Meet THE Damen Avenue Puppeteer

Local Chicago-area Professional Puppeteer Bringing Stories to Life Through Puppetry

With more than 40 years of experience as a storyteller and puppeteer, Susan Witek has delighted children across the Midwest. As head puppeteer, she has performed for corporate clients including Abbott and Baxter, as well as numerous public libraries, schools, and festivals. Her natural effervescence pairs seamlessly with her exceptional puppetry skills, allowing her to captivate young audiences with imaginative, enchanting performances.

Susan often dresses for the season, fully immersing children in the story. At Halloween, she transforms into a witch, weaving delightfully spooky tales of ghosts and goblins. During the winter holidays, she becomes a cheerful elf, sharing stories filled with snowmen, elves, and seasonal magic.

Susan A. Witek holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, along with two master’s degrees. She studied with renowned puppeteers Hans Schmidt and Ray Nelson, the Midwestern master—both of whom taught puppetry at the Chicago Public Library.