Upcoming Shows
Our performance season runs April-December.
All show updates, such as cancellations or changes, are posted on our Facebook & Instagram stories.
Into the Light with Vanaver Caravan @ the Egg - Empire State Center for Performing Arts
INTO THE LIGHT is a dance/theater collaboration by The Vanaver Caravan and Arm-of-the-Sea Theater. It features the Caravan’s dancers and musicians and Arm-of-the-Sea’s signature masks and puppet figures in the coming-of-age story about a young girl named Lucia. INTO THE LIGHT is a spectacle that honors many holiday traditions including Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Sankta Lucia, Winter Solstice, and Yule. This production is available for bookings in December.
Lucia is radiant summer of her youth, beloved by her village and the animals of the forest. But as the seasons turn and winter darkness descends, she fall into depression. Death comes to seduce Lucia. As he is taking her away, Lucia’s friend the Bear hears her cry and dances her to safety. “I go underground to sleep, but I know how to come back into the light. Can I show you the way?” says Bear.. So Lucia and the Bear set out together on a journey around the world to see how people of many cultures keep the light of hope alive through darkest of times.
Into the Light with Vanaver Caravan @ Quimby Theater, SUNY Ulster
INTO THE LIGHT is a dance/theater collaboration by The Vanaver Caravan and Arm-of-the-Sea Theater. It features the Caravan’s dancers and musicians and Arm-of-the-Sea’s signature masks and puppet figures in the coming-of-age story about a young girl named Lucia. INTO THE LIGHT is a spectacle that honors many holiday traditions including Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Sankta Lucia, Winter Solstice, and Yule. This production is available for bookings in December.
Lucia is radiant summer of her youth, beloved by her village and the animals of the forest. But as the seasons turn and winter darkness descends, she fall into depression. Death comes to seduce Lucia. As he is taking her away, Lucia’s friend the Bear hears her cry and dances her to safety. “I go underground to sleep, but I know how to come back into the light. Can I show you the way?” says Bear.. So Lucia and the Bear set out together on a journey around the world to see how people of many cultures keep the light of hope alive through darkest of times.
2 shows - 1pm & 4pm
Tickets on sale Oct. 25th
Snowdate: December 20th
ONE BLUE SKY @ Beacon Pumpkin Festival, Beacon NY
ONE BLUE SKY fuses live music, nimble performers and multi-dimensional mask & puppet characters in a compelling new work of contemporary theater. The show is inspired by American folk singer Pete Seeger.
Synopsis: A child emerges from a swirling universe of opposites carrying joy and sorrow in her heart. This young girl, Mareesha, learns that her mother disappeared mysteriously shortly after her birth. So Mareesha sets off on a mythic journey to find her. Along the way, she encounters allies - a reluctant elephant, a vigilant crow and a dancing Pie Seller – who help her confront an ominous black boot and a one-eyed ogre
This production is appropriate for adults and children ages 7 & up. It is 55 minutes in length and technically self-contained.
Arm-of-the-Sea is an award-winning theater company founded in 1982 and based in NY’s Hudson Valley This production is made possible, in part, by support from the Jim Henson Foundation, Upstate Coalition for a Fair Game and the NYS Council on the Arts.
This festival includes presentations on the Beacon Sloop Club’s majestic boat, the Woody Guthrie, plus a variety of other performers, vendors, activities and more.
City that Drinks the Mountain Sky @ Tribeca Performing Arts Center
Here’s the epic tale of New York City’s water supply presented in the elemental beauty of mask & puppet theatre. This sequel to the company’s original 1999 production continues the story into the 21st century, revealing the ecosystem of the Catskill mountain forest and introducing a new generation of watershed stewards confronting the challenges of climate change and monumental infrastructure repair needed to keep the water clean.
The four-member cast brings to life dozens of puppet characters who, along with great live music, trace the journey of life’s quintessential liquid from mountain top to city tap. Free show! Presented in collaboration with the NYC DEP.
Or Contact the Tribeca Performing Arts Center Box Office to reserve: 212.220.1460
City that Drinks the Mountain Sky at Randall's Island
Here’s the epic tale of New York City’s water supply presented in the elemental beauty of mask & puppet theatre. This sequel to the company’s original 1999 production continues the story into the 21st century, revealing the ecosystem of the Catskill mountain forest and introducing a new generation of watershed stewards confronting the challenges of climate change and monumental infrastructure repair needed to keep the water clean.
