Today we’d like to introduce you to Yelena Protsenko.
Hi Yelena, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a professional actress, I have always wanted to find a way to bring theater to the lives of children. I am very passionate about the art of theater and have always felt that it was imperative that the next generation be exposed to the art as well. The original idea of Puppet Theater on Wheels was born from this passion and experience. This theater allows me to bring theater,imagination, magic and enrichment into the lives of children through timeless fairy tales.
Our company got started when I decided to create a puppet show for my son’s birthday. At the time all we had was a borrowed small tabletop puppet stage and our imaginations. The show left such an impression on my son and his friends that I decided we needed to have our own puppet stage.
Several months later, we designed and built our very own stage and created an even bigger production for my son’s next birthday. We invited his school friends and their parents. Everyone that attended the show started asking for business cards of the company that performed. We told them that it was us performing and they were so excited to see such unique birthday party entertainment. From that point on we decided to create a mobile puppet theater and took our act on the road.
In September of 2012, we officially opened up our company and our professional puppet theater journey began. Throughout our short history we have had the opportunity to renovate and expand our theater and add a brand new stage, custom backgrounds, handmade custom puppets, unique music and many other amazing additions. Our professionally trained multilingual staff has grown as well. We work with talented actors, singers, songwriters, puppet builders, technical support and administrative professionals. Each of them brings something special to our team and we are grateful to have them. We bring fun memories to your doorstep and participate in various fundraisers.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It is a great experience most of the time. Performing for the children and seeing their smiles is the best reward for us. We perform live and every show is a little different, depinding on a crowd. The biggest challanges for us are the things that we can’t control. Sometimes eqipment breaks down or it will start raining while we perfrom outside. No matter what happens, we try to do our best and make every production memorable and special.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an actress and have been involved in theater since I was a child. I started performing in Ukraine and continued my career when I moved to USA. I went to school for theater and film acting. Producing my own plays gives me so much crative freedom. I started putting together productions for my kids, and now they are performing with me. I love my art and take it very seriously.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I am always looking for all kinds of creative collaborations. If someone is interested in being a part of our theater, they can contact me by phone or email.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.puppettheateronwheels.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puppettheateronwheels/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puppettheateronwheels/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbaxiiFwf_qoJyUNMc9e4KA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/puppet-theater-on-wheels-los-angeles-4
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@puppettheateronwheels
