Creating Light and Joy: A Lantern Parade Journey

Saturday Feb. 1st, 2025

After the joyful response to our first lantern parade in February 2024, Random Acts of Silliness (RAS) decided we DEFINITELY wanted to make this an annual event, and we wanted to learn everything we could to make it as joyful, creative, and awe-inspiring as possible!

No one does giant-lantern puppets quite like Andrew Kim of the United Kingdom-based Thingumajig Theatre. So we asked if he’d come to Bozeman and teach our artists the fine art of hand-built giant puppet lanterns… and, much to our amazement, he said yes!


Last month, Andrew visited Bozeman to lead local artists in a 10-day intensive workshop, building two giant puppet lanterns inspired by imaginary creature ideas from local kids.

At Random Acts of Silliness, we’re passionate about public, accessible, awe-inspiring art, something Andrew excels at, so I was excited to ask him some questions about the magical path he travels, and what he’s learned.

Danielle THOMSEN: How did you first get into giant puppets?

Andrew KIM: I started as an actor and my first professional job just happened to be with a puppet company which needed to recast a role quickly for a tour. As it turns out, they (In the Heart of the Beast Theatre in Minneapolis) liked me and kept asking me back. Eventually, I realized the potential and power of this ancient art form, so I ended up working with them for about 10 years. This is where I learned the foundations of everything I do.

DT: What’s your favorite puppet you’ve ever made?

Andrew: One of my favorite puppets is a giant Musk Ox which had huge drums built into it: one person was riding the puppet playing the drums while a drum band marched in front of it, dressed in rags and [wearing]horns. It evoked a real visceral, earthy ceremony from a long-forgotten but strangely familiar memory.

DT: What makes lantern parades special?

AK: Lantern parades are a joyous and magical way for artists and communities to come together and transform a public space and claim the beauty of the darkest part of the year. The dark is a blank slate and lanterns are charmed paintbrushes in the night. It’s an opportunity to bring a community together, outside, in a safe, non-transactional way and celebrate handmade creativity.DT: What is your dream giant puppet build?

AK: Anything where I have all the time and budget I need to make it as detailed as I would like, and to build it with my wife and creative partner, Kathy.

DT: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

AK: I am fascinated by traditional masquerades and carnivals. If I had the time and the money, I would form a folk tradition to carnival throughout the year, around the world.

DT: You’ve produced so much awe-inspiring art. What kind of art makes you say “Wow” these days?

AK: I love a beautiful sculpture which evokes a vulnerability. I love when I can see all the years of building one’s craft in the details of a piece. I love traditional rituals which seem vital and sometimes a bit dangerous.


DT: What do puppets and parades mean to you?

AK: Puppets and parades are old magical forms which create exceptional moments that push people out of their everyday lives and into something ridiculous and sacred.

DT: What’s the greatest challenge of creating art in public spaces? Greatest reward?

AK: It takes a lot of skill, energy, good will and creativity to successfully create impactful art in public spaces. By necessity, it disrupts the normal flow of society, so there are many forces which do not want you to succeed. The greatest reward is that you claim a space, a moment for that exceptional experience. And when you do it again, you create a new local holiday.

DT: What are your impressions of the Gallatin Valley?

AK: Being surrounded by mountains is a constant reminder of the presence of the natural world and forces larger than yourself.


We hope you’ll join us at the Gallatin Regional Park on February 22nd (6:15pm) to see the two giants that Andrew helped us build in action!

Random Acts of Silliness is an arts organization inspiring laughter and play in the Gallatin Valley. We build community by sparking whimsy and creativity in the young–and young at heart–through original and engaging art installations, theater productions and random acts of silliness. 

Visit Random Acts of Silliness at www.randomactsofsilliness.com for details on the lantern parade and how you can enjoy the show!   

Andrew Kim is one of the founders of Thingumajig Theatre. He has created and performed puppet and mask plays, parades, and events for over 30 years.

Danielle Thomsen is the Executive Enchantment Director of Random Acts of Silliness.