Bits 'N Pieces Theatre brings classic stories to life while teaching values to children across Hillsborough County
A theatre located in Hillsborough County is using an ancient form of art to inspire, educate, and entertain the children of today. Through the theatrical retelling of classic stories, Bits 'N Pieces Puppet Theatre turns literary concepts into unforgettable adventures. Each story contains its own unique life lesson and reinforces core values and morals.
Behind the Bits 'N Pieces Puppet Theatre is a dedicated husband-and-wife duo that uses lifelike movements to bring inanimate objects to life. For Jerry Bickel, the Founder of Bits 'N Pieces Puppet Theatre, his love for influencing the world of tomorrow goes all the way back to his childhood.
"I saw my first puppet show in the second grade," said Bickel. "I knew then that I had the ability to be a storyteller using puppets."
Alongside Bickel is his wife, Holli Rubin, a puppet builder who uses creativity to bring puppets to life. Their relationship began with a love of the art form and transformed into a company that would tour all over the world.
"It's been puppet love ever since," said the couple. "Not only do we get to spend the rest of our lives together, but we also have more patience for the art that we get to do together."
Creating giant puppets
In its beginning, the company used traditional forms of puppetry, combining as many as ten types of puppets in a production. However, Bits 'N Pieces Puppet Theatre would soon find major success following the creation of giant puppets. The 9-foot-tall puppets would become the company's larger-than-life hallmark.
The company first participated in an international cultural exchange program in 1988, the same year it began presenting international puppetry artists to children in Florida. Since then, the company has traveled to countries throughout Europe and Asia, presenting the unique artform.
"There would be no international tours without the giant puppets," said the couple. "They were something the whole state of Florida could be proud of."
Showcasing the art of puppetry
Bits 'N Pieces offers traditional puppet shows based on classic children's literature throughout the year with a full inventory of puppetry styles including hand puppets, marionettes, rod puppets, and shadow puppets. In addition to the performance, the facility gives visitors an up-close look at the giant puppet exhibition and puppet-building studios. The company also does shows across local school districts with performances that aim to spark curiosity.
"It's all about sharing a great family experience," said the couple. "It combines all these art forms and really shows children that anything is possible."
Arts Council of Hillsborough County grant programs
Bits 'N Pieces Puppet Theatre is a recipient of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County's Cultural Development Grant. This grant program provides operating support for local nonprofits whose primary mission is to provide cultural programming. The grant not only serves diverse audiences but also reaches geographically diverse communities. The intent of the program is to encourage the development of both cultural and administrative operations of these organizations.
Learn more about Bits 'N Pieces Puppet Theatre and how the Arts Council of Hillsborough County is connecting arts, community, and culture for all.