Barefoot Puppets

Barefoot Bios

Meet the people behind the puppets!

Great puppet shows only happen with the dedicated work of talented, dedicatd, and, well, let's face it, somewhat strange people. Everyone in the company wears many hats. Puppeteers perform, travel, build things, break things, fix things, do funny voices, memorize lines, improvise, and so much more. Most importantly, though, we show up on time with all of our equipment, ready to perform!

		Heidi Rugg: Founder, Director, Writer, Puppeteer, Puppet Builder, Set Designer... A Jill-of-all-trades, Heidi finds that puppeteering allows her to integrate her love of stories with her love of art...(more)
		Sam Rugg: Technical Director, Driver, Set Builder, Puppeteer, Book-keeper, Roadie... Sam has been full-time with the company since 2001. He describes his job as, "I drive the truck and carry things"... (more)
		Melanie Johnson: Puppeteer, Puppet Builder, Groupie, Tour Photographer... Melanie has been with the company since 2005 when she had the good luck and brilliant fortune to team up with...(more)
		Tandy Knight:Touring Coordinator Tandy was just brought on board as the new touring coordinator. Originally from the DC area...(more)
		Eric Weinberg: Musician, Composer... Eric's talents have been instrumental (we mean that literally, of course) in composing and recording the music for our shows. Eric performs regularly in the DC area and has toured. He has his own state-of-the-art recording studio for his label, Little Erich Studio, is his home in Virginia..