- Brooklyn, NY
- Ventriloquist
- $500.00-10,000.00
Denisse B. D. said
“I received positive feedback. Thank you! ”
Nappy's Puppets
Monkeys
Violyn
Old Mother Hubbard
Bump in the Night
The Wizard, The Fairy and The Magic Chicken
Father Goose's Tales
Behind The Screen
Father Goose Banner
Shadows Around the World Banner
Sing-a-Long banner
Shadows Around the World
The Green Apple Tree
Old Mother Hubbard
Bump In the Night
Ganugan
Overview
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 .
Reviews
16 reviews
Jevaria Q.
April 11, 2025You have to book!
I first want to start by the first impression of "Nappy". He was absolutely so kind, understanding, respective and just bought so much joy in his presence. Going to his performance, it was so enjoyable for all ages. I had reached out to him to host his show for my elementary school and he did so amazing with the kids. Kids usually tune out but he kept them and the adults engaged. He even showed how he does his amazing work. The children loved him and I hope to work with him again.
Hired as: Educational Entertainment, Puppet Show
Ayoola S.
May 15, 2023Super great
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.
Hired as: Puppet Show
Nappy's Puppets
it was a fun event. thanks for having me!
Bhavisha P.
April 5, 2023Lack kids engagement
Show could have been more interactive, kids were distracted soon
Hired as: Puppet Show
Leslie C.
March 10, 2023Unique experience
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.
Hired as: Puppet Show
Nappy's Puppets
I do have an adult show…. But can’t do it if kids are there…..
Christina L. S.
December 5, 2022The best kind of entertainment for people of all ages!
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!
Hired as: Puppet Show
Nappy's Puppets
It was a great party with really fun kids and big people. Thanks so much for having me!
Booking information
Price range: Contact for rates
Gig length: 15 - 55 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Property and personal injury
Unions: SAG-AFTRA
What to expect
“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
About
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.
Additional booking notes
Best to perform indoors, but out door performances are available by special arrangement. Need access to electricity.
Services offered
Past booked events
June 2026
13
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
2:00pm - 2:30pm
•
Mountainside, NJ
August 2025
14
Thursday
Camp Event
2:00pm - 2:45pm
•
New York City, NY
April 2025
09
Wednesday
Religious Celebration
10:00am - 11:30am
•
Piscataway, NJ
August 2024
06
Tuesday
Nonprofit Event
5:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Wyandanch, NY
July 2024
14
Sunday
Personal Occasion
1:30pm - 2:15pm
•
Oakdale, CT
05
Friday
Nonprofit Event
1:00pm - 1:45pm
•
Cromwell, CT
May 2023
13
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
2:30pm - 3:15pm
•
Bronx, NY
March 2023
11
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
4:30pm - 5:30pm
•
West Windsor, NJ
07
Tuesday
Nonprofit Event
5:30pm - 6:15pm
•
Stoughton, MA
December 2022
03
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Woodstock, CT
July 2022
22
Friday
Camp Event
10:00am - 10:30am
•
Clifton Park, NY
December 2020
12
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
10:00am - 10:15am
•
Glastonbury, CT
February 2020
02
Sunday
Children's Birthday Party
12:00pm - 12:45pm
•
Huntington, NY
December 2019
14
Saturday
Christmas Party
1:00pm - 2:00pm
•
Castleton On Hudson, NY
October 2019
23
Wednesday
School Assembly
4:00pm - 4:45pm
•
Newington, CT
March 2019
03
Sunday
Nonprofit Event
4:30pm - 5:15pm
•
Old Lyme, CT
June 2017
08
Thursday
Campus Event
10:00am - 10:45am
•
Jersey City, NJ
December 2016
21
Wednesday
Nonprofit Event
10:00am - 10:45am
•
Glastonbury, CT
February 2016
19
Friday
Nonprofit Event
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Highland, NY
December 2015
15
Tuesday
Nonprofit Event
9:30am - 10:30am
•
Glastonbury, CT
November 2015
15
Sunday
Birthday (Child)
4:00pm - 6:30pm
•
New Hartford, CT
August 2015
10
Monday
Other
10:00am - 11:30am
•
Colchester, CT
01
Saturday
Birthday (Child)
1:00pm - 5:00pm
•
New Haven, CT
Setup requirements
Need to set up indoors and use electricity
Testimonials
"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 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 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
Hey Nappy! THANK YOU so much for your amazing performances yesterday! They were incredible! Jon Scieszka, Tony, myself and the rest of the artsy-fartsy guys were in awe this morning recalling your silly voices, catchy tunes and amazing technical skillz. :) You were just pitch perfect. The audience loved the shows and I heard the kids and parents singing your praises throughout the day! The audience was enthralled with your performances (me included!) and your banter with the kids was hilarious! I cannot say enough good things about you. :) Please feel free to give my info for any references you may need. I will be sure to keep in touch and would love to collaborate on something with one of Tony's books at some point in the future. As soon as we begin planning for next year's event I'll be giving you a call, too. Have a Spook-ilicious Halloween! Best, Angela DiTerlizzi Chairperson Amherst Reads
– Angela DiTerlizzi
Jim, I must take a moment to tell you just how much I enjoyed your performance for the Mary Jacobs Library at the Yoga Center in Princeton this weekend past. How fun it is to laugh out loud WITH children! My kids and I are still singing the "Apple Tree" song (well, just the cocka-doodley part -albeit rather poorly!) and we are constantly wishing each other a "good night" monkey style! Even my 3 year old (who technically wasn't supposed to be there-ssshhhh!) chimes in with a "goodnight monkey". Thank you for coming to our area and performing for us. It's not often that performer can capture an audience of young and younger simultaneously! Best of wishes to you! Sincerely, Berna Gerdes and Madison, Jesse and Dylan
– Berna Gerdes
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