For a live storytelling show at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City, I served as the Animation Director on a project built around a story told by comedian Dave Hill. To bring his tale to life, we designed and built a cast of cardboard marionettes along with a series of practical sets and effects, giving the piece a distinct handmade charm. I oversaw the animation process, tracking faces of the characters onto the puppets in After Effects, shaping the visual style, and ensuring that the practical and digital elements blended seamlessly. By combining lo-fi puppetry, tactile set design, and digital polish, the project struck a balance between DIY theater and cinematic storytelling. The result was a one-of-a-kind piece that matched the surreal, offbeat humor of Hill’s performance while showcasing how handcrafted artistry can shine when paired with thoughtful animation direction.