DRIVEWAY FOLLIES VALUES

"We want people to understand the legends and social history behind our seasonal icons and customs as an alternative to movies, television and commercial attractions. Because every year's show is different and new material is always being developed we regularly reach out to the artist community, offering paid positions as well as volunteer and mentoring opportunities." - Larry Schmidt

We want the Driveway Follies audience to experience the legends and social history behind Halloween icons and customs in an alternative venue to movies, television and commercial attractions. To develop new material for each year’s show, we regularly reach out to the artist community, offering paid positions, as well as volunteer and youth mentoring opportunities.

Provide free access to a venue celebrating and illustrating the historic and cultural aspects of Halloween
Provide artistic stewardship for seasoned and aspiring marionette puppeteers
Ensure ethical and responsible use of our resources

ARTISTIC LEADERS AND STAFF

In honor of Larry Schmidt, Founder and Creative Inspiration

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.