The Old Trouts.. always something new

Is there a more quintessential Alberta origin story than that of  Calgary’s Old Trout Puppet Workshop? The Old Trout Puppet Workshop was founded on a ranch in southern Alberta on the cusp of the turn of the century… Peter Balkwill, Pityu Kenderes and Judd Palmer were seeking solace from a fast-changing world, and – logically to them – the antidote was to be found in crafting puppets, creating their stories and showcasing them to any and all who would entertain the venture along with them….

Twenty five years later the wee troupe has not only diversified and expanded their art form, but has literally reached across the globe with productions in the UK, France, Italy, Spain, USA, Singapore, and more. They have presented at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the World Puppetry Festival, the London Mime Festival. They are referred to as ‘master puppeteers’ and acknowledged as community-builders for generously sharing their knowledge and craft through workshops, mentorships and puppetry intensives. They have been recognized with countless awards over the years, including the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Award in 2013.

They have stretched their outputs to challenge and explore their artistic practices, not only through the medium of puppetry, but through public art sculptures, writing of children’s books, essays, articles, and educational materials. They’ve made films, won a Juno Award for Best Music Video for Honey, Honey, with Feist. They have turned their eyes, ears, hands and brains to the world of design for theatre and opera. For this, and their commitment to innovation and artistic growth, The Old Trout Puppet Workshop was amongst the four finalists for the 2024 Siminovitch Theatre Prize in Theatre Design.

“From humble beginnings in an Alberta barn to stages around the world, The Old Trout Puppet Workshop is celebrated and renowned for its live shows and duly recognized as one of the foremost innovators in puppetry.” 2013 Distinguished Artist adjudicators

The ‘Old Trouts’ are a true collective.  The contributions of each, the cohesion of the group and their collective dedication to their art and their craft ground all their endeavors. They have created a magical world of discovery through imagination and by “opening ourselves up to art and to friendship.”

The Old Trout Puppet Workshop is one of Alberta’s best-known artistic exports, beloved at home in Calgary, across the country, and around the world.  As testament to the importance of place to them and their art, they remain in Alberta, imagining the next innovation, mining their next creative frontier.

Catch the Old Trout Puppet Workshop Siminovitch Prize profile video: https://siminovitchprize.com