Shakespeare Theatre Co. Summons a Little Henson Magic

Shakespeare Theatre Co.’s upcoming A Midsummer Night’s Dream is getting a fantastical upgrade with a legendary creature-making team.

For its upcoming production, STC is adding a little extra wonder to the woods, partnering with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop to bring a new cast of fantastical characters to life… no fairy dust required.

Directed by Artistic Director Simon Godwin, the production features puppetry design and direction by renowned puppeteer Basil Twist, with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop currently crafting the show’s original creatures ahead of its run at Harman Hall from Dec. 4th through Jan. 10th.

Known for decades of boundary-pushing character creation, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop blends traditional puppetry with animatronic and digital techniques. Its work has shaped some of the most memorable creatures in popular culture (think: Labyrinth (1986), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990), The Wild Things (2009)).

For Godwin, the partnership opens new possibilities within Shakespeare’s most magical comedy.

“It’s exciting to finally share the partnership with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop,” he says, noting how the team’s craftsmanship is helping build the production’s fantastical world.

Twist, whose acclaimed puppetry work spans theater, opera and dance, has collaborated with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop several times, including the Royal Shakespeare Company’s acclaimed production of My Neighbour Totoro. For A Midsummer Night’s Dream, he’s exploring how puppets can move beyond decoration and become part of the storytelling itself.

The result promises a forest filled with unexpected characters, playful movement, and a fresh take on the fairy-filled classic.

Get ready to enter the fairy realm at Harman Hall this holiday season. A Midsummer Night’s Dream plays DEC 4–JAN 10.