The Center for Puppetry Arts is celebrating the joint appointment of Jason Hines and Jon Ludwig as co-artistic directors, beginning July 1.
Hines will then take the artistic director role upon Ludwig’s transition to the emeritus artistic director in October.
Beginning Oct. 2, the center’s rehearsal hall will be renamed The Jon Ludwig Rehearsal Hall, honoring his legacy. Additionally, Ludwig will assume the title of emeritus artistic director, a lifetime designation reflecting his lasting impact on the Center for Puppetry Arts.
“Jon Ludwig’s decades of dedication and expertise in puppetry have been pivotal to the success of the Center for Puppetry Arts. His passion for puppetry has captivated audiences for years. We are excited to announce that the talented Jason Hines will also be stepping into the artistic director role, where he will collaborate with Jon to temporarily share responsibilities, ensuring a seamless continuation of their combined artistic legacy,” said Beth Schiavo, Executive Director.
Since joining the Center for Puppetry Arts staff in 1978, Ludwig’s innovative, immersive and educational productions have enchanted millions of children and adults alike. Beyond his work at the Center for Puppetry Arts, Ludwig wrote, designed and puppeteered the shadow puppet portions of The Jim Henson Company’s “Bear in the Big Blue House.” His direction on Disney Channel’s “The Book of Pooh” earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Directing in a Children’s Series. In 2022, Ludwig received the Suzi Bass Award for Lifetime Achievement, recognizing his profound impact on the Atlanta theater community across four decades.
Hines, who has served as the Center’s Resident Puppet Builder since 2002, brings a wealth of experience and creativity to his new role. His finely crafted puppet designs have delighted audiences of all ages in numerous productions, including “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat,” “Charlotte’s Web,” “Pete the Cat” and “Tesla vs. Edison.”
Beyond his role at the center, Hines’s artistic contributions extend to television, film and collaborations with prestigious organizations such as The Atlanta Opera and The Alliance Theatre. His recent production, “Tesla vs. Edison,” received critical acclaim, earning multiple Suzi Bass Awards and a Citation of Excellence from UNIMA-USA.
Currently overseeing the puppet build for “Fafnir the Dragon” in collaboration with The Atlanta Opera’s 2025 production of “Siegfried,” Hines is also directing the Center’s upcoming production of “Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote,” showcasing his versatility and leadership in the field of puppetry.