The four-member cast brings to life dozens of puppet characters who, along with great live music, trace the journey of life’s quintessential liquid from mountain top to city tap.
Presented by the Randall’s Island Park Alliance.
City that Drinks the Mountain Sky at Rexmere Park
Here’s the epic tale of New York City’s water supply presented in the elemental beauty of mask & puppet theatre. This sequel to the company’s original 1999 production continues the story into the 21st century, revealing the ecosystem of the Catskill mountain forest and introducing a new generation of watershed stewards confronting the challenges of climate change and monumental infrastructure repair needed to keep the water clean.
The four-member cast brings to life dozens of puppet characters who, along with great live music, trace the journey of life’s quintessential liquid from mountain top to city tap.
Free public performance sponsored by the West Kortright Centre and made possible by a grant from the Catskill Watershed Corporation.
CITY THAT DRINKS THE MOUNTAIN SKY @ Hudson Valley Garlic Festival 11:30 & 2:15
Here’s the epic tale of New York City’s water supply presented in the elemental beauty of mask & puppet theatre. This sequel to the company’s original 1999 production continues the story into the 21st century, revealing the ecosystem of the Catskill mountain forest and introducing a new generation of watershed stewards confronting the challenges of climate change and monumental infrastructure repair needed to keep the water clean.
The four-member cast brings to life dozens of puppet characters who, along with great live music, trace the journey of life’s quintessential liquid from mountain top to city tap.
Our annual performance at the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival features two shows each day at 11:30 & 2:15. Show TBA.
CITY THAT DRINKS THE MOUNTAIN SKIN @ Hudson Valley Garlic Festival 11:30 & 2:15
Here’s the epic tale of New York City’s water supply presented in the elemental beauty of mask & puppet theatre. This sequel to the company’s original 1999 production continues the story into the 21st century, revealing the ecosystem of the Catskill mountain forest and introducing a new generation of watershed stewards confronting the challenges of climate change and monumental infrastructure repair needed to keep the water clean.
The four-member cast brings to life dozens of puppet characters who, along with great live music, trace the journey of life’s quintessential liquid from mountain top to city tap.
Our annual performance at the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival features two shows each day at 11:30 & 2:15.
Estuary Tales @ Sanctuary for Independent Media, Troy NY
This performance spectacle fuses live music, movement and large-scale puppetry in a deep dive into the checkered history of “America’s River”. Giant sturgeon, eels and river otters ply the stage, alongside steamboats, fishermen, immigrants, and citizen scientists. With whimsy and ingenuity, the show reveals the Hudson River’s complex inner life and chronicles the long struggle to clean up the river.
Estuary Tales @ the Tidewater Center
Celebrate National Estuaries Week with Arm-of-the-Sea Theater! ESTUARY TALES is a theatrical spectacle that fuses live music, movement and large-scale puppetry in a performance about the checkered history of “America’s River”. Giant sturgeon, eels and river otters play the stage alongside steamboats, fishermen, immigrants, and citizen scientists. With whimsy and ingenuity, ESTUARY TALES reveals the Hudson River’s complex inner life and chronicles the long struggle to clean up the river. This show is sponsored in part by the NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program.
This is a ticketed event. RESERVE YOUR SEATS HERE. Adults $15, kids $7 and family of 4 $40
One Blue Sky @ Summer Hoot @ the Ashokan Center, Olivebridge NY
Arm-of-the-Sea’s ONE BLUE SKY combines live music, multi-dimensional characters and symbolic visual poetry in a contemporary work of mask & puppet theater.
Emerging from a swirling universe of opposites, a young girl undertakes a mythic journey to find her mother and discovers her own powers. Along the way, her allies include a reluctant elephant, a vigilant crow and a dancing Pie Seller. This magical show runs 50 minutes and is appropriate for ages 7 & up.
Arm-of-the-Sea is an award-winning theater company currently in its 44th season. This production is made possible, in part, by support from the Jim Henson Foundation, Upstate Coalition for a Fair Game and the NYS Council on the Arts.
One Blue Sky @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Arm-of-the-Sea’s ONE BLUE SKY combines live music, multi-dimensional characters and symbolic visual poetry in a contemporary work of mask & puppet theater.
Emerging from a swirling universe of opposites, a young girl undertakes a mythic journey to find her mother and discovers her own powers. Along the way, her allies include a reluctant elephant, a vigilant crow and a dancing Pie Seller. This magical show runs 50 minutes and is appropriate for ages 7 & up.
