Kenny Warren with Leroy Cool
- Brooklyn, NY
- Ventriloquist
- 9 Verified Bookings
Denisse B. D. said “I received positive feedback. Thank you!”
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For thousands of years, man has manipulated puppets for a variety of reasons: religion, education, and entertainment. One of the oldest and most wonderful forms of puppetry is shadow puppetry.
Jim Napolitano offers a variety of educational and entertainment possibilities; private parties, school assemblies, workshops, fund raisers and professional development days.
People don't recognize Jim Napolitano even though he has been broadcast to millions of television sets nationwide. That's because he's a puppeteer. He's performed for the PBS show Between the Lions, Disney's The Book of Pooh and Nickelodeon in A show of Hands. His puppetry has taken him across the country and around the globe .
Jim is a professional and he was the hit of my daughter's 7th birthday this weekend. SO glad I booked him. The show got laughs from the kids and he engaged them totally. The show was imaginative and compelling as well as silly and fun, and he took the time part-way through to explain the mechanics of shadow puppets in an interesting and encouraging way, showing them that they can make their own puppets with whatever they have on hand at home. The other parents liked the show a lot too and asked for his info. He was resourceful and able to work with the crowd and our space, and in our communications was very reassuring about all of that. I thought he was great.
Show could have been more interactive, kids were distracted soon
Jim was punctual, prepared and personable. The show was so different from other puppet shows. I wish there was a way of marketing this instead of "puppets" which doesn't give credit to this unique style. This was for an all age event and while some adults enjoyed the performance, there was not enough "adult" content to keep them entertained.
He would be amazing at any family program; the children loved him. In the future, I would like to make a whole program around this technique. Let the kids make their own shadow puppets and see what it it like.
I highly recommend Nappy's Puppets.
Response from Nappy's Puppets:
I do have an adult show…. But can’t do it if kids are there…..
We hired Nappy to perform at our 6 year old daughter’s birthday party and I’m so happy that we did!
Not only is he a great storyteller and puppeteer, but he was SO terrific with kids. They adored him. He was quick witted and rolled with the punches that these 6/7 year olds threw at him.
I also have to mention that the parents were just blown away. Many of them were a little surprised at our choice of entertainment, but as soon as the show started, they were whispering to me that this was the best party they’ve ever been to.
Thank you so much for coming to our home and providing such a stellar performance! We loved it!
Response from Nappy's Puppets:
It was a great party with really fun kids and big people. Thanks so much for having me!
Jim came to my early childhood summer camp programming and was perfection! He had children 18 months to 5 years old so engaged! The jokes were hilarious and Jim was delightful. We will definitely be having Nappy's Puppets back every summer!
Nappy’s puppets delivered such a fabulous show for our daughter’s ZOOM first birthday party! His silly songs had everyone in attendance laughing - kids and adults alike. He did a fantastic job of making Zoom fun and interactive for very young children (our baby literally said her first animal sound in response to one of his songs!). Mr. Nappy even gave us a behind the scenes look at how to make puppets. After the show, I got many texts from everyone in attendance saying what a great time they had. He truly is the perfect entertainer for a young child’s birthday- and does such a great job taking the pressure off of parents for a zoom event. I cannot recommend him enough.
I am so thankful Gig Salad connected me to Nappy’s Puppets. I had Jim come yesterday to perform his beautiful, original, and thoroughly entertaining shadow puppet show in my basement for 20 children and their parents - we were gathered to celebrate my son’s 3rd birthday and the children in attendance ranged in age from 1-9 years old. The show was absolutely FANTASTIC and was exactly what I was looking for. It was classic, funny, innocent, and, above-all, entertaining for ALL! In our conversations leading up the the party Jim shared with me his background and some of the history of shadow puppetry; this is clearly a man that loves his art form and takes great honor and pride sharing his talents with others. Jim is kind and courteous and puts on a great performance. I hope to see him perform again and would absolutely recommend Nappy’s Puppets!
The kids and adults laughed the entire time. Lots of positive feedback from those who attended our children's Christmas party. Excellent show and very interactive with the kids. Well done!!!
We have had Jim come to our Childcare Center 3 years in a row. He is always prompt and professional. We have seen Bubblemania and the Shadow Puppet Sing- A- Long shows. He is even able to keep our youngest toddlers captivated for 45 minutes!! Highly recommend him but schedule early because he books up fast!!
Booked Nappy's Puppets for a Cub Scout Blue & Gold dinner. I watched from the back of the room and saw both the kids and adults laughing at the silly shadow puppet vignettes and the funny commentary. It was interesting to see how anyone can make a shadow puppet with cardboard, wire and tape.
James did an outstanding job with our puppet show last night. The event was for a Blue and Gold Ceremony for the Highland Cub Scouts. It was attended by over 110 people and everyone enjoyed the puppet show. James was engaging, age appropriate and the sing a longs were loved by young and old alike. Great Job to Nappy's Puppets!
We had Nappy's Puppets come to our childcare center to do a puppet show that was based around nursery rhymes. Within 10 minutes it was clear that both the students and the staff were impressed and eager to learn. Here's some of the things that my staff and kids were using throughout the day when reflecting on the experience...
"Really witty, well done, and the character voices really made for a great show."
