Meet Amanda Kibler

As of December 1, 2023, we are thrilled to welcome director, educator and performer Amanda Kibler as our organization's new executive director.

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Kibler was previously the education director at The Coterie Theatre, where she oversaw more than 45 teaching artists and theatre professionals and dramatically grew the Theatre School. Her artistic passion for bringing theatre to life for and with youth of all ages aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire play and cultivate connections through puppetry. 

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"I am beyond excited to join the What if Puppets team that has been creating beautiful, imaginative and stunning puppets that capture children's imagination for more than 35 years,” said Kibler. “It has always been my mission to introduce young people to the arts, and joining What if Puppets to create impactful educational programming that connects young people to social-emotional learning is an opportunity I am so grateful for.” 

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Kibler has an extensive background performing, directing and teaching at the Omaha Theater Company in Omaha, Nebraska, the Orlando Family Stage in Orlando, Florida, Visible Fictions in Glasgow, Scotland and most recently the Coterie Theatre in Kansas City. While at The Coterie Theatre, Kibler founded Project Pride, created Classroom Immersions and early childhood classes, expanded Theatre School classes, implemented scholarship programs, and taught hundreds of students. She also directed three mainstage shows, Dear America: Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie, PUFFS, and Electric Poe 2023, co-created Project Daylight, and produced all The Coterie’s youth performances including Young Playwrights Festival, Project Pride, and countless summer camp productions. 

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We are so lucky to have her leadership, expertise and guidance as we enter a new era of imagination and innovation.