Board of Directors
The Western Massachusetts Puppetry Guild has a group of volunteers that are working to build this organization for all those interested in puppetry in the area and beyond. If you are interested in finding out more about WMPG, the Guild Special Interest Committees, or puppetry in general, contact any of the Board members directly or at
puppets@westmasspuppetry.org
Eric Weiss – President
Eric Weiss is a teaching artist & puppet builder specializing in puppet building classes. He is also the owner of Homeslice Puppetry, a long time member of the Connecticut Guild of Puppetry and the Puppeteers of America, and the North East Regional Director for the Puppeteers of America. Eric is also the President and a founding member of the Western Massachusetts Puppetry Guild, and part of the Website committee for the guild.
Kate Holdsworth – Secretary
Kate serves as the secretary of the Western Mass Puppetry Guild. She is an artist, storyteller, and puppeteer, performing puppet shows for young children and their families in the Happy Valley and beyond as part of the puppet troupe, Page to Stage. Kate is also the director of a local preschool. As an educator, Kate has always found ways to integrate puppetry into her work with children. In the classroom, she uses puppets for storytelling, scaffolding social development, and putting them in the hands of children to promote their communication and emotional literacy. She is a member of the Guild education committee and is excited to explore the intersection of puppetry and education with members.
Ken Harris – Newsletter Editor
Ken Harris is the creator of the web series “Cyber Brats” on Spondulics TV and the weekly YouTube show, “Primetime Prevention.” He is a Contributing Writer for the Point of View Community Magazine and Newsletter Editor for the Western Massachusetts Puppetry Guild. He enjoys highlighting the activities of the guild and fellow puppeteers throughout Western Massachusetts.
Megan Regan
Megan Regan is a professional puppeteer, and one half of the company, CactusHead Puppets. She is a Board Member at Large and is on the Meeting Activities Committee, working to organize performances and presentations for regular guild meetings.
Jay Mooers – Professional Support Committee
Jay Mooers is an artist, writer, illustrator, playwright, game designer, movie art director, comic artist, puppeteer and all around story teller. He has worked for many publishers including Dynamite Entertainment, Bethesdia, and Apex Comics. With knowledge in a vast expanse of mediums, Jay is a Board Member at Large bringing ideas and art expertise to the guild. He is a member of the Professional Support Committee and is more than willing to help others get on their feet as they begin their journey into puppetry or just about any artistic medium.
Justin DuPont – Finance & Fundraising
Justin DuPont is a designer, builder, puppeteer, and producer of puppetry festivals and performances. His background is in sculpture, theater, film and commercial productions and uses puppetry and the arts to educate and promote environmentally sustainable practices. He is the Guild Board Finance Director and is part of the Finance and Fundraising Committee.