The School of Drama is saddened by the passing of former professor and alum Aurora Valentinetti. As a student, Aurora filled in as a puppeteer for a fellow student who left to serve in World War II. The audience reaction in the Showboat Theatre that night launched her career as a puppeteer. Aurora would go on to teach at UW, perform regular holiday and television performances in Seattle, and organized a traveling troupe to reach thousands of children around the state.
Her legacy as an educator was acknowledged when she was the recipient of the 2018 Distinguished Teaching Legacy Award which recognizes UW teachers who inspired and influenced their students both in and out of the classroom. Her puppeteering legacy continues with the Valentinetti Puppet Museum in Bremerton, WA.
We celebrate Aurora’s long life and career, and our hearts go out to Aurora’s family, friends, and all who love her.