"Puppets were really cool and funny."
"Loved the way he came out and explained how puppets were made...especially in ways that young children could understand."
"I loved being invited to help with singing along with songs/stories."
"He was really personable, kind, and great with kids."
We are planning to invite him back to our school as often as our budget allows! He was the best in-house guest we've ever had.
Response from Nappy's Puppets:
Thanks y'all. I had a great time and appreciate the kind words!
Make sure you tell all your little monkeys: "no more jumping on the bed!"
Hired Nappy's Puppets for my daughters 9th B-day party. The show was entertaining for everyone, kids and adults alike. Jim was funny and handled the young, hyperactive, hecklers in the audience very well. I would definitely recommend him for your party or event.
We welcomed Nappy's puppets into our daycare summer program this year. the children absolulty loved the show!! There was basically never a moment of silence in the room, nappy had the children hysterically laughing for an hour!
I have already recommended this show to a friend and will continue to do so!
Can't wait to book Nappy's puppets for next year!
I saw Nappy at the National Puppetry Festival - UConn - and have also seen him perform in Trenton, Missouri. The guy is a big teddy bear and the kids just loved him -- and I must say I did as well along with the other adults who were with me. His shadow puppet shows are truly a unique experience that will live on in my memory forever. I am so grateful I got to see one of his shows and whole heartily recommend him for your event -- be it a family event or bigger party. There is only one "Nappy"! Hire him, you won't regret it.
Price Range: Contact for rates
Gig Length: 15 - 55 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Property and personal injury
Unions: SAG-AFTRA
“Jim is a master artist and educator whose knowledge and dedication to his craft is infectious. His teaching style is friendly, energetic, and accessible... And a lot of fun!”
The New Victory Theater Education Department
“Jim is probably one of the most genuine, relaxed, funny and generous performers around. No one goes away disappointed. Happily, Jim has a good time too.”
Fred Thompson, Connecticut Guild of Puppetry
“It is a wonderful experience to watch a former student develop a professional career with depth and breadth and the respect of his peers. Jim has grown to become a resource to the Puppet Arts Program.”
Bart Roccoberton, Professor of Puppet Arts
University of Connecticut
"Jim takes an ancient and extremely challenging form of puppetry and comes up with shows that are hysterically funny and amazingly skillful. It is rare to see this style of theater done so well."
Crabgrass Puppet Theater
“Jim was swamped with accolades from kids and parents after the show. He was professional, easy to work with and a real joy. I could promote this show as an “all Ages” event and really mean it.”
Suzane Thomas, Milford Public Library
Jim Napolitano is a native of Milford, Connecticut, and a graduate of the University of Connecticut's Puppet Arts Program. After completion of his degree, Jim worked with Bits and Pieces Puppet Theater. He performed around the country and around the world, including The National Culture Center in Japan and The National Theater in Taiwan.
Jim is now working as a freelance artist and performer. Jim’s work can be seen on the PBS show, Between The Lions. Other television credits include The Book Of Pooh, The Weinerville Chanukah Special, A Show of Hands and Stick Stickly . Jim has also worked on programs for Scholastic Home Video and HBO Pictures.
Jim's teaching experience includes five years as Performing Arts Counselor at St. James Summer Camp, four years at Saturday Academy teaching puppetry to middle school students, and creating professional development workshops for the Milford school system. In addition Jim has led workshops at the New Victory Theater in New York City and taught Adult Education for the Milford Continuing Education Program.
Best to perform indoors, but out door performances are available by special arrangement. Need access to electricity.
August 06, 2024 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
July 14, 2024 • 1:30pm - 2:15pm | Personal Occasion |
July 05, 2024 • 1:00pm - 1:45pm | Nonprofit Event |
May 13, 2023 • 2:30pm - 3:15pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
March 11, 2023 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
March 07, 2023 • 5:30pm - 6:15pm | Nonprofit Event |
December 03, 2022 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
July 22, 2022 • 10:00am - 10:30am | Camp Event |
December 12, 2020 • 10:00am - 10:15am | Children’s Birthday Party |
February 02, 2020 • 12:00pm - 12:45pm | Children's Birthday Party |
December 14, 2019 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Christmas Party |
October 23, 2019 • 4:00pm - 4:45pm | School Assembly |
March 03, 2019 • 4:30pm - 5:15pm | Nonprofit Event |
June 08, 2017 • 10:00am - 10:45am | Campus Event |
December 21, 2016 • 10:00am - 10:45am | Nonprofit Event |
February 19, 2016 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
December 15, 2015 • 9:30am - 10:30am | Nonprofit Event |
November 15, 2015 • 4:00pm - 6:30pm | Birthday (Child) |
August 10, 2015 • 10:00am - 11:30am | Other |
August 01, 2015 • 1:00pm - 5:00pm | Birthday (Child) |
Need to set up indoors and use electricity
Denisse B. D. said “I received positive feedback. Thank you!”
Mary H. said “Thank you so much”
Welcome! We have it all, from outstanding children's party entertainment to Robbie's Ranch our Petting Zoo and animal menagerie where we bring the Ranch…
Mary S. said “Anna was fantastic! Magical and fun and so very friendly to everyone. She personalized everything she did to where our party was held and to our birthday…”