The National Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center is a very important place where new works of puppetry is created. The conference is for everyone, from seasoned professionals to beginners, both looking to explore and learn. 

This year (2012) I was on staff, assisting Martin P. Robinson teach a class in "Puppet Exploration."

** Description of the class from the Martin P. Robinson/the O'Neill website;

The Puppeteers Touch... The Objects Profundity
We Puppeteers know the magic that happens when a performer picks up or puts on a puppet of some kind and starts moving it in space before an audience.   Too often, I feel, we rely on this novelty aspect of puppetry to carry the day.   We don't buckle down to do our homework, to know our instrument in an intimate way so as to let the character and story shine through.  Would any musician with only a passing knowledge of their instrument (or even a fairly good knowledge) attempt a concert for a paid audience?   ...Puppeteers do this ALL the time.
 
I propose a week of experimentation in many styles of puppetry with an emphasis on exactly how well-thought-out technique translates to effective characters and storylines... a respect for the objects and a respect for the audience.  I would like participants with some performing experience...applications will be reviewed with this in mind.  Mostly, of course...all admonishing and profundity aside; I just want to have a blast with some cool people for a week...
  - Martin P. Robinson


** Below is a video with Artistic Director Pam Arciero
In the video at the 0:11 mark, is footage of my project "s'Muther," which I workshopped as a participant project at the O'Neill in 2010.

** From the Highways Performance Space Website;
"Inspired by Wim Wenders’ Wings of Desire and Alan Lightman’s novel Einstein’s Dreams, this an original multi-disciplinary performance investigates the gap between a current reality and an ethereal existence.  In the process, it evokes the vulnerability and tenacity of the human spirit."

Directed by Sam Shay, this story told through dance and art performed at Highways Performance Space & Gallery in Santa Monica, May 3 - 5. 
Chase designed and built two bird puppets for the show. 

Here is the Official Website for the show.
Below is the show's trailer,

The website for a pilot TV program I worked on named Imaginus Zoo is now live! 

From the site; "Imaginus Zoo takes place aboard a contemporary space station with built-in ecosystems. Our satellite ark includes artificial habitats like the arctic, jungles, desserts and oceans. Each habitat always seems to be on the verge of catastrophe, but luckily the IZoo crew saves the day.

The band of animals is led by Memo, a cute teddy bear with special powers who strives to make the world a better place. With sci-fi absurdist humor, the Imaginus Zoo crew’s hilarious space adventures never cease to entertain. Though the journeys are full of laughs, they teach viewers valuable life lessons along the way.

As our heroic animals soar across our solar system, they will encounter robots, aliens and new friends on their missions. The young audience will learn fundamental life skills for the developing mind– while occasionally being introduced to advanced ecological, scientific and technological concepts. Our stories possess something of value for us all!"

I had several duties on this production such as; lead puppet designer/performer and co-writer.