Grasp puppeteer Raymond Carr’s 11 Good Issues

Raymond Carr is a puppeteer, director, and filmmaker with strong ties to Atlanta. (Photo by Nate Dorn Photography)

In this series, ArtsATL asks a member of the Atlanta arts community to share 11 things on their mind. We hope you enjoy getting to know these people better.

With an illustrious career spanning more than two decades, Raymond Carr is an award-winning artist, puppeteer, director and founder of Ninja Puppet Productions. He was trained by the Jim Henson company and has worked with major productions such as Eric, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch, the Adult Swim adaptation of Smiling Friends, the Aflac duck’s social media presence, Yo Gabba Gabbaland! on Apple TV+, Splash and Bubbles with PBS Kids, LazyTown on Nick Jr. and many more. Carr was also celebrated in an exclusive exhibition at the Center for Puppetry Arts as part of its Puppetry NOW program from January to March of 2025.

Mummenschanz theater from Switzerland – Avant-Garde theater troupe that is a major inspiration on my absurdist comedy theater work. You can see them perform on the original Muppet Show on Disney+ Plus Season 1, Episode 26.

XPT Xperimental Puppetry Theater – This puppetry grant program is a grant-based short play series produced by the Center for Puppetry Arts. Submit an idea for a puppet show, and you can get money and resources to produce it. You can just participate as an extra hand to be cast or crew. It’s a great way to meet other artists.

Little Shadow Productions – Little Shadow offers really cool puppetry workshops online. You can work with Sesame Street and Muppet performers from around the country in these workshops.

Carroll Street Cafe – Fun cafe in Cabbagetown, where I used to DJ — and my wife and I got married there. Swing by and you might see us hanging out without family.

Scriptnotes Podcast – A screenwriting podcast I listen to every week. It is so informative. Even if you’re not a screenwriter, it really helps get your creative juices going.

Push Push Theater – This workshop theater company is a hidden gem in College Park. This theater is partially responsible for the artist I am today. They are very supportive for artists both new and old.

The Jim Henson Foundation – Offering both puppetry grants and live events, the Henson Foundation was created by Jane Henson after Jim’s death in 1990. I was honored to serve on the board for a while. They provide large grants for puppetry theater, and they have a newsletter that tells you about puppetry performances around the world.

Dad’s Garage Theater Company – These improv classes helped me break out of my shell and write better. You don’t have to be an actor to do improv.

Tulipcake Embroidery – They do fast, high-quality screen prints and embroidery on pretty much anything. I use them whenever I need to print on fabric.

The Sentimentalist – This is an amazing, award-winning, local bridal gown company that sells mostly American-made indie and vintage gowns for people of all shapes and sizes. My wife owns and operates this one-of-a-kind space.

Atlanta film Society – They run the Atlanta Film Festival, but they also offer year-round workshops, meet and greets and special screenings of mainstream and indie films. It’s a great way to meet other filmmakers in the city.