Sep
25
5:00 PM17:00
Z Juggling Rosenschnoz
This is a private event at LIRIO Montessori School made possible by a grant from the Lake Street Council.
Sep
26
1:00 PM13:00
Beginning Puppetry for Grown Ups
Z Puppets Studio, 4054 Chicago Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN
Want to try your hand at puppetry? Come to this welcoming and fun session, open to all levels of learning for people ages 18+. Learn basic skills and techniques to step into the wondrous world of puppetry.
The session will focus primarily on movement and performance with opportunities to:
learn how to bring the power of playfulness to any puppet
practice with different styles of puppets
gain insights and tips for designing and building puppets
Registration is free to native american tribal members, and available to others at sliding scale cost of $25-$75.
ABOUT CHRIS GRIFFITH
Since 1992, Chris, a Cherokee Nation citizen, has created family-friendly theater and video as a puppetry designer, performer, producer, director, writer and teaching artist. As co-founder and co-director of Z Puppets Rosenschnoz, he has created, produced and toured over 30+ original shows, ranging from a mindfulness musical to to musical adventures into Cherokee Futurism.
Represented nationally by Indigenous Performance Productions, Z Puppets is a 4-time recipient of the Jim Henson Foundation Family Theater Grant as well as multiple years of support from Puppeteers of America, MN State Arts Board, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council and the City of Minneapolis.
In addition to his work with Z Puppets, for over 3 decades, Chris has taught for top Minnesota youth arts organizations, such as: In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, Children’s Theatre Company, Perpich Center for Arts Education and COMPAS.
Behold! The Power of Playfulness.
Questions? email chris@zpuppets.org
Oct
2
9:30 AM09:30
Monkey Mind Pirates: Quest for Calm
This is a private event made possible by the voters of MN through a grant from the MN State Arts Board. thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Oct
3
2:30 PM14:30
Say It! Sing It! Play It! In Cherokee sampler
Join Dagsi Turtle and Jisdu Wabbit as they kick off Tubman Rocks the Block Benefit Concert and Maker Market in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Sing along to help keep alive an endangered Indigenous language and then check out the book mobile, face painting, fun kid’s activities, food trucks, art vendors and full musical lineup until 6 pm.
Admission to this outdoor event is FREE! Donations to Tubman accepted on site and online.
Oct
17
10:00 AM10:00
Say It! Sing It! Play It! In Cherokee
Join Dagsi Turtle and Jisdu Wabbit for this free performance at the Midtown Farmers Market.
Grandmother Turtle is upside down. Dagsi Turtle and Jisdu Wabbit must find a way to help her get back on her feet.
Through catchy songs and fun storytelling, award-winning Z Puppets' artists, Cherokee Nation Citizen Chris Griffith and Shari Aronson, lead this musical adventure into the Cherokee language.
Sing along and you, too, will help keep alive an endangered Indigenous language!
Recommended for ages 4+
Admission to this outdoor event is FREE!
Sep
18
to Sep 19
Indigenous Puppetry Cohort Weekend #3
Private workshop.
Chris Griffith (Cherokee Nation) leads Twin Cities’ Native artists to explore the art of puppetry together in 3 weekend intensive workshops.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Sep
12
8:30 PM20:30
Tales of ᏓᎦᏏ Dagsi Turtle and ᏥᏍᏚ Jisdu Wabbit
Presented as part of the Great Plains Puppet Train Festival in West Liberty, Iowa.
Dagsi Turtle & his sidekick Jisdu Wabbit race through time and space in a musical adventure into Cherokee Futurism.
Hop aboard the Turtleship and join Dagsi and Jisdu’s quest to help Grandmother Turtle raise the Gadugi (spirit of cooperation) throughout the universe.
Tales, a 2025 Jim Henson Foundation Family Theater Grant Awardee, features catchy original tunes and out-of-this-world puppet characters. The show is created and performed by Cherokee Nation citizen Chris Griffith and Shari Aronson, directed by Julie Boada (Anishinabe).
For complete festival information, go to: https://greatplainspuppettrain.com/performance/
Aug
21
to Aug 22
Indigenous Puppetry Cohort Weekend #2
Private workshop.
Chris Griffith (Cherokee Nation) leads Twin Cities’ Native artists to explore the art of puppetry together in 3 weekend intensive workshops.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Jul
23
2:30 PM14:30
Tales of ᏓᎦᏏ Dagsi Turtle and ᏥᏍᏚ Jisdu Wabbit
Private performance for Minneapolis Public Schools American Indian Education Department Summer Program.
