Steve Petra trained at the National Theatre of Puppet Arts and at Jim Henson Productions in Manhattan. He is a full-time professional ventriloquist and puppeteer performing his own scripts, songs and music. Previously, he worked as a professional musician. He now specializes in curriculum-based assembly programs for elementary schools.

Our elementary school shows combine educational content with puppetry, illusions, props, sound effects, music, audience participation and general hilarity to keep students engaged. This is live theatre on their level. Many students have never seen a ventriloquist show and are fascinated. Our goal is to leave them with an interest in these theatre arts as well as in the subject matter presented.

Steve also performs for family audiences at libraries and other venues. These shows are like being at a Comedy Club for families. With zany illusions, props, music, audience participation and a cast of outrageous puppet characters.

When he isn't out doing live shows, Steve works on audio and video projects, and as a video editor. His instructional videos have sold to performers all over the world. He is in demand as a lecturer at conferences for professional performers and has taught workshops on show building, puppet manipulation, character voices, ventriloquism and the power of the pre-show. Steve is also available to performers for one-on-one consulting, coaching and instruction Live From the Petra Cave via phone, Skype or Zoom. His new book for professional performers, Everything We Know About Entertaining Kids by Barry Mitchell & Steve Petra is out now.

PetraPuppets is Steve and his wife Jeanie. Steve performs the shows. Jeanie does the website, database, booking, scheduling, contracts, fliers, teacher's guides, and collaborates on the shows. She'll be happy to take your calls.

Steve has lectured and performed at The Vent Haven ConVENTion, The KIDabra Conference, Kapital Kidvention, KAX, Trix in the Stix, Puppeteers of America festivals and at Puppet Guild events. He's a member of The International Ventriloquist Society and The Puppeteers of America.