Adam Theater
Boston, MA
US
is excited to announce Puppeteer auditions for their run of Library Lion. Written by Eli Bijaoui, and based on the book Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, with music by Yoni Rechter and directed by Ran Bechor. Lion Puppet built by Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Kate Brehm, Puppet Movement Director. Performances will take place in the Wimberly Theater in the Calderwood Pavilion at the Huntington Theater Company in January 2026.
Adam Theater is seeking Boston-based, strong and nimble performers to operate a full-sized, three-person lion puppet. Prior puppetry experience is preferred, but dancers and physically expressive actors are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must be physically agile, collaborative, and capable of sustaining the manipulation of a 40-pound puppet during a 70-minute performance.
Compensation: $500 per week. This position is non-equity. Adam Theater is not able to offer housing for this contract. Out-of-town puppeteers with housing in the Boston area are also welcome to submit.
Dec 8, 2025 - Jan 25, 2026
$500.00 – $500.00 per week
June 27, 2025 at 9:00AM
Must be 18+
We are casting for the following three puppeteer roles:
Head of the Lion (Focus and Expression) This role requires upper body strength and dexterity. The puppeteer operates the lion鈥檚 head, supporting its weight while manipulating bicycle handlebar-style controls to animate the eyes and ears. As the lion鈥檚 point of focus, this performer must have a strong sense of timing and storytelling, knowing when to engage with the audience and when to recede, allowing the lion to appear fully alive and independent.
Heart of the Lion (Breath and Power) This physically demanding role requires strong core and leg muscles. The puppeteer wears the lion鈥檚 torso like a backpack, with secure attachments at the shoulders and legs, and controls the front limbs using arm stilts. With limited visibility, this performer must rely on floor markings and spatial awareness to navigate the stage. There may be some height limitations for this role in order to fit the existing harness system. They must be agile鈥攃apable of quick movement, lying down, and occasionally carrying another performer. Most importantly, they bring the lion鈥檚 presence to life through full-body movement that expresses breath, weight, and emotional intention.
Tail and Back Legs (Instinct and Reaction) This role calls for a nimble, responsive performer with strong wrists and body awareness. The puppeteer manipulates the back legs and tail while staying low to the ground, using crouching and kneeling positions. This performer represents the lion鈥檚 instinctual responses and must be highly attuned to the movements of the Head and Heart puppeteers. This role is essential to the lion鈥檚 believability and requires the puppeteer to maintain stage presence while seamlessly disappearing behind the lion onstage.