AN ORIGINAL PUPPET THEATRE EXPERIENCE
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supported by
When the stars vanish from the sky,
young Kiya encounters a legendary creature...
who may hold the key to restoring them.
The journey becomes a gentle metaphor
for resilience, empathy, and emotional growth.
The Hurt Monster is a puppet theatre experience
about big feelings – how we carry them, make
sense of them, and begin to care for others.
In a time when many are navigating anxiety,
loneliness, and disconnection, this story creates space
for those feelings to be seen, named, and shared.
The show invites us to explore:
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curiosity instead of fear
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naming feelings rather than hiding them
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understanding that no one is ever truly alone
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companionship in place of isolation
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the quiet power of helping someone else
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transformation, rather than suppression
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September 12-13, 2026
Redhouse Arts Center
Saturday: 12pm & 5pm and Sunday: 2pm
Storytelling Meets Science
30%
Students remember academic material 20–30% longer when it is taught through arts-integrated learning methods.
4x
Students highly involved in arts education are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.
25%
Improvement in complex problem-solving assessments when integrating creative design with engineering.
90%
Project-based STEAM learning can raise student engagement to nearly 90%, far higher than traditional lecture-based instruction.
A uniquely powerful platform for STEAM engagement
Puppet theatre transforms storytelling into a hands-on laboratory where physics, engineering, mathematics, and performance converge.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by CNY Arts.
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Supported by the Jim Henson Foundation
We’re proud to be working with the Jim Henson Foundation, a leader in promoting the art of contemporary puppet theater. Through their prestigious Family Grant, our project is receiving support to develop original, high-quality puppetry for family audiences. This partnership underscores the artistic excellence of our work and helps bring our unique story to life on stage.
Engineering Innovation with Think Variant
Think Variant is helping transform our project into a cutting-edge blend of artistry, technology, and human connection. This advanced manufacturing and engineering company is developing innovative puppeteering interfaces and digitally driven mechanisms to bring technical precision to our artistic vision.
Their support embodies a shared mission: using innovation to inspire social-emotional awareness, authentic learning, and meaningful storytelling.
Meet The Team
The Hurt Monster is written by Layne Kunce and produced by The Dusty & Dott Company, known for their Emmy-nominated PBS literacy series Reading Buddies, and their community-rooted storytelling work across Central New York.
PUPPET BUILDER, PUPPET DIRECTOR
Brendan Malafronte
Malafronte is the creative force behind The Dusty & Dott Company. Malafronte toured internationally with John Tartaglia’s Imaginocean. He has puppeteered for Disney Cruise Line, Nickelodeon, & PBS. As a designer and builder, Brendan received his initial training at The Puppet Kitchen.
He co-founded The Dusty & Dott Company, creating PBS’s Reading Buddies, which received 3 New York State Emmy nominations and has worked as a builder for The Jim Henson Company. @malafrontesmonstershop.
DIRECTOR & PRODUCER
Andrea Dotto
Dotto is the President & strategic mind behind The Dusty & Dott Company. She is the Company’s editor, producer & showrunner. Dotto has performed on Broadway, where she was nominated for a Chita Rivera Award for Outstanding Ensemble Dancer in a Broadway Show. Her television and film performances include Good Morning America, the 71st Annual Tony Awards, and the Fathom Event’s film of Bandstand.
When she is not on stage, she is teaching the next generation of performers how to find and own their authentic voice.
WRITER
Layne Kunce
Layne has performed around the nation as a professional dancer for a decade, appearing in corporate events, theme parks, concerts, and regional theaters. He now works in Physical Therapy, helping older adults in independent living communities stay active and maintain their quality of life.
Through both dance and physiotherapy, Layne has developed a deep appreciation for the stories people tell through their bodies and their lives. His work highlights the powerful connection between physical and emotional health, and how pain can shape a person’s outlook and relationships. These experiences closely parallel the themes of transformation, resilience, and connection explored in the show– reminding us that while pain is part of being human, healing becomes possible when we accept help and support one another.
World Premiere
September 12-13, 2026
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK
Redhouse Arts Center
Syracuse, New York
The Hurt Monster makes contact at Redhouse Arts Center this Fall!
The project will uplift children, families, and our entire CNY community with an original slate of exciting, interactive activities and outreach:
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Four Unique Events
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Imagination Stations with hands-on programming
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Three chances to catch the world premiere of The Hurt Monster
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A Behind-the-scenes talkback with puppeteers & engineering firm
Reserve your seat by clicking here
"'BEHIND THE SEAMS"'
September 13th, 2026
(after the show!)
SHOWTIMES
Join us after the show for a facilitated talkback! We'll dig into the art of puppetry and the process of bringing the premiere to life. Directly following the talkback, we'll host a post-show celebration in the lobby!
September 12 | 12pm + 5pm
September 13 | 2pm
Special Thanks to Redhouse Education Director Marguerite Mitchell for her steadfast championship of inclusive theater programming. Her partnership with The Dusty & Dott Company has been invaluable.
Join Our Family
The Hurt Monster is made possible by individuals, families, and organizations who believe in the power of storytelling, puppetry, and social-emotional learning.
Explore the support tiers below to see how you can become part of the community behind the show.
Tiers of Support
COMMUNITY CIRCLE
$25 - $500
Join the circle and help bring this story of empathy and healing to life.
Your Contribution Helps Us
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Build puppets by hand
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Pay artists fairly
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Create space for children to explore big feelings
Supporters Receive
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Digital thank-you from the artists
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Early project updates & behind-the-scenes glimpses
CREATIVE CHAMPION
$1000 - $4000
Invest in the artists and materials that form the heart of the production.
Recognition
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Logo on posters
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Production programs
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Lobby signage
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Production website
Benefits
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Full-page program acknowledgment
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Ten tickets to any performance
FRIEND OF THE MONSTER
$500 - $1000
Support the early growth of your new friend and help shape its first steps.
Recognition
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Name listed on project website
Benefits
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Two tickets to any performance
LEGEND BUILDER
$4000 - $10,000
A transformational gift that helps carry the show into the community and beyond its premiere.
Recognition
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Logo on posters, programs, signage, website
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Recognition in all audience emails
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Media releases
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Social media posts
Benefits
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Cover or center-spread program recognition
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Twenty tickets
Donate Now
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Partner With Us
We’re currently seeking presenting partners,
co-producers, and early supporters to help launch the premiere and expand the show's future life.
Ways to get involved
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Co-producing partner for the premiere production
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Presenting partner for school or venue performances
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Development support for the final creation phase
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Future touring partner for upcoming productions
