David Ballard
puppet master /professional fool /theatreman
David Ballard is a master puppeteer and professional fool.
As the “Fool of Moxie” David performs a family variety show which includes comedy, classic clowning, original and historical puppetry, giant parade puppets, magic, music, oriental juggling, boomerangs, a flying box (levitation), comic impressions and audience participation.
“… Masterpiece Theatre… In the course of the play, there are squeals of delight, heartfelt boos and hisses, shouts of encouragement and screamed warnings; the children in the audience also participate.”
Richard Harrington, Washington Post
“… a singing puppeteer in a floppy hat and inky cloak was surrounded by a cheering audience. He transformed a red bandanna into a dancing puppet and made a paper butterfly appear magically from nowhere.”
Jill Savitt, Miami Herald
“It’s not only entertaining but cultural and historical… Programs like this show children some of the values of the world back then.”
Mark Zaloudek, Sarasota Herald Tribune
“The versatility, imaginativeness, and ingenious quality of his work delighted us all.”
Shirly Cherkasky, Smithsonian Institution
“David Ballard is a master puppeteer… a richly gifted performing artist…”
Dennis O’Toole, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
“Thoughtful and maybe even profound”
Literature Program,
National Endowment for the Arts
click on picture to see video
The Dragon's Lair
Meet Spritz, the water dragon , a ten foot tall water spouting dragon puppet complete with his own water filled lagoon stage and working waterfall!
A funny and educational show with dragon legends, dragon lore, dragon tales and more. Spritz is the perfect spokesanimal for the environment!
click on picture to see video
Some of David’s many credits include programs, workshops and/or performances for:
Smithsonian Institution: National Museum of American History and National Museum of American Art
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation: Puppet Master/ living history programs
Walt Disney Productions
Jamestown National Historical Park
Yorktown National Historical Park: living history programs
International Children’s Festival at Wolf-Trap Farm Park
Florida State Fair: Family Theatre
Virginia Commission for the Arts: Grants advisor/ recipient/Artist in the Schools
Virginia Museum: Artist in Residence/school tours; shows/workshops
Arlington Humanities Program: Artist in Residence/school tours; shows/workshops
Virginia Commonwealth University: Faculty/Artistic Director, Cracker-Box Theatre
Renaissance/Medieval Festivals: Tours
Education: College of William and Mary: B.A. Theatre
David also designs and builds puppets as well as performs living history characters. Click on the links below.
Living History Characters
Hand Crafted Wooden Marionettes & Body Puppets
David Ballard / 12610 West SR 235 / Alachua, FL 32615
Tel: 386-462-5797 Cell: 904-233-7093
E-mail: MoxieProductions@aol.com