Dagsi Turtle & his sidekick Jisdu Wabbit race through time and space in a musical adventure into Cherokee Futurism.
Hop aboard the Turtleship and join Dagsi and Jisdu’s quest to help Grandmother Turtle raise the Gadugi (spirit of cooperation) throughout the universe.
Tales, a 2025 Jim Henson Foundation Family Theater Grant Awardee, features catchy original tunes and out-of-this-world puppet characters. The show is created and performed by Cherokee Nation citizen Chris Griffith and Shari Aronson, directed by Julie Boada (Anishinabe).
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Jul
21
1:00 PM13:00
Glow in the Dark Future Creature Puppet Making Workshop
Private event for Minneapolis Public Schools American Indian Education Department Summer Program.
Jump into the future and make a glow in the dark animal puppet.
If you were to travel through space and time, what creatures would you find?
Tap into your imagination through the wonders of blacklight and create an amazing critter to take home with you.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Jul
20
9:30 AM09:30
Say It! Sing It! Play It! In Cherokee
This is a private performance for Minneapolis Public Schools American Indian Education Department Summer Program.
Sing aloud and proud with Dagsi Turtle and Jisdu Wabbit! Grandmother Turtle is upside down. Dagsi Turtle and Jisdu Wabbit must find a way to help her get back on her feet.
Through catchy songs and fun storytelling, award-winning Z Puppets' artists, Cherokee Nation Citizen Chris Griffith and Shari Aronson, lead an adventure into the Cherokee language. Sing along and you, too, can help keep alive an endangered Indigenous language!
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Jul
17
to Jul 18
Indigenous Puppetry Cohort Weekend #1
Private workshop.
Chris Griffith (Cherokee Nation) leads Twin Cities’ Native artists to explore the art of puppetry together in 3 weekend intensive workshops.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Jul
13
6:45 PM18:45
Sing Along with Dagsi Turtle & Jisdu Wabbit
At the free Trail of Small Wonders Opening Day Festival, filled with fairies, gnomes and magical forest folk, Dagsi Turtle & Jisdu Wabbit will be belting out their catchy songs to help Grandmother Turtle.
Cherokee Nation tribal member Chris Griffith, with Shari Aronson, lead the audience to see, hear and sing out Cherokee words.
Sing along with Dagsi Turtle & Jisdu Wabbit — and you, too, will learn how to count to three, say hello and thank you in Cherokee!
For full festival info, go to this link.
Jun
15
2:00 PM14:00
STEM of Puppetry Lab: Recycled Objects & Inventions
Take recycled objects, bits and scraps that others might call “junk,” follow Z Puppets’ formula for creative experimentation, mix in your imagination and Voila! Eureka! Zoinks! You may invent a fantastic gizmo or out-of-this-world creature to take home.
Recommended for ages 7 and up.
Jun
5
2:30 PM14:30
Glow in the Dark Future Creature Puppet Workshop
Jump into the future and make a glow in the dark animal puppet.
If you were to travel through space and time, what creatures would you find?
Tap into your imagination through the wonders of blacklight and create an amazing critter to take home with you.
Recommended for ages 6+.
FREE!
Jun
4
6:00 PM18:00
STAR TURTLE
Join the dynamic duo of of Dagsi Turtle & Jisdu Wabbit for a screening of their adventures to race through time and space on a musical quest to help Grandmother Turtle!
Dagsi Turtle & Jisu Wabbit will be live, in person to take viewers on this exuberant ride into Cherokee language and culture. Sing along and you, too, can help keep alive an Indigenous language!
Geared to kids K-Grade 3, but all are welcome! Kids ages seven and under must be accompanied by a caregiver.
STAR TURTLE was developed by Chris Griffith (Cherokee Nation, OK) and Shari Aronson.
FREE!
May
30
10:00 AM10:00
Find Your Island of Calm with the Monkey Mind Pirates
Get the whole family moving with this mix of puppets, music, and yoga fun. Find the treasure of calm through Z Puppets' original songs, lovable characters and playful approach. Learn basic poses and creative tools you can use every day or anytime you need to navigate stormy seas. Turn your “Arghs!” into “Oms” and sail to your Island of Calm with the Monkey Mind Pirates!
Recommended for ages 3-9 and adults.
FREE!
May
29
5:30 PM17:30
Say It! Sing It! Play It! In Cherokee
Featured in the Waite Park School Annual Carnival:
Grandmother Turtle needs our help!
Through catchy songs and fun storytelling, award-winning Z Puppets’ performers – Cherokee Nation tribal member Chris Griffith, with Shari Aronson – lead audiences to see, hear and sing out Cherokee words to help Grandmother Turtle get back up on her feet.
