PAPER BAG PLAYERS - Key Persons
Judith Martin, Shirley Kaplan, Sudie Bond and Remy Charlip founded The Paper Bag Players in 1958. All four shared creativity during the first years, but as the company developed, Judith Martin further shaped company's identity. As writer, designer, director and actress, Judith both established and embodied The Paper Bag Players style.
Judith Martin, Artistic Director for five decades, created and performed in over 35 shows, including such favorites as HOT FEET, I WON'T TAKE A BATH, DANDELION, and WHEN MY COUSIN SLEPT OVER. Throughout her fifty years as Artistic Director, Judith wrote, designed and choreographed for The Paper Bag Players, working with many theater artists: Irving Burton, Betty Osgood, Doug Norwich, Jeanne Michels, James Lally, Jan Maxwell and Brenda Cummings; scenic artists Molly O'Gorman, Allison Campbell, Diane Brawarsky; and playwright Jennifer Wells.
The first theater for children to perform at Lincoln Center and to receive a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, The Bags have been recognized with an OBIE, awards for excellence from the American Association for Theater and Education, American Theater Wing Awards, the New York State Artists Award, The Broadway Theater Institute Award for Theater and Education, and the Children's Theater Foundation Medallion. Nick Jr. Magazine honored Judith Martin with a Playful People Award. The Paper Bag Players touring has taken them to 37 states and to Canada, England, Scotland, Wales, Israel, Iran, Egypt, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and Mexico.
In June 2009, Ted Brackett became the Artistic Director of The Paper Bag Players, having worked closely with Judith Martin for 23 years as a performer and then as Associate Artistic Director. In that year, a new Creative Team form, including Ted and members of the company (Laura Canty-Samuel, Amy Walsh, and Kevin Richard Woodall) along with resident composer, John Stone. The team created new material for the 2009-10 season (THE GREAT MUMMY ADVENTURE), including pieces such as "Happy Day," "Ants in My Pants," and "Prints," an easel piece culminating in a rainbow made of handprints.