Arm-of-the-Sea is an award-winning theater company currently in its 44th season. This production is made possible, in part, by support from the Jim Henson Foundation, Upstate Coalition for a Fair Game and the NYS Council on the Arts.
2026 Esopus Creek Puppet Suite
The annual puppet theater extravaganza performed by our company members and Theater Arts Intensive students. Live music paired with larger-than-life mask & puppet theater dazzle audiences young and old alike. Featuring stories of the past and reflections on the present as told by a variety of wondrous paper-mache characters.
Doors at 6:30, show at 7:15pm. Opening acts TBA, plus Tidewater Center pre-show activities.
2026 Esopus Creek Puppet Suite
The annual puppet theater extravaganza performed by our company members and Theater Arts Intensive students. Live music paired with larger-than-life mask & puppet theater dazzle audiences young and old alike. Featuring stories of the past and reflections on the present as told by a variety of wondrous paper-mache characters.
Doors at 6:30, show at 7:15pm. Opening acts TBA, plus Tidewater Center pre-show activities.
2026 Esopus Creek Puppet Suite
The annual puppet theater extravaganza performed by our company members and Theater Arts Intensive students. Live music paired with larger-than-life mask & puppet theater dazzle audiences young and old alike. Featuring stories of the past and reflections on the present as told by a variety of wondrous paper-mache characters.
Doors at 6:30, show at 7:15pm. Opening acts TBA, plus Tidewater Center pre-show activities.
One Blue Sky @ Riverside Park, NYC
Arm-of-the-Sea’s ONE BLUE SKY combines live music, multi-dimensional characters and symbolic visual poetry in a contemporary work of mask & puppet theater.
Emerging from a swirling universe of opposites, a young girl undertakes a mythic journey to find her mother and discovers her own powers. Along the way, her allies include a reluctant elephant, a vigilant crow and a dancing Pie Seller. This magical show runs 50 minutes and is appropriate for ages 7 & up.
Arm-of-the-Sea is an award-winning theater company currently in its 44th season. This production is made possible, in part, by support from the Jim Henson Foundation, Upstate Coalition for a Fair Game and the NYS Council on the Arts.
Free public performance!
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER - One Blue Sky @ Waterfront Wednesday at the Tidewater Center, Saugerties NY
This event has been cancelled due to flooding and heavy rains.
Arm-of-the-Sea’s ONE BLUE SKY combines live music, multi-dimensional characters and symbolic visual poetry in a contemporary work of mask & puppet theater.
Emerging from a swirling universe of opposites, a young girl undertakes a mythic journey to find her mother and discovers her own powers. Along the way, her allies include a reluctant elephant, a vigilant crow and a dancing Pie Seller. This magical show runs 50 minutes and is appropriate for ages 7 & up.
Arm-of-the-Sea is an award-winning theater company currently in its 44th season. This production is made possible, in part, by support from the Jim Henson Foundation, Upstate Coalition for a Fair Game and the NYS Council on the Arts.
Waterfront Wednesdays is Arm-of-the-Sea Theater’s weekly summer performance series at our seasonal cultural performance space, the Tidewater Center. Join us for a variety of pre-show activities and displays for all ages before the show. Doors at 6, show at 6:30. Opening acts TBA. Suggested donation $15 adults/$7 kids 12 & under.
One Blue Sky @ Waterfront Wednesday at the Tidewater Center, Saugerties NY
Arm-of-the-Sea’s ONE BLUE SKY combines live music, multi-dimensional characters and symbolic visual poetry in a contemporary work of mask & puppet theater.
Emerging from a swirling universe of opposites, a young girl undertakes a mythic journey to find her mother and discovers her own powers. Along the way, her allies include a reluctant elephant, a vigilant crow and a dancing Pie Seller. This magical show runs 50 minutes and is appropriate for ages 7 & up.
Arm-of-the-Sea is an award-winning theater company currently in its 44th season. This production is made possible, in part, by support from the Jim Henson Foundation, Upstate Coalition for a Fair Game and the NYS Council on the Arts.
Waterfront Wednesdays is Arm-of-the-Sea Theater’s weekly summer performance series at our seasonal cultural performance space, the Tidewater Center. Join us for a variety of pre-show activities and displays for all ages before the show. Doors at 6, show at 6:30. Opening acts TBA. Suggested donation $15 adults/$7 kids 12 & under.