Sing along with Dagsi Turtle & Jisdu Wabbit — and you, too, will learn how to count to three, say hello and thank you in Cherokee!
Recommended for ages 4+.
FREE! Thanks to the Waite Park School PTA.
For more info re: the event, go to this link.
May
10
10:00 AM10:00
Doors Open Minneapolis
Our 1925 building started as a National Tea Company grocery store and is now the home of Z Puppets Rosenschnoz, Blue Tree Music Education and The Clay Pit.
Learn about the building’s colorful history, peek into the life and work of puppeteers and see the murals and garden art by Graci Horne (Dakota/Lakota), as well as a window gallery exhibit about climate literacy by Emma Ambrosi.
Free! As part of the citywide tours of Doors Open.
For more info re: Doors Open: https://www.doorsopenminneapolis.org
Apr
26
11:00 AM11:00
Indigenous Short Film Festival @ Trilingua Cinema
Join Z Puppets for 45 min. of free, family-friendly short videos by local Indigenous artists.
See animation, puppetry, comedy and drama on screen through a Native lens.
Hosted by Dagsi Turtle & Jisdu Wabbit, the dynamic duo from Z Puppets’ musical adventures into Cherokee Futurism.
Free admission and free popcorn!
Recommended for ages 6+.
Space is limited so arrive early to make sure you get a seat!
This event is made possible with support by Metropolitan Regional Arts Council.
Thanks also to the City of Minneapolis Arts & Cultural Affairs Department.
Apr
25
7:00 PM19:00
Indigenous Short Film Festival
Join Z Puppets for 45 min. of free, family-friendly short videos by local Indigenous artists.
See animation, puppetry, comedy and drama on screen through a Native lens.
Free admission and free popcorn!
Recommended for ages 6+.
Space is limited so arrive early to make sure you get a seat!
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
This same program will be shown at 11 a.m.
This Cultural Districts Arts Fund activation is funded by the City of Minneapolis Arts & Cultural Affairs Department.
Apr
25
11:00 AM11:00
Indigenous Short Film Festival
Join Z Puppets for 45 min. of free, family-friendly short videos by local Indigenous artists.
See animation, puppetry, comedy and drama on screen through a Native lens.
Free admission and free popcorn!
Recommended for ages 6+.
Space is limited so arrive early to make sure you get a seat!
Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
This same program will repeat at 7:00 p.m.
This Cultural Districts Arts Fund activation is funded by the City of Minneapolis Arts & Cultural Affairs Department.
Apr
18
10:30 AM10:30
Say It! Sing It! Play It! in Cherokee
Sing aloud and proud with Turtle and Wabbit!
Grandmother Turtle is upside down. Dagsi Turtle and Jisdu Wabbit must find a way to help her get back on her feet.
Through catchy songs and fun storytelling, award-winning Z Puppets' artists, Cherokee Nation Citizen Chris Griffith and Shari Aronson, lead an adventure into the Cherokee language.
Sing along and you, too, will learn how to count to three, say hello and thank you— and help keep alive an endangered Indigenous language!
Recommended for ages 4+
FREE! Presented by COMPAS.
Apr
11
10:30 AM10:30
Find Your Island of Calm with the Monkey Mind Pirates
Get the whole family moving with this mix of puppets, music, and yoga fun. Find the treasure of calm through Z Puppets' original songs, lovable characters and playful approach. Learn basic poses and creative tools you can use every day or anytime you need to navigate stormy seas. Turn your “Arghs!” into “Oms” and sail to your Island of Calm with the Monkey Mind Pirates!
Recommended for ages 3-9 and adults.
FREE!
Apr
1
3:00 PM15:00
Glow in the Dark Puppet Lab
Explore the curious world of blacklight. Experiment with colors, tinker with materials and shapes to find the glow! Follow Z Puppets’ design and engineering formula to tap into your imagination and create an amazing critter to take home with you.
Recommended for ages 6+.
FREE!
Mar
31
2:00 PM14:00
Glow in the Dark Puppet Lab
Explore the curious world of blacklight. Experiment with colors, tinker with materials and shapes to find the glow! Follow Z Puppets’ design and engineering formula to tap into your imagination and create an amazing critter to take home with you.
Recommended for ages 6+.
FREE!
Mar
31
10:30 AM10:30
Find Your Island of Calm with the Monkey Mind Pirates
Get the whole family moving with this mix of puppets, music, and yoga fun. Find the treasure of calm through Z Puppets' original songs, lovable characters and playful approach. Learn basic poses and creative tools you can use every day or anytime you need to navigate stormy seas. Turn your “Arghs!” into “Oms” and sail to your Island of Calm with the Monkey Mind Pirates!
