies
This show can be performed indoors or outside.
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After being pushed around for over 400 years, the famous hand puppet heroine Judy has had enough! Cheer her on as she goes on a quest for respect, justice, and a well-deserved nap. This modern interpretation of the traditional "Punch and Judy" show is a hilarious, timely, hand-crafted farce that the whole family will enjoy!
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Space Requirements
Minimum space dimensions of stage area (not including audience seating)
Width: 6’ • Depth: 6’ • Height: 7.5’
The performer requires a nearby bathroom or dressing space to change into costume. If the stage is not ready when we arrive, we may not be able to begin the performance on time. This show can also be performed at outdoor venues. Please let the performer know if there has been a recent rain day, there are some precautions for the show against mud.
Lighting and Sound
This show travels with its own PA system and wireless microphone. “Judy Saves the Day” can be performed without electricity (outdoor venue, backyard, etc.), but if a standard electric outlet is available that is helpful. It can be performed in standard room lighting.
Running Time
Full show running time varies between 45 and 50 minutes. The show can be shortened to between 20 to 40 minutes to accommodate a limited time window. At your request, we can offer an additional meet and greet with photo opportunities after the show at no additional charge.
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Arrival & Setup
The performer will arrive 1.5 hours before the scheduled show time. If load-in is more than 100 yards from car to stage, above the ground floor, or involves any other complication, please inform us ahead of time so that we can allot extra time. Ramp access is necessary to load into a location. If the space is above the ground floor, the performer must have elevator access.
Parking
This show travels in one vehicle. If parking is not available on the premises or within the immediate area, let us know so that we can plan to arrive earlier to allow for parking time.
Strike and Load-Out
This show can be struck within one hour, barring any of the issues mentioned in the “Arrival & Setup” section (parking far away, performance space on higher floor in building etc.).
About the Artist
Sarah Nolen is a puppeteer and filmmaker known for her versatile work across multiple puppetry styles. Originally from Texas, Sarah lives in Waltham, Massachusetts, where she works as a freelance puppeteer, director, and puppet builder for both stage and screen through her company, Puppet Motion.
Currently, she is the third-ever resident artist at Puppet Showplace Theater, touring family puppet shows and teaching puppetry to all ages. Most recently, Sarah was a shadow puppet fabricator for A.R.T.'s The Odyssey (2025), built a puppet and puppeteered in Adam McKay's Don’t Look Up (2021), and directed Sandglass Theater's latest puppet production Feral (2024). In June 2025, Sarah premiered Party Animals, a new touring family puppet show with original music by Phil Berman.