ESTUARY TALES @ Crailo State Historic Site
This performance spectacle fuses live music, movement and large-scale puppetry in a deep dive into the checkered history of “America’s River”. Giant sturgeon, eels and river otters ply the stage, alongside steamboats, fishermen, immigrants, and citizen scientists. With whimsy and ingenuity, the show reveals the Hudson River’s complex inner life and chronicles the long struggle to clean up the river.
Free public performance sponsored by the NYS Parks Dept.
CANCELLED - Estuary Tales @ Randall’s Island Waterfront Festival
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER. We will announce a new date soon.
This performance spectacle fuses live music, movement and large-scale puppetry in a deep dive into the checkered history of “America’s River”. Giant sturgeon, eels and river otters ply the stage, alongside steamboats, fishermen, immigrants, and citizen scientists. With whimsy and ingenuity, the show reveals the Hudson River’s complex inner life and chronicles the long struggle to clean up the river.
Free public performance sponsored by the Randall’s Island Waterfront Alliance.
One Blue Sky @ Waterfront Wednesday at the Tidewater Center, Saugerties NY
A playful Dog and a thoughtful Snail guide a disheartened Everyman through a series of medicine tales in the hope of re-sparking joy and elemental wonder. Some of these medicine tales show the magic of DNA, the cycles of the cell, and glorious processes of photosynthesis, awakening the most downtrodden hearts. Developed with support from the Jim Henson Foundation and the Upstate Coalition for a FairGame.
Waterfront Wednesdays is Arm-of-the-Sea Theater’s weekly summer performance series at our seasonal cultural performance space, the Tidewater Center. Join us for a variety of pre-show activities and displays for all ages before the show. Doors at 6, show at 6:30. Opening acts TBA. Suggested donation $15 adults/$7 kids 12 & under.
Estuary Tales @ The Stissing Center, Pine Plains, NY
This performance spectacle fuses live music, movement and large-scale puppetry in a deep dive into the checkered history of “America’s River”. Giant sturgeon, eels and river otters ply the stage, alongside steamboats, fishermen, immigrants, and citizen scientists. With whimsy and ingenuity, the show reveals the Hudson River’s complex inner life and chronicles the long struggle to clean up the river.
One Blue Sky @ Waterfront Wednesday at the Tidewater Center, Saugerties NY
A playful Dog and a thoughtful Snail guide a disheartened Everyman through a series of medicine tales in the hope of re-sparking joy and elemental wonder. Some of these medicine tales show the magic of DNA, the cycles of the cell, and glorious processes of photosynthesis, awakening the most downtrodden hearts. Developed with support from the Jim Henson Foundation and the Upstate Coalition for a FairGame.
Waterfront Wednesdays is Arm-of-the-Sea Theater’s weekly summer performance series at our seasonal cultural performance space, the Tidewater Center. Join us for a variety of pre-show activities and displays for all ages before the show. Doors at 6, show at 6:30. Opening acts TBA. Suggested donation $15 adults/$7 kids 12 & under.
RESCHEDULED to JULY 30 - Estuary Tales @ Riverside Park, NYC
This show date is cancelled due to extreme heat. The new date has been rescheduled to July 30th at 10am.
This performance spectacle fuses live music, movement and large-scale puppetry in a deep dive into the checkered history of “America’s River”. Giant sturgeon, eels and river otters ply the stage, alongside steamboats, fishermen, immigrants, and citizen scientists. With whimsy and ingenuity, the show reveals the Hudson River’s complex inner life and chronicles the long struggle to clean up the river.
Free public performance!
One Blue Sky @ Waterfront Wednesday at the Tidewater Center, Saugerties NY
Waterfront Wednesdays is Arm-of-the-Sea Theater’s weekly summer performance series at the Tidewater Center, their seasonal cultural arts space in Saugerties, NY. Catch the original show ONE BLUE SKY, a series of medicine tales encouraging hope & wonder presented through luminous mask & puppet theater and live original music. Come for a variety of pre-show activities and displays for all ages before the show.
ONE BLUE SKY ignites joy and elemental wonder by celebrating the magic of DNA, the cycles of the cell, and glorious processes of photosynthesis through epic mask & puppet theater, guaranteed to awaken the most downtrodden hearts. Developed with support from the Jim Henson Foundation and the Upstate Coalition for a FairGame.
Doors at 6, show at 6:30. Opening acts TBA. Suggested donation $15 adults/$7 kids 12 & under.
Shows every Wednesday in July - July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, & July 29.
