Kayla Teodoro, a Filipino puppet designer, creator, and director, spins enchanting tales through her gifts of storytelling and the art of puppetry.
Her journey in the world of puppetry has taken her to the United Kingdom, where she earned her master’s degree in puppetry, honing her craft to perfection.
Yet, even though she has established a reputation as a top-tier international talent, Kayla’s heart is rooted in her mission to nurture and elevate puppetry in the Philippines.
She went next level and founded the Puppet Theater Manila, a testament to her commitment to sharing the rich tapestry of Filipino folklore and origin stories through puppetry.
“Our culture is rich in folklore and origin stories dating back to pre-Spanish times. Puppetry offers a new way to share these tales—showing children what an ‘aswang’ or ‘Butanding’ looks like. With our wealth of indigenous materials and craftsmen, everyone can participate in puppetry storytelling,” she said.
Kayla’s passion extends beyond the stage, dedicating her time to teaching puppetry to people of all ages and even directing puppetry for the new Repertory Philippines musical.
“Our primary goal is to showcase the potential of puppetry to Filipino audiences. We also hope to inspire artists, theater professionals, and filmmakers to embrace this art form,” she shared.
