This October, families are invited to step inside a storybook adventure with The Wylding Woods, an immersive outdoor theatre experience from Woander. More than a show, The Wylding Woods blends puppetry, kid’s creativity and play as children and their families become the heroes of a magical quest through the redwoods.
Given a mission by the storybook fairy Lexivandrielle, adventurers set out to awaken the ancient spirit Greenheart, finding clues, casting spells, and helping magical fairy tale creatures.
“Our live experience invites children to become an integral part of the story where their actions drive the adventure forward,” says Director and Writer Matthew Purdon. “In today’s screen-saturated world, this is a rare opportunity for kids to not just consume but co-create a fairy tale together surrounded by natural beauty.”
Purdon, a trained actor, artist and technology designer, was the co-founder of Odyssey Works, an early pioneer in transformative immersive experiences. He first dreamed up The Wylding Woods. on walks through the redwoods with his children and then further developed it through workshops and playtests with Bay Area families, culminating in a sold-out preview last June.
The Puppeteer Ensemble includes many members of the San Francisco Bay Area Puppeteers Guild: Lee Armstrong (Fraggle Rock, Being John Malkovich), Beth Choy, Gabrielle Greenfield, Uel McGinnis, and Lisa Zagone. Additional performers include Bay Area actors Elio Amador (Center Rep, Theatre Rhinocerous), Eriette Atanante (Play Theatre, Rabbit Hole Theatre), Caitlin Gjerdrum (Palo Alto Players, Bread & Puppet Theatre), and Eliza Kaye (ACT MF A). The show is stage managed by Kinzey Eastin (SF Shakespeare, SF Mime Troupe).
Puppet Design & Creative Team
- Characters illustrated by SF-based illustrator Chuck Whelon
- Puppets created by acclaimed designers Hobey Ford (Kennedy Center), Eric Wright of
- Puppet Kitchen (IF , San Diego Zoo, NY Mets), and the UK’s Charlie Orchard●
- Immersive store environment designed by Jacqueline Scott (Naga & The Captainess)
- Magic mirror by Josh Corn of Double Take Design (NYMOMA, Camp)
- Original Dryad costume created by Aureolus Stetzel
Performance Details
- Starts at Woander, 73 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, then a short walk to the redwoods
- Saturdays & Sundays: Oct 11 & 12, Oct 18 & 19 Oct 25, 26
- Showtimes: 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm
- Tickets: $75, available at wyldingwoods.com
- (Note: due to the outdoor nature of the event, this experience is not ADA accessible.)
About Woander
Woander is Mill Valley’s family play store, offering toys, games, adventures, and more. A project of Woander World LLC, Woander creates immersive, family-friendly entertainment. The Wylding Woods is Woander’s flagship fantasy story world.
Media Contact
Matthew Purdon — Director / Writer
matthew@woanderworld.com | 415-407-5954
Media Kit
For full ensemble and creative team credits, photos, and additional media resources, please visit: wyldingwoods.com
Starts at Woander, 73 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, then a short walk to the redwoods.
Saturdays & Sundays: Oct 11 & 12, Oct 18 & 19 Oct 25, 26
Showtimes: 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm
Tickets: $75, available at wyldingwoods.com
(Note: due to the outdoor nature of the event, this experience is not ADA accessible.)
About Woander
Woander is Mill Valley’s family play store, offering toys, games, adventures, and more. A project of Woander World LLC, Woander creates immersive, family-friendly entertainment. The Wylding Woods is Woander’s flagship fantasy story world.
Media Contact
Matthew Purdon — Director / Writer
matthew@woanderworld.com | 415-407-5954
Media Kit
For full ensemble and creative team credits, photos, and additional media resources, please visit: wyldingwoods.com
