What if Puppets presents 'How to Snag a Sea Monster'
10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday (school shows) and 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday (public shows), October 7, 2026 - October 10, 2026 | Polsky Theatre
School shows
Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
School show tickets start at $5.
Public shows
Friday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m.
Public show youth tickets start at $10.
Season ticket packages on sale now. Individual tickets on sale June 15.
Individual Tickets Season Tickets (save 15-20% per show)
Recommended for grades pre-K–2.
When a seaweed-covered creature washes ashore in the Cape Cod village of Barnacle Bay, the inhabitants fear the worst. Is it a sea monster in their midst? No, it's a baby as big as a house! The villagers adopt the giant baby, whom they name Stormalong or Stormy, for short. Growing over 24 feet tall, Stormy struggles to fit in and chooses a life aboard a merchant ship to find his place in the world. Meanwhile, a REAL sea monster torments the villagers and only Stormy is big enough to save them all!
What if Puppets was founded by internationally recognized puppeteer Paul Mesner as Mesner Puppet Theatre in 1987 to provide innovative storytelling that captures children’s imagination and inspires communities. In 2022, the organization rebranded to become What if Puppets, with the mission of inspiring play and cultivating connections through puppetry.
Since its inception, the organization has captivated over 2 million people through their production and educational programming. Audiences delight in the craftsmanship of the puppets, which range from glove puppets to marionettes to innovative shadow and object-based puppetry. The company holds the distinction of receiving five Union Internationale de la Marionette (UNIMA-USA) Citations of Excellence. The UNIMA-USA award was created by Jim Henson to promote high-quality puppetry in the United States and is considered the “Academy Award” of puppetry.
WiP uses humor and heart to present stories that connect to the complex social-emotional experiences of their young audience. Each year, WiP engages more than 30,000 young people and adults in the programs below:
- Puppets on Tour (local and national tour)
- Puppets in Education (pre-K-2nd grade arts-integrated learning)
- Puppets in Progress (artist cultivation)
- Premiere Production (annual original production)
- Professional Services (commission work)
WiP is led by a talented staff of artists, educators, and administrators:
Executive Artistic Director Amanda Kibler, Director of Puppetry Arts Mike Horner, Director of Production Erin Walley, Puppet Fabricator and Puppeteer Matt Hawkins, Puppet Apprentice Cooper Rasmussen, Operations Manager Jennifer Fenton, Director of Education Alex Espy, Education Manager Karese Kaw-uh, Arts Integration Specialist Mary Poggie.
Classroom workshops available at your school or learning center!
45-minute workshop
Grades Pre-K-2
Limited workshops are available at no additional charge to school groups (12-30 students at a time) that attend October 7-8 performances of How to Snag a Sea Monster. Schools will be contacted after ticket reservations and confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Missouri Standards (Elementary):
- MLS: PS 1.A
- MLS: PS 2.C
- MLS: PS 3.A
Kansas Standards (Elementary):
- SECD PD: 1A (Self Awareness)
- SECD PD: 2A (Self Management)
- SECD SD: 1A (Social Awareness)
Let’s Get Ready to Snag a Sea Monster!
Pre-Show Workshop for How to Snag a Sea Monster
Before your field trip to see How to Snag a Sea Monster, have What if Puppets come to your classroom or group. During this 45-minute workshop, students will learn about theater etiquette, explore some of the show's themes, and have opportunities to use their imaginations. Designed to get kids out of their seats, moving their bodies, and expressing themselves, it’s the perfect way to prepare your students for their upcoming field trip to the Midwest Trust Center at JCCC!
How to Snag Your Very Own Sea Monster!
Post-Show Workshop for How to Snag a Sea Monster
After you see How to Snag a Sea Monster, have What if Puppets come to your classroom or group to extend the learning and fun. During this 45-minute workshop, students will dive deeper into concepts from the show: moving their bodies, using their imagination, and expressing themselves with peers. It’s a great way to continue exploring the show in a smaller and more interactive setting!