School’s Out, Arts In!

In this puppet performance, experience the story of a young boy who decides to escape slavery through the Underground Railroad. On his bold journey, the boy encounters free blacks, whites who are willing to help, and slave catchers. Featuring a variety of puppets — rod puppets, hand puppets, and wood cut-outs — constructed by Schroeder Cherry, young audiences will learn the true definition of the Underground Railroad and how it got its name.

A native of Washington, D.C., Schroeder Cherry always played with puppets as a kid. In college, he apprenticed to a puppet master in Chicago, and then joined a troupe before setting out on his own. Dr. Cherry has performed original shows with puppets in museums, libraries, and cultural centers for adults and children across the U.S. Most recently, the puppet “Tevin” performed during Baltimore’s Light City Festival. He holds a BFA in fine art and a doctorate in museum education.

Runtime: 45 minutes
Recommended for ages 6 and up