The Paper Moon Puppet Theatre

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The Paper Moon Puppet Theatre has been producing shows for over 20 years. Started in New Jersey in 1989 it was housed at the First Avenue Playhouse for 15 years. Paper Moon has recently acquired a new theatre space at 171 First Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, around the corner on West Garfield Street.

James Racioppi: (Artistic - Stage Director ) has been creating puppets and scenery and performing with puppets for over 40 years.  His work has been featured on The Captain Kangaroo show on CBS, in feature films, and on the Off-Broadway stage.  He has been an actor and performer with his puppets on stage on television and in films for many years. His work has been featured on the Captain Kangaroo show and the Pixanne TV show . He designed puppets for and performed in "Kumquats" with Wayland Flowers and Madame at the Village Gate.  A Fine Arts major at Cooper Union, Jim has worked in all media including animated films and illustration.

John McAllister: (Administrative Director/Public Relations for Paper Moon) wears many hats at the theatre. After acquiring a BA in Art History John became an expert in public relations after taking a wrong turn one day into retail sales where he dealt with disgruntled customers for many years as an exhausted store manager for such noble clothing enterprises as Ann Taylor, Tommy Hilfiger and Coldwater Creek Along the way John taught himself jewelry design, glass fusing, pottery design, floral design and puppetry and in addition to running the theatre jumps in on occasion to save a puppet show. His ability to make his own whatever catches his fancy has made him an indispensible part of Paper Moon.

Hal Holst: (Puppeteer, Actor, Director) has been an invaluable part of Paper Moon since he came to the theatre 3 years ago. Since 1970 Hal has worked in professional and regional theatre in the tri-state area. He has performed as actor, director and magician par excellence. Hal has an A.A. degree in Speech and Theatre from Brookdale College and a BA in Theatre from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT. Hal has since played in shows as a puppeteer and has enchanted children with his live characterizations such as “Beast” in Beauty and the Beast, the “Ogre” in Puss in Boots and the “Giant” in Jack and the Beanstalk. His directorial experience on the big stage has given him a valuable perspective while working on the small stage.