THE ARTISTIC TEAM

 NEDA

Neda Izadi was born in Tehran in 1987. Her artistic odyssey was ignited at the age of 9 when she began her exploration of drawing and painting under the tutelage of a seasoned artist. This early passion propelled her towards a graphic design diploma, where she skillfully wove visual narratives that seamlessly melded tradition with modernity.

A fortuitous encounter with puppetry luminary Dr. Sedigh, kindled Neda’s intrigue for this captivating form of storytelling. Fusing her expertise in painting, sculpting, and dramatic arts, she discovered her true artistic calling – puppetry. This harmonious amalgamation of skills led Neda to attain a bachelor’s degree in fine arts of Puppetry from Sooreh University in 2010. Over six transformative years, Neda’s puppetry prowess graced the stages of Tehran, enriching audiences with her evocative performances.

Seeking fresh horizons, she embarked on a journey to the United States, where she pursued a Master’s in Fine Arts in Drama with a specialized focus on puppetry at the University of Connecticut. There, she delved into contemporary puppetry techniques, refining her mastery of fabrication, performance, and direction. Neda’s remarkable contributions extend to over 30 national and international puppetry productions, including acclaimed works like “The Tiger of Zhao”, “Song of the North”, “After Dawn”, “Mina”, “ If We Were Birds”, “Yikes and Yippe”, “Beautifully, Hiva” and “Lullabies and Lies”. Her creations are an exquisite fusion of visual art and theatrical expression, transcending conventional boundaries to craft immersive experiences that deeply resonate.

Neda’s commitment to advancing the discourse of puppetry extends to academia and beyond. In 2022, she served as a keynote speaker at the University of Connecticut, where she eloquently addressed puppet arts and human rights.

Her dynamic influence was further exemplified through a talk about puppetry and Iranian puppeteers at Little Shadow Productions. Neda’s scholarly pursuits are underscored by her insightful publication “Kheimeh Shabbazi” in UNIMA Magazine (Issue 45, Summer 2019), and her exploration of “Aesthetics: Makeup in Puppet Theater”, at the University of Sooreh, Tehran, Iran in 2010.

With a steadfast commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, Neda Izadi continues to weave enchanting stories that capture the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide. Her journey exemplifies the boundless power of visionary storytelling, forever enriching the tapestry of artistic expression.

Jean Marie

Little Shadow Productions has been producing theater in New York City since 2014. Highlights include Deb Hetzberg and Jean Marie Keevins' "Zwerge", James Godwin's "Lunatic Cunning" and "The Flatiron Hex", and Martin Robinson's "All Hallows Eve", all grateful recipients of Jim Henson Foundation support as well as other grant and crowdfunding support. The company holds a deep commitment to creating content for the stage that tackles issues that matter through unique and accessible puppet-centric storytelling.

 In 2020, Little Shadow deepened their commitment to the field of puppetry by launching Little Shadow Academy and our  Lil' Talks Puppet Artists In 

Conversation series.  The Academy teaches everything from puppet performance and puppet building to the business of puppetry. 

Both programs endeavor to democratize access to puppetry through Scholarships and Pay What You Can options whenever we can offer them. In 2023, Little Shadow joined the producing team of the play "Aanika's Elephants" by Annie Evans which will grow the reach of the company with a formal tour.

Jean Marie Keevins is a NYC-based, multi-hyphenate creative and business expert. Known in the arts as an Emmy-nominated supervisor, award-winning producer, writer, puppet artist and designer.

Currently known for hosting its “Lil’ Talks on Puppetry” series and its robust academy, Keevins’ company, Little Shadow Productions, was originally started to support her own original work. She’s co-authored the play “Zwerge” Deborah Hertzberg among others. Producing credits include James Godwin’s multi-award-winning and New York Times lauded, Lunatic Cunning and The Flatiron Hex, co-produced Martin P. Robinson’s sold out off Broadway run of “All Hallows Eve”.

Jean Marie spent many years as VP at Puppet Heap working with clients such as The Muppets, Bookaboo, national ad campaigns and more. Since that time her company, Little Shadow, has provided the puppets and talent for “Wyatt Cenac’s Brooklyn” on Netflix with more currently in the works. Most recently, Jean Marie served as the puppet supervisor on Apple TV+ & Sesame Street’s “Helpsters”.

ARASH

Arash Azizi is a distinguished Iranian actor, director, and composer with a rich and diverse career in theater and film. His artistic journey began in 2006, and over the years, he has established himself as a versatile and influential figure in the performing arts.

Arash's acting career is marked by over 30 stage performances, including standout roles in productions such as "Tamashakhane" (2006), "Ghalatshun" (2007), "The Chef's Recommendation" (2008-2009), "Romeo and Juliet" (2015),

 and "Mrs. Tapancheh" (2018). His ability to bring characters to life with depth and authenticity has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following.

In addition to his acting prowess, Arash is a talented director. Since 2006, he has directed more than 10 plays, showcasing his keen eye for storytelling and innovative staging. Notable directorial works include "Gasogen Mohlek" (2006), "Wealth from a Mustache" (2008), "Romeo and Juliet" (2015), "Barani" (2016), and "The Wall" (2019).

Arash's musical talents are equally impressive. A skilled composer, he has been creating music for theater and film since 2003, blending traditional and modern elements to craft memorable scores. His compositions for "My Pizza Town" (2009), "The Tree" (2010), and "A Better Life" have been particularly celebrated. His work on the film "The Sparrow" earned him a Special Award for Best Composition at a festival in Spain.

 Arash's contributions to the arts have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and honors, including Best Composition at the Fajr Theater Festival for "A Better Life", Best Music for "The Chef's Recommendation" at the Tehran Theater Festival, and Outstanding Music for "Mrs. Tapancheh" from the Iranian House of Theater.

Fluent in both Persian and English, Arash holds a Bachelor of Arts in Acting from Islamic Azad University, where he studied from 2006 to 2010. His proficiency in various musical instruments and his talents in acting, directing, and composing make him a multifaceted artist whose work continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.

Arash Azizi remains an active and influential figure in the performing arts, with a commitment to creating compelling and innovative works that resonate with audiences both in Iran and internationally.

HELENA

Helena Pennington is a new work dramaturg and literary manager. Her work gravitates towards the intersection of theater and other live performance styles, including music theater, puppet arts, and immersive or environmental theater. She is currently the literary manager of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, an institution dedicated to nurturing new work for the stage and the people who make it. There, Helena shepherds the script submission and selection process for the National Playwrights Conference and National Music Theater Conference. She is also the resident dramaturg of the O’Neill’s National Puppetry Conference. She is a former member of the artistic development staff at Manhattan Theatre Club, which produces new work on Broadway and off-Broadway. 

Helena’s literary and dramaturgical work has been seen at Playwrights Horizons, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, the Barbican, Actors Theatre of Louisville, the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference and National Music Theater Conference, HERE Arts Center, and more. As a script reader, Helena has advocated for new plays and musicals at Playwrights Horizons, Manhattan Theatre Club, Playwrights Center, Actors Theatre of Louisville, the National Network of New Plays, and myriad other institutions devoted to adventurous contemporary theater.