Visit www.armofthesea.org for more details
Estuary Tales @ Hudson River Music Festival, Croton-on-Hudson, NY
This performance spectacle fuses live music, movement and large-scale puppetry in a deep dive into the checkered history of “America’s River”. Giant sturgeon, eels and river otters ply the stage, alongside steamboats, fishermen, immigrants, and citizen scientists. With whimsy and ingenuity, the show reveals the Hudson River’s complex inner life and chronicles the long struggle to clean up the river. Shows at 1:30pm & 5pm
City that Drinks the Mountain Sky @ Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, Poughkeepsie NY
Here’s the epic tale of New York City’s water supply presented in the elemental beauty of mask & puppet theatre. This sequel to the company’s original 1999 production continues the story into the 21st century, revealing the ecosystem of the Catskill mountain forest and introducing a new generation of watershed stewards confronting the challenges of climate change and monumental infrastructure repair needed to keep the water clean.
This free performance is sponsored by the Malcolm Gordon Charitable Fund.
City that Drinks the Mountain Sky @ Catskill Visitors Center, Mt. Tremper NY
Here’s the epic tale of New York City’s water supply presented in the elemental beauty of mask & puppet theatre. This sequel to the company’s original 1999 production continues the story into the 21st century, revealing the ecosystem of the Catskill mountain forest and introducing a new generation of watershed stewards confronting the challenges of climate change and monumental infrastructure repair needed to keep the water clean. Free public performance.
City that Drinks the Mountain Sky @ New Paltz High School Auditorium, Hosted by Mohonk Preserve - 196 South Putt Corners Rd, New Paltz, NY
Here’s the epic tale of New York City’s water supply presented in the elemental beauty of mask & puppet theatre. This sequel to the company’s original 1999 production continues the story into the 21st century, revealing the ecosystem of the Catskill mountain forest and introducing a new generation of watershed stewards confronting the challenges of climate change and monumental infrastructure repair needed to keep the water clean.
Held at the New Paltz High School Auditorium.
There is no cost but we kindly ask you to register your attendance here. Save Your Seat Here!
This free performance is sponsored by Mohonk Preserve and is made possible through the NYS DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Grants Program, the M&T Charitable Foundation, and the Bank of Greene County, as part of Mohonk Preserve’s Hudson River Watershed Education Project. We would also like to thank New Paltz Central School District for the use of the high school auditorium space.
DIRT: The Secret Life of Soil @ Chaseholm Farms, Pine Plains NY
Where does food “come from” and from what is it made? Here’s a lively primer for urban bumpkins and upcountry gardeners alike. Fusing cutting-edge science and age-old puppetry, DIRT takes audiences on an extravagant journey of discovery into the Great Underneath—revealing the epic alchemy of plants, the fungi’s dance of mutual delight, and the microbes’ herculean labors. Featuring live music and a myriad of puppet figures ranging from 12 inches to 12 feet tall, the show reminds earthly residents of all ages how profoundly essential is the ground beneath their feet. Free public performance made possible by a grant from Arts Mid-Hudson.
DIRT: The Secret Life of Soil @ Kingston Earth Fair
Where does food “come from” and from what is it made? Here’s a lively primer for urban bumpkins and upcountry gardeners alike. Fusing cutting-edge science and age-old puppetry, DIRT takes audiences on an extravagant journey of discovery into the Great Underneath—revealing the epic alchemy of plants, the fungi’s dance of mutual delight, and the microbes’ herculean labors. Featuring live music and a myriad of puppet figures ranging from 12 inches to 12 feet tall, the show reminds earthly residents of all ages how profoundly essential is the ground beneath their feet.
This free performance is sponsored by the Malcolm Gordon Charitable Fund.
DIRT: The Secret Life of Soil @ Pershing Park, Poughkeepsie NY
Where does food “come from” and from what is it made? Here’s a lively primer for urban bumpkins and upcountry gardeners alike. Fusing cutting-edge science and age-old puppetry, DIRT takes audiences on an extravagant journey of discovery into the Great Underneath—revealing the epic alchemy of plants, the fungi’s dance of mutual delight, and the microbes’ herculean labors. Featuring live music and a myriad of puppet figures ranging from 12 inches to 12 feet tall, the show reminds earthly residents of all ages how profoundly essential is the ground beneath their feet. Free public performance in conjunction with MHA / CASA of Dutchess County and made possible by support from the New City Parks Foundation.
Puppetry workshop at 4pm for young people 7 – 12 years of age followed by a performance of DIRT: THE SECRET LIFE OF SOIL @ 5pm.