Recommended for ages 3-9 and adults.
FREE!
Mar
29
1:00 PM13:00
Glow in the Dark Puppet Lab
Explore the curious world of blacklight. Experiment with colors, tinker with materials and shapes to find the glow! Follow Z Puppets’ design and engineering formula to tap into your imagination and create an amazing critter to take home with you.
Recommended for ages 6+.
FREE!
Mar
28
1:00 PM13:00
Find Your Island of Calm with the Monkey Mind Pirates
Get the whole family moving with this mix of puppets, music, and yoga fun. Find the treasure of calm through Z Puppets' original songs, lovable characters and playful approach. Learn basic poses and creative tools you can use every day or anytime you need to navigate stormy seas. Turn your “Arghs!” into “Oms” and sail to your Island of Calm with the Monkey Mind Pirates!
Recommended for ages 3-9 and adults.
FREE!
Mar
7
3:00 PM15:00
Find Your Island of Calm with the Monkey Mind Pirates
Get the whole family moving with this mix of puppets, music, and yoga fun. Find the treasure of calm through Z Puppets' original songs, lovable characters and playful approach. Learn basic poses and creative tools you can use every day or anytime you need to navigate stormy seas. Turn your “Arghs!” into “Oms” and sail to your Island of Calm with the Monkey Mind Pirates!
Recommended for ages 3-9 and adults.
FREE!
Mar
6
3:30 PM15:30
Glow in the Dark Puppet Lab
Explore the curious world of blacklight. Experiment with colors, tinker with materials and shapes to find the glow! Follow Z Puppets’ design and engineering formula to tap into your imagination and create an amazing critter to take home with you.
Recommended for ages 6+.
FREE!
Feb
28
1:00 PM13:00
Tales of ᏓᎦᏏ Dagsi Turtle & ᏥᏍᏚ Jisdu Wabbit
Presented by Duluth Public Libraries and Every Child Ready coalition as part of Family Fest.
In this live performance, Dagsi Turtle & his sidekick Jisdu Wabbit race through time and space in a musical adventure into Cherokee Futurism.
Hop aboard the Turtleship and join Dagsi and Jisdu's quest to help Grandmother Turtle raise the Gadugi (spirit of cooperation) throughout the universe.
Tales, a 2025 Jim Henson Foundation Family Theater Grant Awardee, features catchy original tunes and out-of-this-world puppet characters. The show is created and performed by Cherokee Nation citizen Chris Griffith and Shari Aronson, directed by Julie Boada (Anishinabe).
Recommended for ages 4+.
FREE!
For more info and the full schedule of events:
https://duluthlibrary.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=278655
This activity made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Feb
28
11:00 AM11:00
Tales of ᏓᎦᏏ Dagsi Turtle & ᏥᏍᏚ Jisdu Wabbit
Presented by Duluth Public Libraries and Every Child Ready coalition as part of Family Fest.
In this live performance, Dagsi Turtle & his sidekick Jisdu Wabbit race through time and space in a musical adventure into Cherokee Futurism.
Hop aboard the Turtleship and join Dagsi and Jisdu's quest to help Grandmother Turtle raise the Gadugi (spirit of cooperation) throughout the universe.
Tales, a 2025 Jim Henson Foundation Family Theater Grant Awardee, features catchy original tunes and out-of-this-world puppet characters. The show is created and performed by Cherokee Nation citizen Chris Griffith and Shari Aronson, directed by Julie Boada (Anishinabe).
Recommended for ages 4+.
FREE!
For more info and the full schedule of events:
https://duluthlibrary.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=278655
This activity made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Feb
25
6:00 PM18:00
Glow in the Dark Puppet Lab
Explore the curious world of blacklight. Experiment with colors, tinker with materials and shapes to find the glow! Follow Z Puppets’ design and engineering formula to tap into your imagination and create an amazing critter to take home with you.
Recommended for ages 6+.
FREE!
Feb
15
2:00 PM14:00
Find Your Island of Calm with the Monkey Mind Pirates
Get the whole family moving with this mix of puppets, music, and yoga fun. Find the treasure of calm through Z Puppets' original songs, lovable characters and playful approach. Learn basic poses and creative tools you can use every day or anytime you need to navigate stormy seas. Turn your “Arghs!” into “Oms” and sail to your Island of Calm with the Monkey Mind Pirates!
Recommended for ages 3-9 and adults.
FREE!