DRIVEWAY FOLLIES
Larry Schmidt's
DRIVEWAY FOLLIES
OUR FOUNDER & OUR MISSION
Founder and director Larry Schmidt was the creative force behind Driveway Follies since inception. Having been introduced to puppetry by his grandmother, Larry has turned a lifelong hobby into a celebration of marionette art. Larry received a Bachelor of Fine Arts at California College of Arts and Crafts and has created costumes for the Oakland Ballet and taught puppetry. Larry has demonstrated his commitment to the preservation of marionette art by underwriting Driveway Follies for 10 years. To further that commitment, he began reaching out to the community for support in 2017. Through Driveway Follies, we celebrate Larry's contributions to marionette art, and continue to provide a rare venue for seasoned puppeteers to practice their art and an opportunity to incubate the next generation of puppeteers.
SAVING A LOST ART
The mission of Driveway Follies is the creation and preservation of the art of marionette puppetry. Our mission is achieved through annual Halloween performances. Seasoned puppeteers enjoy the opportunity to practice their art, and aspiring puppeteers are provided an opportunity to learn marionette stagecraft.
MISSION IN ACTION
Driveway Follies is located in one of Oakland's most accessible districts; the Glenview location is just east of central Oakland and is a short walk from public transit. The diverse, multi-generational audience enjoys a free, wholesome, uplifting and educational experience every Fall. The characters in our show form a multi-cultural cast, all acts are authentically set in specific world regions and times periods, and showcase cultural diversity.
