Aretta Baumgartner (she/her), an Atlanta-based performer/teaching artist specializing in puppetry, mask and movement, has been a professional puppeteer since 1992. She’s presented thousands of workshops, master classes, keynote addresses and performances all over the country! Aretta is an Attending Professional on the Dragon Con Puppetry Track, served as President of the Board of Directors for Puppeteers of America (2019-2022) and creates original puppet works with ONE DOUBLE-O FOUR EIGHT (her puppetry company with partner Thom Stanley). She is a proud member of the Teaching Artist Alliance, UNIMA-USA, Educational Theatre Association, Theatre for Young Audiences / USA, International Thespian Society (Troupe 7451, Johns Creek High School Georgia) and the Atlanta Puppetry Guild.  Aretta sits on the Board of Trustees for ART Station, the Board of Directors for Piccadilly Puppets, works as an affiliate artist for Puppet Guy Productions and filled the role of Education and Advocacy Director for the Center for Puppetry Arts for 13 years. She performs regularly as a puppeteer, actor and backing vocalist. She's a dedicated arts educator, arts advocate and arts administrator with 25 years+ experience in the field. Aretta is dedicated to using puppetry and theatre as tools to unlock potential, passion and story in every human she meets.