MEET OUR FOUNDERS
Lolita and Phillip Cusic founded I’m Your Puppet Productions to fill an entertainment void. Lolita wanted their children to have heroes and heroines who looked like them. They decided to fill that void by writing and performing puppet shows for and about Black children.
A former newspaper journalist turned freelance wrier, Lolita is a proud Howard University graduate who discovered her true calling, puppet theater. Phillip, a seminary trained minister and Morehouse graduate, is the group’s technical adviser, voice talent and front man.
Our Ensemble
Wasi Young
Wasi Young is a storyteller, spoken word artist and musician from Chicago. He is a founding member of IYP.
Sydney Cusic
Sydney Cusic is an actor, director and writer from Chicago. She is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Phillip A.C Cusic
Phillip is an actor, rapper and producer born and raised in Chicago, IL.
Paul Rayon
In Memoriam
Paul Rayon was a founding member of IYP. His big booming voice, incredible talent and joyous spirit made every performance fun. We miss you Paul.
If the puppets had a fairy godmother, it would be Paul’s wife, Kimberly Watts-Rayon. Kim believed in us, got us our first job and is always ready to lend a helping hand.